Dignity for All: Bullying Prevention
The Dignity For All (DFA) program intervention is a school wide approach to creating a culture and community that is safe, equitable, restorative and inclusive while exceeding ELA and Common Core State Standards. Through an interactive digital learning tool supported by our learning management system, students learn how to reduce and prevent bullying and cyberbullying behaviors by acquiring the skills to become an upstander instead of a bystander. An upstander is a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied, ultimately creating environments that are safe, supportive, equitable and inclusive.
The program model’s core goals are to instill knowledge, attitude, and behavior change, while the model’s key goals are to use critical thinking, storytelling, and experiential learning, such as role-playing, cinematography and digital games. The key goals supplement and differentiate the core goals and content of the DFA curriculum and program model by engaging students’ interest and imagination fully in the learning process with the aim of strengthening empathy, respect and a commitment to peacefully resolve conflicts through mediation and restorative circles.
Rooted in neurobiology and attachment theory, teachers, students, administrators, school resource officers, para professionals and parents learn how to identify bullying dynamics and strengthen skills in empathy and reflection using storytelling, role-playing, and critical reflection. Trauma-informed practices are incorporated throughout and designed to shift mindsets within emotionally-attuned relational contexts, repairing harm and transforming how communities of learning consider and treat one another. DFA teaches learners how to become an upstander while capturing their progress through the learning management system. Our Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) curriculum is also available to DFA learners which focuses on personal growth and development ultimately equipping students to be strong leaders.
Dignity For All (DFA) is trauma informed, research and theory based program that focuses on preventing and reducing bullying and cyberbullying behaviors in schools and communities, while also delivering ELA and STEM-related content aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Through the online learning tool, facilitated discussion, small group dialog, and interactive activities, students, teachers, school personnel, law enforcement officers, and parents/guardians acquire new knowledge, change their mindsets and transform their behavior to prevent bullying behavior and violence in their school. The community develops strategies to repair harm and promote trusting relationships that turn adversity into empathy and compassion.
- A three-volume Curriculum Guide for Instructors
- Administrators Guide
- Student Guide and Workbook
- Parent Guidebook
- Professional Development Sessions
- Digital Tools