Michigan Association of School Boards Annual Leadership Conference – Creating a Culture of Dignity

Treating people with dignity matters. But creating a culture of dignity must go beyond slogans, posters, and programs that don’t have real-life applications or only exist briefly and then disappear.  What is needed is a principle-based approach that gives people structure and flexibility to turn common social challenges that often exacerbate tensions between us into teachable moments where everyone’s dignity is affirmed. Moments that create a sense of belonging for everyone. With this as a foundation, adults and young people can learn skills to understand emotions, manage conflicts, create appropriate boundaries, and effectively advocate for themselves. This environment creates strong, supportive relationships where adults, children, and communities thrive.

Topics covered:

How to apply a principles-based approach
Differentiating respect and dignity to transform relationships
Using social and emotional learning to build group cohesion
Identifying dynamics that lead to social conflict
Repairing and strengthening relationships after conflict or making assumptions
Demonstrating ethical authority

Hosted by Rosalind Wiseman