Respect ... Given For Free

View fullsize

We did it. On Saturday, January 14, we held our first Respect Rocks event. It was a hit! The Humanity Project and friends from SunServe and other organizations took over a corner of downtown Fort Lauderdale to pass out smiles ... and respect. Look at the pictures for yourself. Our kids held up the Humanity Project's original "Smile!" signs, asking passing adults to smile at them. Most adults did smile back -- and were rewarded with a free "Respect Rocks!" bracelet and a card that asked adults to treat each other with respect. The event's main idea was simple: kids were urging adults to help make a better world for all children. We passed out more than 300 free bracelets and another 300 or so cards. And nearly every adult who was greeted by our kids seemed charmed.

Our Respect Rocks campaign is sponsored by Our Fund and we already are attracting partner nonprofits such as SunServe and HANDY that want to take part as we continue this unique effort. Among all the disrespect, divisiveness and plain nastiness in our society, we believe kids just might start a trend that could catch on in other places. And encourage hundreds of adults to think about their own behavior. Yes, please do check out the few photos we've posted here. And let us know if you'd like to join us or even bring Respect Rocks to your community.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Announcing "Respect Rocks!"

What would happen if kids asked adults to do better? To make a saner, safer world? To treat each other with respect ... and to begin with a simple smile? That's the idea behind Respect Rocks, a new campaign by the Humanity Project. Starting in January, children from the Humanity Project and partner organizations will take to the streets in a charming effort to encourage a more respectful society. The Respect Rocks campaign is sponsored by our good friends at Our Fund, an LGBT community foundation in South Florida.

This is not a new Humanity Project program. We already have several wonderfully effective programs that help kids to help kids (and sometimes parents), including Anti-bullying Through The Arts, I Care teen driver safety program, thp4kids.com and our new Humanity Club. Instead, Respect Rocks is an expression of the Humanity Project's core values that are the underpinning for every program we have and everything else we do: the importance of respect for all, diversity and self-value.

It's no coincidence that our Respect Rocks campaign will begin over the MLK Day weekend and a week before the inauguration. It is a loving and non-political response to the rampant disrespect that was so evident during the 2016 election as well as throughout our society -- in social media, in books, among TV pundits and political columnists.

View fullsize

Respect Rocks will kick off at Gulfstream Academy in Hallandale Beach, Florida, when our Humanity Club student leaders will take their message of respect, diversity and self-value to all of their middle school peers. Each student who signs a pledge to treat all other students with respect will get one of our cool Respect Rocks bracelets. Then on January 14, our kids take to the downtown Fort Lauderdale streets. They'll hold up signs with our Respect Rocks "Smile" logo, designed by Christian Piper of our Leadership Council. Our kids will shout out to passing adults, "Smile! Smile at us!" Those who do will be given a Respect Rocks bracelet and a card that reads: "Living in a disrespectful society, we're kids asking all adults to do much better! A smile = respect. Respect Rocks! Please help make a better world for us kids!"

We think it's such a disarming and simple approach that this campaign may just catch on. We hope the media will want to cover our effort and that social media friends can spread the word -- and even consider bringing Respect Rocks to their community. At the Humanity Project, we know we can't change the whole world ... but we can help improve at least part of it. And since adults have been doing so badly at running the world lately, maybe children can inspire change in a way grownups can't. We think so. And we hope you'll join our campaign.

Serious Team ... Having Fun

Sometimes it's important to know the faces behind an organization -- especially to get a feeling for the people who claim to help others through their charitable work. So today we offer some of the beautiful faces and beautiful people behind the work of the Humanity Project. Take a look at these seriously committed folks ... having some unserious fun at our annual Holiday Party for our Board of Directors and our new Leadership Council. These photos were taken by Keith Spencer, a pastor as well as the husband and father of one of our Leadership Council parent/child teams. We hope you'll enjoy sharing these moments with us. Happy Holidays to all!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Happiest Of Holidays To You & Yours

From everyone at the Humanity Project, we wish you a joyful and healthy holiday season. And we hope you'll take a moment now and then to relax, take a few calm breaths and just savor this lovely time of year. Yes, we are living in a challenging, too often violent, period of human history. But it's easy to get caught up in the headlines and forget that right outside our windows, most things look pretty good... and we are fortunate for that. Most of us live in peace. Most of us have a place to sleep, enough food, safe water. And if we are very fortunate, we have friends or family to share it all with. So we say, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa -- and we hope your holiday is bright indeed.

Listen & Learn

This will be a very brief post today ... because we'd rather have you listen than read right now.

