We are happy to kick off Respect for All Week with the New York City Department of Education tomorrow! The week is started off right by schools using #Day1 programming to begin the conversation. This simple and effective program consists of talking about the rights and responsibilities we all have to treat each other with respect. Students will have an opportunity to learn about how to keep their peers and themselves safe from bullying or harassment.

Many people believe bullying is a rite of passage for any kid, but bullying and harassment can cause long lasting damage that can affect mental health and physical health well into adulthood. This public health threat can be a launching pad for depression, anxiety, PTSD, drug abuse, dropout, and even suicide. Programs like #Day1 and Respect for All week help students and faculty learn how to manage bullying and harassment in a way that ensures the issues are addressed quickly and respectfully within a school’s climate.

We hope you join with us in our excitement about this opportunity to bring Tyler's story and the #Day1 program too all NYC children. If you are in the NYC area- contact your local school and ask them if they are taking part in the #Day1 program. If you are outside of the NYC area, ask you local school what is being done to address Respect for All. Talk to them about the NYC initiative and see if something like that can be done locally. Schools want to listen to the community, but the community needs to talk to them.

Join with us this week by showing your support of RFA week by downloading this tile to use for your social media. Also, consider hosting a local fundraiser to continue to support the Tyler Clementi Foundation so we can continue to bring these programs to schools and community groups across the US.

Thanks so much for your continued support as we all work together to end bullying, harassment and humiliation.