Serving Our Children & Families

Thank you, Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Again.

CSC has been a highly valued partner of the Humanity Project for more than 15 years… and counting. That important tax-funded agency has just approved money for our Humanity Club program so that we can bring together more young students and teachers and parents to expand our garden at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Last year, you may recall, we built a lovely Humanity Garden at this school. Now we can make it bigger and better, an even more welcoming place for reflection, relaxation and learning about the values of equality and respect-for-all. We’ll hold a community event this winter to do that with our new CSC funds.

Pics from our 2021-22 Humanity Garden

The mission of Children’s Services Council of Broward County, in their words, “is to provide leadership, advocacy, and resources necessary to enhance the lives of the children of Broward County and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.” CSC funds more than 100 programs that assist kids and families. They also support kid-friendly and family-friendly policies as well as help bring together those who work toward better lives for children and parents.

We want to make sure to thank Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, President and CEO of Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Her strong staff includes folks such as Dr. Sharetta Remikie, Chief Equity and Community Engagement Officer, and Andrew Leone, Director of Communications and Community Engagement along with too many others to name. We are grateful to each of these dedicated community activists — and to CSC Broward. We can’t do it without you.

The Giving Season -- Please Help

Since at least the time of Dickens, this has been the season of giving. To quote that master writer’s A Christmas Carol: “At this festive season of the year … it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute.” We couldn’t agree more. But with the passing of many years, the holidays have become a season of helping other kinds of charities and nonprofits as well. Now there’s even a day dedicated to charitable donations, “Giving Tuesday.” This year Giving Tuesday happens on November 29.

We hope you will consider the Humanity Project as you mull your holiday contributions.

You may already know that we have earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar/Candid, the highly respected nonprofit information service. And perhaps you’re also aware that our acclaimed programs help both kids and adults for free — we never charge for our programs or other materials. You may not realize, though, that nearly 100% of our funding goes toward program-related expenses. That’s very unusual in the nonprofit world and we’re proud of it.

You might like to read a few of the many many testimonials the Humanity Project has accumulated during our 17-year history: Read testimonials. Or look over our programs, videos, writings, blogs and more on this website. Maybe you’d also like to sign our popular Pledge for Humanity. Then, we hope, you may consider visiting our safe secure online Donate page: Visit our Donate page.

We believe the Humanity Project is a special organization of dedicated and experienced individuals working toward a highly valuable goal: “Equality For Each, Respect For All.” And we are deeply grateful to the companies and foundations and other organizations as well as all the people who make our work possible through their contributions. If you can, we hope you’ll join us.

Our Kids Helping Hurricane Victims

Holy cow! Look at that number on the big check our kids are holding: $1,192 … money they raised to help victims of Hurricane Ian. Impressive, isn’t it?

We want to thank our Humanity Club student leaders at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, Florida for their amazing fundraising efforts. It was spearheaded by the wonderful Piper Spencer, a Humanity Project Board Director and teacher at that school. Piper helps us lead weekly meetings with the Pines Charter Elementary Humanity Club. At her suggestion, our kids held fundraising events that pulled in some big money for hurricane relief efforts. The money is going to our friends and partners at Neighbors 4 Neighbors, a South Florida nonprofit founded in 1992 to aid folks hurt by Hurricane Andrew. We’re told our Humanity Project money will go toward mental health services for Ian’s victims as well as first responders and social service workers there. Bravo!

Humanity Club is just one of the Humanity Project’s acclaimed programs. And thanks to a generous grant from Our Fund Foundation, Humanity Club will be in more schools and other locations than ever before in a single year. We work with young student leaders on the values of self-worth, equality and respect, then guide them as they share what they’ve learned with schoolmates and other peers.

So a big thank you to our Humanity Club in Pembroke Pines for caring enough to show respect for people in desperate need — in this case, respect in the form of dollars that can make a genuine difference.

