National Programs
National Programs
Build Belonging with our National Programs – it’s FREE all year round.
This year our Days of Action will be held on the following dates:
Know Your Classmates – October 11, 2024
No One Eats Alone – February 14, 2025
Be Kind Online – April 11, 2025.
Click Here to register!
Why Beyond Differences?
Positive Prevention Program
With pervasive bullying and an epidemic of loneliness following the pandemic, our programs combat these issues by cultivating positive well-being in our youth.
Accessible
Our programs are free and easy to implement, with minimal materials needed.
By Youth, for Youth
Our impactful and engaging programs are co-created with our National Teen board Members.
Culture Building
Schools report stronger communities and empathy thanks to our program
Reach
- Empowering over 10,200 schools and counting through our transformative programs since 2013.
- Our programs have been used across all 50 states, US territories, and internationally (Australia, Canada,China, Spain, etc.).
- Bringing belonging to 5 million students.
Equity
- 64% of our schools that participated in NOEA 2023 were Title 1 schools.
- Many educators have adapted our resources to cultivate belonging in their classrooms, after-school clubs, and counseling sessions.
No One Eats Alone Day
February 14, 2025
Funded by:
National No One Eats Alone Day® fights social isolation with student-led connection activities & lessons. Top-rated by the U.S. Surgeon General! Theme to be announced in September 2024.
Visit No One Eats Alone Day to learn more.
What educators get for FREE after registering
- Three lesson plans on recognizing emotions, understanding social isolation, and fostering social connections
- A student leadership guide on how to run a NOEA Day
- A Belonging Box containing supplies to run NOEA Day activities
- Invitation to attend a NOEA Day Workshop Date TBD
- Student-facing materials available in Spanish
Know Your Classmates Day
October 11, 2024
The Know Your Classmates® program is our back-to-school program designed to foster new connections and break down barriers.
Our 2024 theme is Tell Your Story, Know your Classmates, harnessing the power of your voice and listening to foster authentic conversations with others.
History of Know Your Classmates
- KYC was modeled after President Obama’s Know Your Neighbors initiative and launched in 2016 to combat the rise of hateful language and bullying against Muslim-American children.
- We expanded our program with Stand Up for AAPI Youth in 2020 to address the startling increase in anti-Asian sentiment during COVID that was impacting youth and their families across the country.
What educators get for FREE after registering
- Three lesson plans on identity, building belonging, and activating agency
- Invitation to attend a KYC Day Workshop Date TBD
- A digital student leader guide on how to run KYC Day
Be Kind Online Day
April 11, 2025
Be Kind Online® is designed to ensure all youth learn to navigate virtual spaces, with the goal of setting healthy boundaries and learning positive online behaviors to prevent social isolation for themselves and others.
History of Be Kind Online
With the rise in social media usage over the years, BKO was created as a response to combat the isolation and harmful impacts that these platforms may cause. The program was designed for youth to thoughtfully reflect on their social media use and encourage positive mental health.
What educators get for FREE after registering
- Lesson materials such as videos from National Teen Board members with advice on navigating body image issues from social media
- Various discussion points and reflection activities designed to help students evaluate their own relationship with social media
- A digital student leader guide on how to run a BKO Day
Need help planning Be Kind Online Day?
- Have questions? Schedule a meeting.
- Register for our How to Be Kind Online Workshop on May 1st.
Testimonials
“Every year I do the lessons, I learn something new or it works differently for does students so I appreciate all the resources and being able to modify it to my students.” – Counselor, New York City
“That is amazing! I found this website a couple of weeks ago when I was doing research for a group I am running and for our students from Ukraine that came here. They are really struggling and I sent over the information to our district from your website for FIRE. This is a very small district and unfortunately, they have had some negative experiences here so far. We are trying to change the culture here and my co-counselor and principal are really interested in this!” – April, Counselor in Washington State
“I absolutely loved the hands-on piece. We had all students who attended come together to create this beautiful mural – most students became friends with others they’d never thought to speak to before this day.”- Portland Educator about the KYC Program
GET INVOLVED
Contribute to belonging with Beyond Differences. Our programs are provided at no cost thanks to generous donors like you, which is a huge relief to the educators and students that use our programs.
