Building community

Valuing the “human” in “humane”

The humane world we envision for animals will also be a better world for people, and it’s only through human efforts that we’ll get where we want to go.

Because our advocacy is driven by people, we’re strongest when our people are empowered and valued. A work environment that fosters inclusion and collaboration energizes our teams, drives better thinking and makes our impact for animals more sustainable. Working with communities and other collaborators around the country and the world, we integrate a wide range of cultural perspectives in our approach to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals. We recognize and respect the full spectrum of human qualities, so that the unique talents of all employees are dignified with equitable access to opportunities and an ability to contribute to our mission.

Laward Ellison petting two community cats

Bryan Mitchell/AP Images for The HSUS

Why this is important

Recognizing how animal cruelty and exploitation intersect with other deeply rooted societal injustices makes us better advocates for animals. We will be more effective against the intensive confinement of animals in agriculture if we grasp how these practices often disproportionately impact less affluent and minority communities. We can speak more authentically to the challenges of international trophy hunting if we grasp how it intersects with the history of colonial exploitation of resources. We can be more effective advocates for pets and pet owners in underserved communities if we recognize the systemic injustices that often underlie unequal access to resources. Even more fundamentally, it’s simply the right thing to do.

Our leadership in building a more inclusive animal protection movement

Lafayette Melton

An accomplished human resources professional who develops and implements our strategy to ensure a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Learn more

Tai Conley

With a background in organizational strategy, Tai Conley leads efforts that ensure resonance with communities and empowers more people to protect animals.

Group of HSUS staff meet at outdoor picnic table to have a small meeting

Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Focused on internal culture

Humane World for Animals is dedicated to creating a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that also benefits people. Central to that goal is our commitment to attract and retain a work force that reflects the communities we serve and the countries where we operate, and that represents the exceptional human talent that our world has to offer. We are fostering a culture of inclusion and creating a work environment that welcomes individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, abilities, skills and disciplines. Here’s how we’re building this culture:

We are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive animal protection movement—one where all people feel a sense of belonging and connection to our mission.
Our hiring process strives to reach a wide range of candidates with diverse life experiences, perspectives and attributes—including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, geographic background, educational pathways and professional expertise.
We offer ongoing learning opportunities designed to foster a respectful workplace. Our global workforce brings many lived experiences and worldviews—including different cultural understandings of animal welfare—and we believe it’s essential to create space for learning, unlearning and meaningful dialogue. These sessions support our staff in understanding how to navigate complex topics, recognize behaviors that may cause harm, and practice allyship and inclusion as everyday values.
We also offer employees the opportunity to launch and participate in Employee Resource Groups that are open to all employees.

Our approach to building community and strengthening the movement

At Humane World for Animals, we believe that protecting animals begins with building authentic, lasting relationships with people. Our approach centers on culturally responsive, community-centered engagement—honoring the perspectives, values, and lived experiences of communities across the globe. We focus on forming strategic alliances and nurturing relationships that are rooted in trust, respect and collaboration. To us, true engagement means not just listening to communities, but co-creating solutions with them—recognizing that the people closest to the issues often hold the most powerful insights. By aligning our programs with community-identified needs and traditions, we are better able to meet people where they are and equip them with the tools and resources to care for animals in ways that resonate culturally and locally.

This approach helps us grow a more inclusive animal protection movement—one where all people feel welcome, empowered and connected to the mission. The more people who see themselves in this work, the more animals we can protect—together.

Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Three E's of equity

Our work is guided by the three E’s of equity: education, engagement and empowerment.

Education to build shared understanding and cross-cultural awareness;
Engagement that centers listening, collaboration and mutual respect;
Empowerment that supports communities in designing solutions and leading the way forward.

Whether in rural communities, urban centers, Indigenous lands, or global regions where animal protection has taken different forms, we seek to align our work with community-identified needs. Strategic alliances are central to this—because real impact happens when we don’t just work for communities, but with them.

This is how we grow a stronger, more inclusive animal protection movement—one where all people feel a sense of belonging, see themselves reflected, and are invited to take part in shaping a more compassionate future for animals and the people who care for them.