We have a new podcast that features a distinguished school for language ... and our newest sponsor: ELE USAL Florida, affiliated with the University of Salamanca in Spain. The University of Salamanca is the world's third oldest university, the school of such distinguished alumni as Cervantes and Cortes and still respected around the world.

The US affiliate, ELE USAL Florida, teaches Spanish language and Hispanic culture to all ages, kids to seniors. We hope you'll surf over to our Podcast page on this website to hear our interview with Rosane Santana, owner of the new United States affiliate. To do that, just look under Resources on our Menu. Or go directly to www.thehumanityproject.com/podcast. We think you'll enjoy the program.

Wow! And A Big Thank You!

If you're an old Humanity Project friend, you've visited our website many many times. And now you see that things have changed for the better at our online home!

Yes indeed, we have a completely redesigned website thanks to a very special person: Humanity Project Board Vice President Stephanie Wong. Stephanie joined the Humanity Project as our first student Board member, then graduated from college, went into the working world -- and began making a huge difference in our efforts at "helping kids to help kids." First she created a template for our Humanity Club program, allowing us to clearly show schools in advance just what we had in mind for their students.

And now ... all this, a gorgeous website redesign. So far we've had only positive comments about our new site. Everyone at the Humanity Project loves it! Stephanie spent nearly a year working on our very large, very content-heavy website to give us a look that was modern and easier for you to navigate. We can't thank her enough. Please enjoy exploring and sharing the new improved Humanity Project website.

Being young, disabled and LGBT

POSTED BY: ALEX DIAZ-GRANADOS

(Editor’s Note: This blog was written especially for the Humanity Project by Alex Diaz-Granados, an activist who lives with cerebral palsy. Through his work with Cerebral Palsy Guidance, he works to bring awareness to issues related to bullying and LGBT rights.)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) young people face a greater risk of being bullied, as do children with disabilities like cerebral palsy. According to surveys, as many as 81 percent of LGBT students have been bullied, while the numbers for disabled children are as high as 60 percent. For children and young adults with cerebral palsy and who identify or are perceived as LGBT, bullying is a real concern.

How Bullies Target Victims

Bullying refers to persistent, unwanted harassment or intimidation. There is typically a power imbalance between the bully and the victim, with the bully using greater size and strength, or some other factor to intimidate a victim repeatedly. Bullies tend to target their peers who seem powerless, unable or unwilling to fight back as well as those who seem different.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscles and movement. For this reason, children with the condition do appear different. They move differently and some may even be unable to walk. Children who identify as LGBT are also perceived as different and for someone living with cerebral palsy and identifying as LGBT, the differences and weaknesses may be doubled in the eyes of a bully.

The Impacts of Bullying

Being disabled and LGBT puts a child in a position of being vulnerable to bullying and it is an issue that needs to be taken seriously because of the consequences. Students who are bullied suffer academically. They miss more school, get lower grades and are more likely to drop out before graduating. They are also less likely to be included in activities and social events.

Victims of bullying are vulnerable to mental health consequences. They are more likely to experience depression, more likely to have attempted suicide. For those bullying victims who have cerebral palsy and are LGBT, the consequences may be even more severe. These children may feel that they have even less power and fewer options for support.

Support for Disabled LGBT Students

Social support for these children is crucial because it provides a network that offers a safe place, others who share the same challenges and, most importantly, friends. Children of all abilities, gender identities and sexuality benefit from strong support from friends and others. This support gives a child confidence, resilience and strength. For those children living with disabilities and identifying as LGBT, there are numerous support groups. Adults who care for these children should help them and encourage them to seek out these groups to make friends, to build strong social bonds, and to cope with the victimization of bullying.

Support is available through www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com. The Humanity Project’s website for socially isolated teens is another valuable resource at www.thp4kids.com.

A Response to Election 2016

POSTED BY: BOB KNOTTS

(Editor’s note: Parts of this blog were originally posted on November 10 by Humanity Project Founder, Bob Knotts, on his personal Facebook page. This blog was adapted for use by the Humanity Project.)

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.” A brilliant idea brilliantly expressed and attributed to Mark Twain. To me, the new historical rhyme is the swing to the right worldwide. In a different way it has happened before. Today we see the right’s appeal in the Philippines and Colombia, in Austria and Russia, in nations great and small around the planet.

And now here in the United States. Historians will write books about the reasons for this: wars and poverty that created tides of immigration, diminishing resources in wealthier countries that stirred fears and resentments, a failing sense of self-value among people who felt privileged by color and place of birth … We may be in for more of this rightward swing before we have less and perhaps we will endure many challenging days. With Mr. Twain, I think it’s simply the great rhyme of history. But from my perspective, history shows us something else: Humanity is fundamentally decent. In time, through whatever means, basic human values win out.