A Foundation Of Goodness

Our Fund Foundation has grown into a national presence: Our Fund now is this country’s third largest LGBTQ foundation. This amazing organization under the leadership of the dynamic David Jobin supports, in their own words, “people who care, causes that matter.” The Humanity Project is proud that Our Fund is one of our longtime major sponsors.

Our partnership has become even stronger in recent days, with important generous new funding that allows the Humanity Project to expand our acclaimed antibullying programs with a focus on key human values — equality, diversity, respect-for-all, self-worth. This means we reach many more kids, influence many more lives through Our Fund’s vital support. And stop the bullying that disproportionately damages young LGBTQ students.

One of our many Humanity Project kids, delivering an important message

At a time when schools are under political assault, including Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, the Humanity Project knows it’s more important than ever to connect in meaningful ways with students about core values. Values that help prevent bullying, encourage common decency and teach the central significance of healthy relationships with others and with oneself. That’s what our Humanity Club and Antibullying Through The Arts programs do. We are lucky, very lucky, that the good folks at Our Fund understand this too.

Our Fund continues to progress as an organization, efforts that include their new strategic plan. Kudos not only to David Jobin, then, but also to wonderful people such as Obed Caballero, Mark Blaylock, Ted Vasquez, Wendy Flores-Bravo as well as Board Chair Scott Bennett and too many others to name. They are a great team. And together they make this community a much better place. Thank you, Our Fund Foundation, for helping the Humanity Project to do more and be more. We would not be the same without you. (Check out our new Humanity Project video: “Thank you, Our Fund!”)

Our Own Dr. Laura Finley, Peace Scholar

A very big congrats to Humanity Project Vice President, Dr. Laura Finley, on her most recent prestigious award: The Peace Scholar Award from the Peace and Justice Studies Association. The Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA) serves as a professional association for scholars in the field of peace and conflict studies. PJSA is dedicated to bringing together academics, educators and activists to explore alternatives to violence as well as to share visions and strategies for peacebuilding, social justice and social change. They host an annual meeting and conference, support research and public scholarship and serve as a network hub for a diverse and growing academic and professional field. PJSA represents individuals who hold a variety of degree types such as Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Peace Studies, Social Justice Studies, Restorative Justice, Alternative Dispute Resolution and more.

Dr. Finley is an important part of the Humanity Project's growth and success -- and has been for many years now. We are grateful for that and for her friendship. Congratulations, Laura! As always, we are proud of you!

Fave Humanity Pics (after 17 years)

The Humanity Project is 17 years old. Wow! A fullgrown teenager heading toward the big 2-0! Yep, our nonprofit was incorporated in the State of Florida on November 3, 2005. During all that time, we’ve organized and taken part in many events, of course, including our Thousand Youth March for Humanity in 2008 — the nation’s first mass children’s march against bullying. We’ve also connected with tens of thousands of kids and adults with a consistent message: every individual has an equal value and we all deserve respect. That’s been the theme with our acclaimed antibullying and teen driver safety programs … and with everything else we have done to date.

We thought you might enjoy a few of the photos we especially like after our first 17 years. Here they are, with a special shoutout to great photog Keith Spencer, who took some of these memorable shots. And here’s to another 17 years of work in the community by the Humanity Project! “Equality For Each, Respect For All!”


One Child's Call For Respect and Peace

As the new school year begins, we already can see that our 2022-23 Humanity Club kids are very special. You may recall that our Humanity Club is a signature Humanity Project program, bringing together handpicked student leaders for intensive training about respect, equality, diversity and self-worth — lessons they share with their peers.

At Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School, a young Humanity Club student has written a poem we thought you might like to see. Here it is, called “A World of Peace.” By Matthew Hines, 5th Grade.

