Our approach
We give voice to young people’s experiences and support educators so they can better understand how the social and emotional complexities of adolescence impact young people’s academic engagement, social competency, and well-being.
We believe in building a culture of dignity for all people.
By integrating a principles-based approach to social-emotional learning (SEL) we can develop essential concepts that shift thinking and contribute to creating cultures of dignity. Principles distill what we want to create or become into a set of behavioral guidelines. In other words, principles are an intentional way of creating culture.
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Cultures of Dignity is for educators and administrators who are building a culture of belonging.
We provide consulting and content support that centers on the research-informed elements of dignity.
Unlike “yet another program” layered on top of an already over-full plate, our approach integrates refining and building healthy relationships into the fabric of existing school systems to positively transform learning environments.
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Principles are basic ideas or beliefs that can guide reasoning and behavior. What exactly is a Culture of Dignity? It is defined by principles guiding behavior, not just rules limiting what we can and can’t do.
Ethical principle: Commit to treating ourselves and others with dignity
Don’t relate, validate
Seek to align positive intent with impact
No one knows everything; together we know a lot
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
Listening is being prepared to be changed by what you hear
Remember who isn’t in the room
Be easy on people, hard on ideas
Hold grace and space even when you don't want to
Conflict is inevitable
Look for opportunities for inclusion
The past is prologue to the present
Take responsibility to support, nurture, teach, and inspire each other
Seek truth and authenticity
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We think a lot about making words matter. These words are the foundation for our work:
CULTURE: The dictionary defines culture as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. We define it as everything we know but have never been taught.
DIGNITY: The Latin word dignitas means “to be worthy.” Dignity is a given. All people have the inherent right to be treated with an essential value and treated ethically.
RESPECT: From the Latin word Respectus, meaning “to look back (at)” Respect is earned. It is showing admiration and deference to someone because of their abilities, qualities, and/or achievements.
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These competencies represent the collective knowledge, abilities, and strategic advantages contributing to the overall effectiveness and success CoD.
Dignity
Dignity is the understanding that every person has inherent, inalienable worth. Treating interactions between every person as worthwhile and meaningful defines the rest of the SEL process.
Navigating Social Dynamics
Navigating Social Dynamics is the ability to recognize and work within the web of relationships present in a community. In a school setting, this can include teacher-student dynamics, grade differences, classmates, and specific friend groups or cliques. SEL helps people establish their own identity and role within the larger structure of their community without being intimidated or rejected.
Emotional Awareness
Emotional Awareness is the ability to identify and understand emotions within themselves and within others that they interact with. At a basic level, SEL allows you to gain the emotional awareness needed to identify and name your own emotions, and as they grow, allows them to be able to anticipate how others might feel in a certain situation or after a certain interaction.
Self-regulation
Self-Regulation is the ability to manage feelings and behaviors in order to feel better about yourself and others. Examples include the ability to calm down while feeling angry or excited or being able to cope and not shut down in the face of sadness or fear.
Reasonable Expectations
Expectations can be a great way to set goals that may not be easy to attain. At the same time, setting unattainable expectations may lead to stress and anxiety, and worsen mental health. Understanding how to set boundaries through reasonable expectations can help you stay on track with goals, while also avoiding disappointment and a lower self-worth.
