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 highly aware of kids who...
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 believe that our...
Guest Author: Lucy HaysBeyond Differences Teen Board Member Every day in middle school I would eat lunch with my group of friends. In the earlier, sunnier part of the school year, we would eat in the courtyard. One day, I was sitting with our other friends, eating my sandwich. However, two of our...
Guest Author: Danika Clifford Beyond Differences Teen Board Leader Have you ever noticed how many kids sit alone at lunch or walk by themselves between classes, while other groups of kids happily walk around flaunting their connections and friendships? Why do kids feel compelled to ignore others...
Today’s teenagers average over 6.5 hours per day of screen time. Being connected is literally a full-time job for them, possibly explaining why the number of teens holding a part-time job has dropped dramatically. They have more leisure time and 24/7 social access. But is it making them happy?...
The 2018-2019 school year marks Beyond Differences third year of programming in Portland, OR. We started off this school year with six Portland Teen Board members going to the Bay Area to participate in the CA Teen Board Retreat. After a successful and fun weekend, the teens came back...