Beyond Differences

Redesigning educational spaces for belonging takes a number of different strategies. Former EMT and current Senior Emergency Services Coordinator, Nic Luncsford joins our community Tuesday, November 12 at 4pm PT/7pm ET on Zoom to share their expertise in how to keep your community safe! Join us for Spatial Strategies to use belonging to build safety in your school! https://loom.ly/-PlicDM #FreeTraining #Belonging #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolSafety

Happy National Know Your Classmates® Day! #KnowYourClassmates Day was designed to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging. Students use this day as an opportunity to learn self-awareness of their identity, tradition, and culture while learning acceptance, inclusion, and respect for others. For the past 8 years, Beyond Differences has been celebrating this special day and today, over 1,400 schools across America are joining us to build a sense of belonging in their classrooms. We invite middle schoolers to share their unique stories, connect with new friends, and dive into our engaging activities. Be sure to tag us in your celebrations! For tips, resources, and step-by-step guidance, visit https://lnkd.in/gZNYuY28! Beyond Differences is now part of Sandy Hook Promise’s suite of programs. The integration brings together two youth-centered, national organizations with aligned missions and complementary strengths – a win-win for youth across the country. #SandyHookPromise #EndGunViolence #ProtectOurKids #SocialIsolation #BuildBelonging #StartWithHello #BeyondDifferences

Isolation, and particularly social isolation is a prevalent issue for many youth. Beyond Differences and Sandy Hook Promise programs and days of action such as tomorrow’s #knowyourclassmatesday work to create a sense of belonging and community for youth nationwide.

TODAY: Don't miss Building Belonging with and for Low-Income Students at 4pm PT/7pm ET on Zoom! https://loom.ly/XixzloI #FreeTraining #Belonging #ProfessionalDevelopment #Poverty #Title1

Celebrating diversity is key to creating truly inclusive communities. 💜 By empowering students to share their stories and embrace their unique identities, we can build real connections and end social isolation in our schools. Let’s inspire our students to turn differences into strengths and make every classroom a place where everyone feels they belong. 💬✨ Educators, there's still time to sign up for our FREE program and celebrate #KnowYourClassmates Day this Friday, October 11! Equip your middle schoolers with the tools to foster empathy, understanding, and belonging, register now --> https://loom.ly/3OHB7Bw #BuildingBelonging #CelebrateDiversity #EndSocialIsolation #MotivationMonday #MiddleSchoolEducators #InclusiveCommunities #FreeProgram

The countdown is on! 🎉 With just 7 days to go until October 11, here’s a simple checklist to help student leaders get ready to celebrate. From hanging posters to creating fun Connection Catchers, this guide has everything you need to run a successful day of action! 💬✂️ Still haven’t signed up? There’s still time! Join us in ending social isolation and building belonging in classrooms everywhere. 👫 Click the link to register for free and get all the materials you need -- https://loom.ly/3OHB7Bw #InclusiveEducation #BeyondDifferences #BuildBelonging #SocialEmotionalLearning #MiddleSchoolProgram #Knowyourclassmates #SocialConnections

Building Belonging with and for Low-Income Students is Tuesday, October 8 at 4pm PT/7pm ET. Beyond Differences Director of National Youth Programs, Sally Matsuishi, a self-proclaimed Food Bank Kid herself, leads this vital discussion along with some of the brilliant high school students on the National Teen Board’s Poverty Visibility team. Join us! https://loom.ly/XixzloI #FreeTraining #Belonging #ProfessionalDevelopment #Poverty #Title1

🌟 This year, for Know Your Classmates Day, we invite middle schoolers to share their unique stories and experiences. Our theme, "Tell Your Story, Know Your Classmates," focuses on the power of voice and listening to build authentic connections. 📚💬 Why is storytelling so important? Because it helps us understand one another beyond surface level. When students share their personal stories, they give others a glimpse into their world—their backgrounds, cultures, and challenges. 🌍 This exchange builds empathy, fosters understanding, and strengthens belonging in the classroom. Let’s use stories to build bridges, end social isolation, and create classrooms where everyone belongs. ❤️ 📅 Sign up for our free program and celebrate Know Your Classmates Day with us on October 11! Click the link to get started: 🔗https://loom.ly/3OHB7Bw #InclusiveEducation #BeyondDifferences #BuildBelonging #SocialEmotionalLearning #MiddleSchoolProgram #Knowyourclassmates #SocialConnections

Join us TODAY at 4pm PT/7pm ET for Connection & Communication: A Language Justice and Accessibility Primer. See you on Zoom! https://loom.ly/iQShSKE #FreeTraining #Belonging #ProfessionalDevelopment #Accessibility #LanguageJustice

What does belonging look, sound, and feel like for you in your school, work, or community? This week, we asked Avery, a member of our National Teen Board, to share her thoughts on belonging. Here’s what she had to say! Avery’s experience highlights how belonging comes from sharing what you love and feeling accepted for it. Whether it’s music, hobbies, or other passions, creating space for students to express themselves freely can deepen connections and build a more inclusive environment. Tip for Educators: Create moments where students can share their favorite music, interests, or cultures. Encouraging this exchange can build stronger relationships and foster belonging in your classroom. Sign up for our programs that build belonging in middle school classrooms by visiting -->https://loom.ly/3OHB7Bw #InclusiveEducation #BeyondDifferences #BuildBelonging #SocialEmotionalLearning #MiddleSchoolProgram #Knowyourclassmates #SocialConnections