The new Best Friends Education Ambassador Program launched in March, 2009. By the first week in April, we had 19 Education Ambassadors on the ground in 7 states, with others asking for applications. The program was developed to carry Best Friends' message of No More Homeless Pets to children in schools and libraries around the country. Each ambassador receives a packet with full presentations focusing on our current campaigns. There will be 2 presentations for each of the 4 campaigns that have been created by Community Programs and Services. The campaigns are Puppies Aren't Products; Focus on Felines; Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog; and First Home, Forever Home.

The Education Ambassador presentations each include a PowerPoint with talking points for the presenter. There are also scenarios to present to the children such as using a stuffed dog to teach students how to be safe around dogs. There are also leave-behind worksheets for teachers. The program is designed so that the Education Ambassador can continue going back to the school or library every month during the school year to present a new topic, thereby continuing to promote humane education throughout the year rather than just being a once-a-year visiting guest speaker. It is also possible that the ambassador could work with librarians to arrange the 8 presentations as a summber program at public libraries.

The presentations will allow the children the opportunity to really get the Best Friends message of compassion and kindness to anials through enrichment, using our 4 campaigns. By reaching tomorrow's leaders, we can begin to create a sustainable world of no more homeless pets.

The current program is designed for elementary aged audiences. For anyone wishing more information on the Education Ambassador program, please contact Jennifer Schrolucke at jennifersc@bestfriends.org.