news-record.com

A Counterpoint.

By Susan Feit

As Badi Ali’s letter (June 9) showed, overcoming bias, bigotry and racism to build diverse and inclusive communities is becoming ever more important in our community.

At the National Council for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad, we have taken up Badi’s challenge as our own. Through our “Anyday” human relations workshops, we reached 811 students in 24 Guilford County middle and high schools last year with a curriculum that raises awareness of bullying and helps students make their schools more inclusive of all types of religious, ethnic and racial diversity.

The effects of this program can be profound. Take, for example, this note from Southern Guilford Middle School counselor Christa Parrish:

“My Anyday students and I met today with 20 kids who are usually considered 'outsiders.’ They are the ones who are often left out and forgotten. We all ate lunch together and did some get-to-know-you exercises. We will continue to meet each week. The kids had fun and got to interact with students they usually pass by. You would have loved it!”

When I read this note, I was overcome with emotion. What a difference a short intervention can make in the lives of others.
I could not help but wonder how this simple action might affect those young lives.

Christa and the students in the “Outside-In Club” are just a few of the heroes who have chosen to stand up and embrace those who are left behind and build a community that is more inclusive and richer for it. They have chosen to make a difference!

NCCJ is a proud partner with Guilford County Schools, principals, counselors and students as we strive to create a safe and welcoming school community for all children.

The writer lives in Greensboro and is executive director, National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad.