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Teen Leader Shares Story to Help Others Celebrate Cultural Differences
Whenever I opened my Superman lunch box in elementary school, by the reactions of my peers you would have thought I had just unleashed a wave of noxious gas. Every kid within a 15-foot radius of me wrinkled their noses in disgust. “EEEWWWW, what is that smell!” A...
National Teen Board Creates Connection with Activist Academy
I have been involved with Beyond Differences since 6th grade at my school and jumped at the chance to join the National Teen Board this Spring. I was excited for Activist Academy because I knew I would be able to learn from a dynamic group of young, social...
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Cites Beyond Differences as a Program to End Social Isolation in Youth and Build Connection
On June 23, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy sat down with Jenna Bush Hager at the Coalition to End Social Isolation’s Conversations on Belonging, Connection, & Wellbeing: A Reflection to discuss one of the nation’s pressing health concerns. Dr. Murthy...
Creating a Culture of Belonging For Everyone
Beyond Differences applauds all of the teens who lifted up a boy in Colorado this week. Today.com reported that Cody Ridder, a 12-year-old boy from Westminister, Colorado, told his mom that his 6th-grade classmates would not sign his yearbook. He was so...
Identity: Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Allowing students the freedom to be themselves in school is essential. Sometimes a student can be bullied and socially isolated in school for expressing themselves. As an adoptee and as a queer youth, I've seen the repercussions of self-expression in the classroom...
Beyond Differences Congratulates Mina Fedor of AAPI Youth Rising
The pandemic fueled a rise in xenophobia towards the AAPI community. Every day, more news covered stories about verbal and physical assaults. As a Teen Board member of Beyond Differences, I heard about an opportunity to share my story at a rally to bring awareness to...
Teen Board Members Sit Down with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for Know Your Classmates Day
Since the start of the pandemic, teens around the world have faced a myriad of new challenges that impact their mental health and well-being. They’ve also had a unique opportunity to reflect and grow. To celebrate Know Your Classmates® Day, U.S. Surgeon General Dr....
Beyond Differences is Featured in Better Magazine
Better Magazine is a lifestyle publication that focuses on creating positive connections that inspires readers to live a greater purpose. In their article, “Mental Health and Kids: How Parents Can Recognize Anxiety and Depression Signs in Children” by Donna Berry...
New Development Consultant Brings Experience and Empathy to her Role
Anyone who knew Amy Hayes when she was growing up in Nashville would characterize her as outgoing and an extrovert. They also would say she was sensitive with regards to other people’s feelings and tuned in to children who didn’t always fit in. “Even as a child, I was...
Hello Friendship: The Perfect Cookie is Meant to be Shared
Our Hello Friendship initiative inspires friendships but requires a secret ingredient: YOU! Inspiring friendships, disrupting social isolation, and creating cultures of belonging - these are the fundamental ingredients that make up the Beyond Differences mission. We...