By law, the Humanity Project is non-political. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization whose mission under federal statute is educational and literary. So we offer no position on the outcome of the election. As a nonprofit, we could officially root for no one for president or any other office.

But we can say this much here: Many are deeply troubled by the election for a variety of reasons. And these reasons include the national mood, the disrespectful and contentious tone of public discourse. To those folks I want to offer a thought. We are part of a movement now. We are the keepers of humanity’s best, the individuals appointed to live those basic human values in our daily lives, despite everything and anything.

When I founded the Humanity Project 11 years ago almost to this day, I had in mind a movement of people who believed in the innate greatness of every individual — and found practical ways to encourage that belief in others. That’s still my vision, expressed through programs for children. And so I see history’s latest right-wing verse as an opportunity, a fresh opening to advance the cause of this organization and of all who believe in humanity. The Humanity Project can be seen now as just one part of “the humanity project,” (lower case) to represent the efforts of everyone in this movement. I hope more folks will join The Humanity Project as an outlet for their efforts toward these goals. And I hope that more of us use this election to summon a greater determination to become part of “the humanity project.” In the words of another great American writer, William Faulkner: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.” So do I.

Meet Our New Leadership Council

POSTED BY: BOB KNOTTS

The Humanity Project’s new Leadership Council is a prestigious, hand-picked group of community leaders who assist the Humanity Project in many ways. These parent/child teams help create program content that will appeal to other parents and kids. They serve as consultants and advisers. And they are ambassadors to carry our ideas and programs into the local community and beyond.

The Leadership Council was first created under a generous 2016 grant from State Farm as part of the Humanity Project’s I Care teen driver safety program. State Farm has supported the creation, then the dissemination and expansion of our unique I Care program — and we’re very grateful for their continuing assistance.

Here are the members of our first Humanity Project Leadership Council:

Peter Finley & Anya:

Peter Finley is an Assistant Dean in the Huizenga Business College at Nova Southeastern University. He also teaches courses in Sport Administration and is a member of the Blazing Paddles Dragon Boat team in Hollywood, Florida. A student with Florida Virtual School, Anya enjoys musical theater, language arts and trying out new recipes.

Simone Finnis & Natalia:

Simone Finnis is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with two private practice locations in Broward County, Florida. She also is a children’s book author and the former Director of Ministry and Family Services at a large non-denominational church. A high school student and member of Leadership Broward, Natalia enjoys volunteering with children, the homeless and animals.

Gretchen Rovira & Sebastian:

Gretchen Rovira is Family Outreach Coordinator for the Federation of Families and South Florida Wellness Network. As a Certified Addiction Professional, she has wide experience that includes work in a psychiatric hospital and in a residential program for Hispanics. An elementary school student, Sebastian is a dedicated video gamer whose next goal is to create YouTube videos.

Piper Spencer & Christian:

Piper Spencer is a longtime middle school science teacher with a degree in oceanography. She is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a string bass player with the Broward Symphony and New River Orchestras, also playing ukulele with various ensembles. A Fine Arts graduate from Florida International University, Christian works as an after school counselor and is the author/illustrator of two children’s books.

We’re proud of this distinguished group. And we welcome all of them to the growing Humanity Project family!

Welcoming a New Sponsor ... and a New Friend

POSTED BY: BOB KNOTTS

The Humanity Project is proud today to announce the addition of an important new sponsor — and a valuable new friend for our kids. You may not know the name right now … but you will. Because this educational center for teaching the Spanish language is an official arm of one of the most famous, prestigious universities in the world. We are honored.

The new school is called ELE USAL Florida, which is an acronym for the full name in Spanish: Escuela de Lengua Espanola de la Universidad de Salamanca Florida. The Spanish Language School of the University of Salamanca in Florida. The institution in Spain is nearly 800 years old. The University of Salamanca was the school of Miguel de Cervantes and Hernan Cortes, among many other famed alumni. Christopher Columbus submitted the plans for his New World expeditions to a panel of expert geographers at the University of Salamanca. It is the third oldest university in the world, the oldest university in Spain and acknowledged all over the planet as a Campus of International Excellence.

Now the University of Salamanca has opened its first Spanish language school in the United States. We are fortunate that this took place recently in the Humanity Project’s backyard, at Coral Springs, Florida … only a 30-minute drive from our office. As a new sponsor of the Humanity Project, ELE USAL Florida brings us not only vital new program funding but also fresh talents and resources to share with our organization. We welcome them to the Humanity Project family with open arms. Click here to visit the website of ELE USAL Florida.

