HAPPENING NOW
Beyond Differences is Featured in Better Magazine
Better Magazine is a lifestyle publication that focuses on creating positive connections that inspires readers to live a greater purpose. In their article, “Mental Health and Kids: How Parents Can Recognize Anxiety and Depression Signs in Children” by Donna Berry...
New Development Consultant Brings Experience and Empathy to her Role
Anyone who knew Amy Hayes when she was growing up in Nashville would characterize her as outgoing and an extrovert. They also would say she was sensitive with regards to other people’s feelings and tuned in to children who didn’t always fit in. “Even as a child, I was...
Hello Friendship: The Perfect Cookie is Meant to be Shared
Our Hello Friendship initiative inspires friendships but requires a secret ingredient: YOU! Inspiring friendships, disrupting social isolation, and creating cultures of belonging - these are the fundamental ingredients that make up the Beyond Differences mission. We...
Weaving the Invisible Fabric of Connectedness
“He yelled hate at me and my grandma and no one did anything. I have to ride that bus tomorrow. My mom tells me to be safe, but how am I supposed to NOT be Asian?” The young man’s tearful rage made the Zoom classroom fall silent. As I looked out at my students,...
We Must Prioritize Collaboration and Community
As I get ready to jump into this school year and finalize content for Beyond Differences National Educator Cohorts, I reflect on a social and emotional learning (SEL) workshop Beyond Differences hosted in partnership with Marin County Office of Education for 5th-...
Depression and Anxiety On the Rise in Youth and Teens During COVID — Experts Say Adolescents Need Connection to Thrive in School
This week, JAMA Pediatrics released a review of 29 studies from around the world that shows a 25 percent spike in anxiety depression and 20 percent rise in anxiety for children and teens since the pandemic began. The meta-analysis included more than...
Lonely at Lunch
Guest Author: Lucy HaysBeyond Differences Teen Board Member Every day in middle school I would eat lunch with my group of friends. In the earlier, sunnier part of the school year, we would eat in the courtyard. One day, I was sitting with our other friends, eating my...
Social Isolation in Bay Area Schools
Guest Author: Danika Clifford Beyond Differences Teen Board Leader Have you ever noticed how many kids sit alone at lunch or walk by themselves between classes, while other groups of kids happily walk around flaunting their connections and friendships? Why do kids...
Is Your Kid’s Smartphone making them Unhappy?
Today’s teenagers average over 6.5 hours per day of screen time. Being connected is literally a full-time job for them, possibly explaining why the number of teens holding a part-time job has dropped dramatically. They have more leisure time and 24/7 social access....
Beyond Differences Portland
The 2018-2019 school year marks Beyond Differences third year of programming in Portland, OR. We started off this school year with six Portland Teen Board members going to the Bay Area to participate in the CA Teen Board Retreat....