If we showed respect to everyone in our schools

There would be no bullying problems

Of what we wear, and our hair, and our special abilities

Instead we greet others casually and treat them with respect

A school of peace, A world of peace

If we showed respect to everyone in our community

We will try to often have their back

If you see someone in distress don't sit back and watch

Try to help them move on with their day, don't leave them in a notch

A community of peace, a world of peace

If we showed worldwide respect

No terrorism or war

Talk it out with other leaders the correct thing to do

No violence or war is by any means necessary

Just do the right thing you know what to do

From the battlegrounds of Afghanistan

To the war in Ukraine

From the bombing of Pearl Harbor

From the terror of 9/11 Let there be peace

Because a world of peace is a beautiful world.

****

We find it hopeful that some young minds feel such feelings and think such thoughts, offering us all a much-needed injection of optimism about the future. We’re proud that the Humanity Project’s “Humanity Club” program is helping to shape and encourage children such as Matthew, who in turn teach their important lessons to fellow students. “Equality For Each, Respect For All” … that’s the Humanity Project.

Humanity Poems

Poetry surely is the highest and richest form of written human expression. In poems, language carries subtle connotations and references and suggestions, expanding the meaning even as poetry offers us fresh arrangements of words that move and inspire uniquely. And so we suggest that you explore a new book, “Songs of a Certain Humanity.” All royalties for the first full year will go to the Humanity Project.

The book was written by our founder, Bob Knotts, his 27th published book. It is a collection of 40 poems, 14 song lyrics and a dozen fables that he penned over a period of 25 years. Many of those poems and all of the fables focus on topics and values that form the foundation of the Humanity Project. We think you will find the anthology uplifting and moving — and surprising in some ways. You can buy “Songs of a Certain Humanity” at any bookseller. Here is a link to purchase it on Amazon: Check out the book’s Amazon page. The cost is just $12.99 hardcover, $5.99 paperback or $2.99 e-book. And this is the book at Barnes & Noble online.

The dedication in “Songs of a Certain Humanity” makes clear Bob’s intent in writing these diverse works over such a long time: “This book is dedicated to our common humanity, the core of goodness and inherent value within every person.” That idea sits at the center of his works here and in other writings such as his book, “Beyond Me: Dissecting Ego To Find The Innate Love At Humanity’s Core .” And it’s what this organization is all about, founded nearly 17 years ago.

We hope you’ll explore the poems, lyrics and fables in “Songs of a Certain Humanity.” Your purchase will go to help the Humanity Project promote “Equality For Each, Respect For All” — and perhaps inspire you to feel a little better about yourself and the human race as well.

How To Spread The Humanity Project Message

We’ll keep this short & sweet. Folks sometimes wonder, “How can I best explain to others what the Humanity Project is really about?” Here’s our suggestion for a good elevator speech, something you can say in 30 seconds to anyone who might be interested in our nonprofit:

“The Humanity Project believes no human being should ever have to prove their value. So the group offers a wide variety of programs that promote equality and self-worth or prevent disrespectful bullying behavior. All programs for kids and adults are free. And those programs are widely recognized for their innovative, effective lessons.”

Then perhaps refer them to our website here at www.thehumanityproject.com … We can take it from there.

If you’re a supporter of the Humanity Project, or even just a casual online follower, you can remember those few words to help connect us with others who may need our extensive resources. We want to get our values, our message and our programs to as many people as possible. And as you already know, word of mouth often is the best way to reach the public. We hope you’ll take opportunities that may come up in your daily life to tell friends, family or even strangers about the Humanity Project. In advance, we thank you!

Healing From Bad Parenting

Editor’s Note: From time to time, we publish original guest blogs on topics relevant to the mission of our nonprofit. This article was written exclusively for the Humanity Project by Rebecca Jenna, a freelance writer based in the United Kingdom.

By Rebecca Jenna

Child-actress turned podcast host Jennette McCurdy recently released a book titled I’m Glad My Mom Died – a compelling albeit controversial title. It's a perfect example of how bad parenting can have lasting effects well into adulthood. In her work, McCurdy talks about how her unstable, abusive and violent home life resulted in struggling with bulimia, alcohol dependency and her identity. Now McCurdy better understands the trauma she went through during her youth. And she more clearly understands how to recover.

