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!

#respectontheroads

We’re on a campaign here at the Humanity Project. “Equality For Each, Respect For All!” And we strongly believe that in our distracted high-speed world those important values must include something we call “respect on the roads.” This means showing respect for the lives of other motorists, our passengers and ourselves whenever behind the wheel of an automobile. Because, truly, when is respect among human beings more immediately urgent than when we’re traveling on highways at 70 mph?

We’ve just created a cool new video about #respectontheroads — young kids asking all adults to drive more safely. Research shows children can influence the driving behavior of parents and other grownups if kids learn when and how to speak up. We believe this video speaks loudly to adults who drive. And we’ve just added it to our State-Farm sponsored website for parents of teen drivers, www.thp4parents.com. Check out the video on the homepage by scrolling down a bit … and then maybe also take the online safe driving course while you’re there. It’s quick and it’s fun. As always, a huge thank you to our friends and longtime major sponsor, State Farm … We can’t do it without you!

Tragic Recipe For School Shootings

Editor's Note: This blog was originally posted on our website on February 15, 2018 -- one day after the massacre at a Parkland, Florida high school. We are reposting it one day after the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. And we are saddened by the need to offer these thoughts yet again ... They remain sadly relevant.

by Bob Knotts, Founder & President

Yesterday one of the worst mass school shootings in U.S. history happened in the school district where the Humanity Project works, day in and day out. Here in Broward County, Florida, at least 17 people were killed by a disturbed young man. I know this school -- only two years ago, I was there as part of a panel for parents about teen suicide. So today, as we look for answers to school violence, I must offer these personal thoughts.

Look around carefully and reflect on what is in front of our eyes. School shootings can’t be stopped with any quick fix. Liberals want strict gun control. Yes, it’s needed. Yes, it will prevent some deaths by guns. Conservatives call for mental health measures – and yes, better treatments are much needed. But for me, the real problems are embedded in a culture that has long celebrated anti-intellectualism and violence as a solution. Consider the recipe:

We begin with a broth of ignorance as virtue. Our culture, unlike most other modern societies, has long celebrated the John Wayne attitude toward problems: “Hit first, shoot first … ask questions later. But not very deep questions. Afterall, he had it coming.” Many Americans regard intelligent thought suspiciously, nuance as confusing, facts as fluid. Don’t muddy the waters with information that withstands critical thinking. Just do it. Punch the bully back in the face. Shoot the home intruder dead. Elect an unqualified person because he acts tough; he’ll fix things. This is America – and ignorance is our birthright. Step one in the recipe to cultural violence.

Stir in an oversized portion of isolation. Social media doesn’t bring us together. It isolates us. We live with the illusion that Facebook brings connection and Twitter transmits knowledge. They do the opposite. So people resort to treating their dogs like children and their cats like spouses. We are alone and lonely. For the youthful screen-obsessed generations, this has greatly diluted their ability to communicate with people intelligently, if at all. Their noses are buried in trivia backlit by an Apple cellphone. This isolation has changed the culture, much for the worse. For too many reasons to offer here. But for troubled minds, the isolation from humanity and the access to warped points of view and anonymous self-expressions of hate can push some toward violence.

Season with celebrations of ultra-violence. America always has celebrated violence. But not in the way we do today. Kids spend hours daily glued to video games that show shockingly real depictions of explosions, gun deaths and worse. These are portrayed to young minds as cool. Just as bad, so many of our major stars portray action heroes who live and die by the John Wayne mentality: “Shoot first. Don’t think. Violence always is the solution.” How can we convince children that bullying isn’t cool and that respect is cool … when all they admire shows the opposite? Being big and bad and tough, that’s cool according to Hollywood. Every time any one of us buys a ticket to see the latest shoot-em-up by The Rock or Tom Cruise or Charlize Theron we contribute to the problem. Action films make big bucks: therefore action films get made and promoted. To a troubled kid, real violence looks like glory.

Sprinkle with sloppiness, laziness and ineptitude. American society encourages parenting that is about shallow achievements rather than healthy growth. Parents take their kids to every known form of lesson, training and camp – and spend time working on a child’s soccer technique instead of helping them understand what it is to be a human being. Kids need time, space. They need to play and pretend. What child do you know who gets these things in proper proportion? Parents in this country are horrendous at parenting. Schools aren’t much better, though many try. They’re driven by pointless testing rather than real knowledge, by rote learning rather than deep curiosity. No time for anti-bullying programs, no support for training in meditation or projects that teach respect for all people. Because, hey, our school needs to earn a better grade during state testing. Adult attitudes and adult behavior toward kids contribute to violence by those kids who suffer deeper problems.

Finally, mix vigorously with lack of compassion. This is related to our ignorance as virtue, but actually cuts even deeper. Americans are not taught compassion or empathy. We’re taught to be wary of these virtues, replacing them with the judgmental and hard-hearted. As a result, we can’t understand why a kid would take a rifle and kill 17 innocent people. The answer is because that kid isn’t you. Or me. He grew up with very different parents and siblings and experiences. He learned very different values and beliefs. Even his genes are different. Yes, of course you can watch The Rock for 2 hours at the multiplex without being inspired to violence. Because you’re you, with all your relatively stable life experiences. To the troubled kid, the movie means something different. Americans, many people in general, suffer from the delusion that the way a fairly normal person feels about something is the way everyone feels. It isn’t. And for some, the movie and the video game and the culture of violence, the isolation and shallowness slice to their core – and then one day it all explodes suddenly to everyone’s great surprise.