Let me tell you a bit about the great things ELE USAL Florida is doing. Fully supported by the University of Salamanca, ELE USAL Florida offers a wide range of programs for all ages, starting at five-years-old and continuing through retirees. For kids, the school teaches afternoon immersion programs that focus on learning through the arts for younger children – much as we do at the Humanity Project. Theater, music, dance, literature and more are used as tools to connect with young hearts and minds. From ages 12 to 15, fun is mixed with a more academic approach to help these young people grasp the Spanish language. ELE USAL Florida also provides dynamic courses for older students as well as programs geared toward businesses and even Spanish teachers and senior citizens.

With Spanish spoken now by more than a half billion people worldwide, most of us could use at least some knowledge of the language. Here in the United States, we are home to the second largest population of Spanish speakers, behind only Mexico. ELE USAL Florida is an innovative way to learn Spanish, taught by experts with a vast tradition behind them. And ELE USAL Florida promotes the Hispanic culture as part of all courses and activities.

The Humanity Project is very proud to add ELE USAL Florida to our distinguished roster of sponsors. You can find the full list at this page: Visit the Humanity Project Sponsor page.  We very much look forward to working with the new Spanish language school and its remarkable owner, Rosane Santana, for many years to come. We believe our partnership can benefit children, families and the community at large in South Florida and beyond. Thank you, Rosane and ELE USAL Florida.

Playing Peace

POSTED BY: BOB KNOTTS

As founder of the Humanity Project, I am a committed advocate for our organization’s core values: respect for all, the value of diversity, the importance of self-worth. And peace. As you might expect. But not when I was a kid. Back then, I was fascinated by war. I viewed war as heroic. I saw battles as desperate conflicts about good and evil — and of course, I was always on the side of good. Or so I imagined anyway. I fought many a titanic struggle in violent opposition to the forces arrayed against democracy, each a fantasy war played out by a child crawling through a dirt pile or scrambling through the Midwestern woods, toy gun in hand. 

Why was this? Why did war seem glorious to me then? I’ve given this a lot of thought over the years. And I’ve also looked at my experience in the context of today’s kids. Children and teens are playing at war every day, if perhaps more often in ultra-detailed video games rather than outside in the fresh air. Why?

My friend and distinguished colleague, Dr. Laura Finley of Barry University, has written about this issue in her own work as a vocal peace activist. She’s helped me to see even more clearly now the destructive role our society plays in encouraging violence as a form of play. Just think about it. Unless it’s a comedy, almost all blockbuster movies these days glorify violence in some form. So do many television programs, video games, websites and more. The vibe of American culture reminds us that it’s cool to be physically violent for a justified end — look at the action heroes who can take out four villains in a minute’s time. Cool. Explosions are awesome, automatic weapons are amazing, the ability to kill with anything at hand is a virtue. All very cool. As adults, we absorb that ethic too. But kids are especially vulnerable to having their values and beliefs, their thoughts and actions altered by this cultural bias.

So I wondered: Why can’t compassionate writers and peace-loving directors and socially responsible production companies or video gamemakers … why can’t they get together to try changing this? I think it’s possible. As an author of 24 books and five plays, I know something about writing. And my experience tells me that I could create a screenplay or theatrical drama or video game that glorified … peace. Instead of teaching our kids to play war, why not demonstrate how to go about playing peace? It would be challenging but do-able to create characters who defuse tense situations with wit and intelligence rather than with guns and fists. And this only sounds boring because we’re so accustomed to the opposite. Action flicks and exciting scenarios must involve violence — that’s what we’ve learned. But they don’t. Dramatically portraying the passion and compassion of a remarkable human being who confronts enormous odds could be at least as exciting as all the guns and bombs, even more so when this human being overcomes these intense problems to save the day. With peace.

The movie “Gandhi” wasn’t boring, was it? Yes, Gandhi and his supporters stood up to acts of terrible violence shown in the film but I don’t think that’s why the story worked so well. I just watched it again for the umpteenth time recently. It worked because the character was so compelling — and inspiring. The same approach could be explored in different ways with fictional characters and video games. I hope at some point our entertainment community presses for new models to amuse and divert us, the millions of adults and children who are today’s cultural consumers. I believe showing inspirational rather than violent examples of being cool might go a long way toward teaching all of us an important lesson: Violence isn’t cool in reality. It never was. What’s cool is peace.