Bad parenting can cause deep-rooted issues, but it's never too late to start the healing process. Though it takes a lot of soul-searching and help, you can certainly find the strength to grow from your past trials. These are just some of the ways you can cope as an adult with the effects of bad parenting in order to foster healing:

Let go

Human relationships are complex even when a connection is marred by trauma and negative thoughts. After being tied to your parents for so long, letting go of their influence can be hard. But it’s often necessary to heal from the trauma your parents caused. The Power of Letting Go tells us how life opens up more opportunities for positivity and happiness once we put our negative experiences behind us – something every person deserves. It doesn’t matter how much you still love your parents if your relationship causes you pain. To effectively gain a positive outlook on life and improve your self-worth, learn to let go of your toxic connections.

Be more open to your emotions

Being raised in a toxic environment can cause you to shut yourself off emotionally. However, bottling up your feelings will prevent the healing you need. As clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson explains in her book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, neglect and trauma as a child can lead adults to avoid intimacy and hinder them from becoming mature and responsible. This usually comes with low self-worth, resulting in emotional detachment from yourself and others. Being more open to feeling your emotions will allow you to change how you deal with your past, acknowledging that what happened was not your fault. Also by letting friends know what you’re truly feeling, you open yourself up to more positive experiences.

Seek therapy

Healing from bad parenting can be very difficult. Seeking the advice of a mental health professional often can be a big help since therapists possess the tools and skills to guide you in understanding how past experiences affected you. They'll also help you find healthier ways to cope. Very Well Mind explains how trauma-informed therapy can overcome trust issues, counter low self-worth and bring deeper closure. Professionals can show you how to stop blaming yourself for the bad parenting you received, allowing greater acceptance that you deserve to heal from the hurt.

Taking charge of your recovery is essential to heal from bad parenting. You also can help break the cycle through treating others with respect despite your trauma. Taking the Humanity Project “Pledge for Humanity” can serve as a starting point by making a commitment to behave respectfully toward every other human being in daily life. In recognizing the value of others, we necessarily must accept that we too have an intrinsic value.

What Do Kids Say?

The Humanity Project’s highly regarded “Humanity Club” program works with kids for extended periods, typically one or even two full school years with the same group. These young leaders of color then help teach their peers about values such as self-worth, respect for all people, equality. But what do the kids themselves think of their program?

After a full year at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, we asked Humanity Club members. Without prompting or advance warning, no preparation — these are their spontaneous and candid remarks. Take a listen to this brief but uplifting video. (With great thanks to Piper Spencer, Humanity Project Board Director and teacher at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School.)


A "Borrowed" Fundraiser

Something “Borrowed is coming to town — and it will benefit both the Humanity Project and our good friends at Neighbors 4 Neighbors. If you’re in South Florida, you may want to consider reserving a couple tickets soon.

The exciting new LGBTQ-themed play, “Borrowed,” opens next week, running from June 23 through July 17 at House of Games in Miami Ironside. The play is by Tony-winner Jim Kierstead, produced by Tony-winner (and Humanity Project Board Director) William Fernandez. A full 20% of your $50 ticket price will go to the Humanity Project and Neighbors 4 Neighbors. But ticket buyers MUST use this coded link when buying: https://www.borrowedtheplay.com/?cc=HumanityProject/N4N It will take you to the ticketing website for “Borrowed” and automatically apply 20% to our nonprofits. You won’t pay a cent extra but you’ll be helping two great nonprofits to do more of the work needed in our community.

We think you’ll find “Borrowed” a compelling new drama performed in a delightful Miami small theater. Again, just please remember to use that code when buying your tickets so Neighbors 4 Neighbors and the Humanity Project receive a donation from you. It’s a win-win: You experience a new play, we use part of your ticket price to help folks who need us. And it all begins in June, Pride Month. Happy Pride!

This website and all materials on it are copyrighted by the Humanity Project®.

(Fables and some music are copyrighted by the author, Robert Spencer Knotts.)

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