“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pull our strength, share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.” -Jean Vanier
In the Give Back Academy (GBA) classes we strive to teach our students Respect, Inclusivity, Safety, and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) As a lead teacher, it is important for me to implement these values not only in the lessons I teach, but also in the way in which I communicate with the students. In a healthy and supportive community respect, inclusivity, safety, and empowerment are present.
Teaching the R.I.S.E. values helped create a safe space that allowed students to interact and truly understand each other. The students were able to see that they are not alone and there are other students on their campus who are faced with similar, difficult circumstances. The difference between our first GBA class and our last class was remarkable. The students were connected, engaged and committed to not only the lessons and the staff, but to each other. GBA created a community where students were able to recognize the resiliency not only in themselves, but also in their peers. It was an awe-inspiring transformation and I hope our curriculum helps you create a community in your class!
Kevin Houston
Program Manager
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