In the end, we need to learn to be human. Humanity is a species of soaring qualities, mostly untapped. Until we accept this idea and work toward the fulfillment of our humanity, the past is mere prologue … and the next shooting is only just around the block.

Speakers Bureau Is A Hit

We’re off to a great start … with big thanks to our wonderful Board of Directors member, Mandi Hawke — and our friends at Neighbors 4 Neighbors. The new Humanity Project Speakers Bureau gave our first talk in late May. Mandi was the guest of El Dorado Furniture in Miami, with about 35 of their employees attending the lunchtime session. Here’s how Mandi herself described it in a Facebook post:

“I am honored to serve on the board of @thehumanityproject 🥰. As part of our speakers bureau I had the privilege of presenting on ‘spiritual and personal growth recovering through the pandemic’ to about 35 employees at El Dorado furniture. I was blown away by the engagement and active participation. We spoke about our human need for deep connection, how to validate others suffering, as well as the importance of validating our own suffering. We shared different coping skills that work for us and talked about how good non judgmental listening feels. That was a great day...”

Mandi was too modest to also explain that the folks at El Dorado told her she was one of their best speakers … in the past 22 years! Bravo, Mandi! This talk was set up through our ongoing partnership with Neighbors 4 Neighbors, a respected South Florida nonprofit that works closely with CBS Miami to promote other significant nonprofit organizations. Recently, Neighbors 4 Neighbors featured the Humanity Project, creating PSAs about us that played on TV. See an example here.

Our Speakers Bureau offers a wide range of topics and accomplished speakers drawn mainly from our Board of Directors. You’ll find authors, a university professor, teachers, journalists — even a Tony-winning Broadway producer. We’ll take our talks to you in person or virtually within South Florida. Or anywhere in the world over the internet. Take a look and contact us soon. As you can tell, we have a message worth sharing.

Nordic Prime Ministers Offer Serious Peace Plan

The Humanity Project finds this an extraordinary document, offered on April 28, 2022 by the five prime ministers of the Nordic countries. (Four of them are women.) It is a serious proposal for peace in Ukraine -- and a sustained world peace. We hope you will read it … and share it widely.

By Nobel Peace Prize Watch, April 28, 2022

https://worldbeyondwar.org/a-nordic-initiative-for-peace.../

Honorable Prime Ministers of the five Nordic countries, Magdalena Anderson, Mette Frederiksen, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Sanna Marin, and Jonas Gahr Støre

The war in Ukraine once again shows that the world is like a city with brutal gangs constantly roaming the streets, looting and fighting with loads of heavy weapons. No one will ever feel safe in such a city. The same applies at the international level. No amount of weaponry can make us safe. No country will be safe until also neighboring countries can feel safe. The present international system is broken, to avoid future wars we need deep reforms.

Once again, now in Ukraine, we have seen that arms cannot prevent war. We should not, in the present state of shock, expand or prolong the militarist traditions that guarantee eternal war and, in the nuclear age, a constant risk of annihilation. Our recommendation is that the five Nordic countries together take an initiative to activate the UN goals of global democracy and collective security. In a renewed UN, the member nations should act in loyal co-operation and take their charter obligations seriously. A most promising step here was yesterday´s resolution in the General Assembly curbing the Security Council veto.

A way out of stalled negotiations can be a major shift of perspective or arena. Mindful that Mikhail Gorbachev called for a disarmament race, and Vladimir Putin has repeatedly proposed a law-based international order, it seems to us that an end to the Ukraine war might be reached by making it part of ending the wider, geopolitical war between the US and Russia.

Fear of US expansion does, of course, not justify Russia´s attack on Ukraine. And yet, it is troubling that the US, with a 40% share of the world’s military budgets and 97% of the military bases abroad, seems to be seeking more influence. The Nordic countries should carefully consider whether four US bases (Norway), NATO membership (Finland, Sweden), further arms purchases (all), will improve their security. Only a year ago the outgoing US president released an attack on Congress. The US power of coercive diplomacy is waning. It is imperative to take the time necessary to thoroughly evaluate the developing world situation and the legitimacy and dangers of taking irreversible steps to increase US power.

Facing a stream of global crises, humanity can no longer afford wars. We need to cooperate, build solidarity and trust with effective, common enforcement of international law. Instead of complicity in future war crimes, how much more tempting must it not be to instead engineer a Nordic initiative to realize the collective security provisions of the UN Charter?

The Nordic countries enjoy trust and credibility in the world. They are particularly well positioned for an initiative to empower the Security Council and enable it to fulfil its responsibility for maintaining peace. This will require nations to transfer a part of their sovereignty, which Norway and Denmark already have prepared for.* Instead of more NATO, the world urgently needs to unite across all borders, ethnic and religious divisions, political and economic systems, to rebuild, empower and recommit to the United Nations, build peace, and reallocate the expenditures for war to serve the needs of people and nature.

With reverent greetings

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WATCH

Fredrik S. Heffermehl, Oslo

We agree in the essence and would welcome a Nordic peace initiative:

Richard Falk, Santa Barbara

Bruce Kent, London

Tomas Magnusson, Gothenburg

Mairead Maguire, Belfast

Klaus Schlichtmann, Tokyo

Hans Christof von Sponeck,

David Swanson, Virginia

Jan Öberg, Lund

Alfred de Zayas, Geneva

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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