The Languge of Change: Better Messaging for Animal Advocacy

Empathetic Listening: The Quiet Skill That Gets Results

Essential Messaging for Work in Animal Care & Well-being

Stories and messages shape what people think is true. They trigger our brains to ask: What's the problem? Who is responsible? And what's the solution? They have a big influence on issues like overwhelmed shelters, access to care, animal cruelty, and pet ownership.

Humans are the lock and key to doing our best work for animals. The problem is our attitudes about people often undermine our efforts. Mainstream stories villainize, blame, and shame pet owners, community members, and other animal advocates. Too much precious energy and resources go to problematic strategies and infighting. Too often, pet families are separated, and animals go without the care they need.

Stories and messages influence what people think is true. They trigger our brains to ask: What's the problem, who is responsible, and what's the solution? They power thinking about critical issues like overwhelmed shelters, access to care, cruelty, and pet ownership.

Stories and messages influence what people think is true. They trigger our brains to ask: What's the problem, who is responsible, and what's the solution? They power thinking about critical issues like overwhelmed shelters, access to care, cruelty, and pet ownership.

Stories about pets and people are everywhere. Each time we encounter a story, our brain is triggered to ask questions—what is the problem, who is responsible, and what is the solution? In seconds, our mind makes answers. These answers influence how we think about issues - like overwhelmed shelters, access to care, cruelty, and pet ownership - and what we should do about them.

Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging: How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? Hanna shares how SPARC is reshaping narratives to improve collaboration, reduce divisiveness, and create meaningful change for animals and people.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop are joined by Hanna Lentz, Executive Director of Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC). Hanna shares how SPARC is revolutionizing the animal welfare field by harnessing the power of storytelling and impactful messaging to create meaningful change for animals and people alike.

In partnership with MSPCA and hosted by the New England Federation of Humane Societies. SPARC and MSPCA will take a deep dive into customer service for frontline staff and how to incorporate SPARC principles in every day work.

Too often mainstream messages lead to shame and blame. They contribute to stereotypes and villainizing. The result is endless frustration, overwhelm, and burnout. Too many animals still need homes; too many pet families lack access to care. We need different stories and messages to build a better reality for animals and people. This course is about the stories and messages we need now.

Don't Be Judgy: Messaging that Leads to Positive Change

The Words We Use, The People We Leave Out: Transforming Animal Welfare Through Storytelling & Cultural Connection

We need different stories and messages to build a better reality for animals and people. This course is about the stories and messages we need now.

Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with SPARC Executive Director, Hanna Lentz, on disrupting the status quo and the power of narratiave change.