The school year is underway, and Humanity Club is back at work helping students discover something that can change how they see themselves and treat others: Every one of us matters.
Through the Humanity Project’s Humanity Club, students explore self-worth, equality and respect for all. They take part in conversations, creative activities and games that bring these ideas into their everyday lives. And they learn to share those lessons with their classmates, becoming young leaders who can help make their schools more welcoming places. Sometimes that learning involves a serious discussion about bullying or feeling left out. Sometimes it involves laughter, imagination and a Halloween game about which monster understands respect. The activities vary, but the purpose remains consistent: Help children recognize their own value and the equal value of everyone around them.
Our approach to antibullying begins with emotional wellness. We want students to feel more secure in themselves and better able to respond thoughtfully to other people. That includes appreciating differences and understanding that no one deserves mistreatment because of who they are. LGBTQ students, like every student, deserve to feel safe, accepted and valued. The work also continues through our morning announcements, which invite students to pause for a minute of deep breathing and affirm, “I am somebody.” These simple daily practices reinforce the ideas we explore in Humanity Club, carrying them beyond our meetings and into the school day.
In a new short video, five Humanity Club students talk about their experiences so far this year. We’re pleased to share their voices and give our supporters a glimpse of the children at the heart of this work. We are deeply grateful to The Our Fund Foundation, FLoatarama and Community Foundation of Broward for helping make these programs possible. Their support allows us to keep putting our mission into practice where it matters: in children’s lives. As the Humanity Project approaches its 21st anniversary, we remain committed to helping young people build self-worth and respect from the inside out. We look forward to another school year of learning, creativity and connection — and to watching our Humanity Club members put those lessons into action.
