Community Outreach
The Whatcom Humane Society was consistently focused on reaching out to and educating children about the humane treatment of animals. “Bands of Mercy were formal organizations that brought young boys and girls together under the umbrella of being kind to animals” (https://bekindexhibit.org/exhibition/bands-of-mercy/). It is not surprising then, given the similar aims of these organizations, that the Whatcom Humane Society supported the Bands of Mercy project and participated in bringing involvement to the schools.
The Whatcom Humane Society was involved with the Band of Mercy program early on, mention of the program from 1906 up to the end of the meeting ledger in 1939. By the 1930s these groups were more frequently known as Junior Humane Leagues. The first mention within the ledger come in September of 1906, “After some discussion the Secretary was instructed to order one thousand Band of Mercy cards for the use of the public-school children.” These Bands of Mercy formed within the schools, had regular meetings, provided children with after- school activities, and introduced them to the importance of treating animals humanely.
The Whatcom Humane Society frequently worked with these local Bands of Mercy, promoting membership and formation of local chapters, visiting their meetings, creating contests and events, and reaching out to support the children in their endeavors. This interest in the Bands of Mercy program underscores the societies understanding of the importance of youth education, December 3, 1939: “We must educate the children to feel a responsibility for the animals about us.”
The Humane society was focused on community outreach, especially concerned with involving children in their mission. They often collaborated with schools and other organizations to hold events and contests that would spread their messages.
In 1917 they decided to sponsor a bird-house building contest to involve children in the community with their efforts to protect and shelter birds in the area during harsh winters. School children built and put up birdhouses and won prizes based on how many bird inhabited the houses after a set amount of time. The prizes for this contest were as follows:
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To the pupil in the county who had the most occupied bird boxes a prize of a field glass costing five dollars.
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To the school having the most occupied bird boxes belonging to its pupils, in proportion to the enrollment of the school, a bird boxes costing two or two and one half dollars.
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To the pupil in each supervising district who has the most occupied bird houses a year’s subscription to Our Dumb Animals.
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To every pupil in the county who has an occupied birdhouse a souvenir acknowledging his work.
Band of Mercy
School Projects:
Birdhouse Contest
