At the Humanity Project, we often talk about the importance of helping young people build self-worth from the inside out. This year, a pilot initiative in five schools demonstrated just how powerful one minute each morning can be.
During the 2025-2026 school year, five schools participated in the Humanity Project Morning Announcement Initiative, a simple effort that combines guided deep breathing with the daily affirmation, “I am somebody.” The goal was straightforward: help students begin each day with a reminder of their value while creating a calmer, more positive atmosphere throughout the school.
The results were encouraging.
Every participating school reported a positive impact. Every school reported improvements in student self-worth. Every school also reported improvements in overall school climate, with four of the five schools rating the initiative's impact as “very positive.”
The Humanity Project Morning Announcement Initiative also has now been adopted by youth programs delivered by SunServe, a large LGBTQ organization based in Broward County, Florida. Their feedback about the response has been very positive as well so far.
One of the strengths of the initiative is its simplicity. The daily exercise takes only about a minute and can easily be incorporated into existing morning announcements without affecting academic schedules. Yet school leaders reported that students connected with the message, enjoyed the breathing exercises and created a calmer, more positive environment for everyone. Schools also noted stronger feelings of community and support among both students and staff.
Perhaps the most interesting feedback came from one participating school where some teachers and staff were initially skeptical. Like many educators, they had seen new programs come and go over the years and were unsure whether a brief daily announcement could make a meaningful difference. After several weeks, however, those same teachers had become enthusiastic supporters of the initiative after seeing its impact firsthand.
For the Humanity Project, that response may be as significant as any statistic. Positive change in a school community doesn't happen because of slogans or programs alone. It happens when students, teachers and staff begin to experience a different atmosphere—one built on self-worth, respect and human connection.
The Morning Announcements Initiative grew out of our Humanity Club work and provides schools with a simple, low-cost way to reach every student, every day. By combining a moment of reflection, a few deep breaths and a reminder of personal worth, schools can help students start each morning from a healthier emotional foundation. The simplicity of the message and the daily repetition are keys to its impact.
As we look ahead to the coming school year, we are excited to continue expanding initiatives that help students recognize a simple but powerful truth:
I am somebody.
And so is everyone else.
