Our Mission

Inspire students at all middle schools nationwide to end social isolation and create a culture of belonging for everyone.

Three unique things about Beyond Differences

We are a student-led organization. We believe that change can only be true and lasting if the agents of that change are youth themselves.

We are the only organization singularly focused on ending social isolation. Social isolation is often the precondition to the bullying, teasing and violence that occur too often in our schools and communities. By focusing on social isolation, Beyond Differences helps prevent bullying and teasing instead of reacting to it.

We grew out of the experience of a child. Lili Rachel Smith—the heart and guiding light of Beyond Differences—went through the pain of social isolation. She was determined to keep searching until she could find her place in the world. Thankfully, she found that place at Scattergood Friends School in West Branch, Iowa, before she passed away at the age of fifteen in her sleep. We created Beyond Differences in Lili’s honor and memory.

Invest in Beyond Differences

Today we know that middle school may be the worst time of life for socially isolated students. But there is positive news! Beyond Differences has spearheaded the movement to end social isolation and change the worldview of this issue. Read the 2020 Investment Prospectus to learn about our impact.