Early on Latham recognized the power of a visual message. Among its early members were Miriam and John de Lemos, noted artists. Miriam created this classic Latham image helping document our mission and purpose.

The image of steps purposefully reflected the dependence of each achievement upon the ones below. One could not simply jump to the top step without learning and applying the ones that came before it, beginning with kindness to animals.

Latham has used this illustration for 70 years to explain its view of humane education’s potential.

Kindness to Animals
builds compassion and empathy for other living creatures.
This is the first and truly foundational step that supports all the other steps above it.

Kindness to Each Other
is another important step, guides the interaction between people of the same family or social group.

Kindness to Other People
guides the interaction between people of different families or social groups when they meet in a common place.

Kindness to Our Country
encourages national common respect for the laws of one’s own nation, traditions, and political structure.

Kindness to Other Nations
encourages respect for other nations and their unique laws and traditions.

Kindness to The World
shows respect for the whole world, for other nations collectively living their varied lives.

Click here for the Steps poem by Delores Wilkens Kent.