Inspiring Students Nationwide to End Social Isolation and Create Cultures of Belonging for Everyone.
Our Work
SEL Curriculum
Social Emotional Learning curriculum that wraps around the school year centered around three National Awareness Days. Designed by teachers for educators and SEL Influencers with middle school students in mind – easily adapted for elementary and high school students.
Youth Leadership
The Beyond Differences model is predicated on the notion that students influencing and being role models for their younger peers is not only an effective means of changing school culture, it’s also a natural and profoundly life-changing opportunity for youth themselves to tackle the issue of social isolation.
SEL Public Policy
We support the advancement of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Policy at the state level through involvement in Advancing SEL In California by engaging educators in generating solutions that advance SEL to meet the needs of the moment (COVID -19 pandemic + systematic racism) and are now taking action.
Professional Development
Innovative Educator Cohorts comprised of teachers and other SEL influencers. In partnership with mental health practitioners, experts in diversity, equity and inclusion, and Beyond Differences own in-house SEL professionals we provide educators educational workshops and coaching that support them.
(1994 – 2009)
Our Inspiration
Beyond Differences was created in memory of Lili Rachel Smith. She endured the pain of social isolation and feeling different.
Lili is the heart and guiding light of the organization.
Recent Posts
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....
We Dine Together
Supporting students at all middle schools to create a culture of belonging for everyone. On November 15, 2018, Beyond Differences and San Francisco Bay Area’s top-tier restaurants are coming together for the third annual We Dine Together event. Proceeds from each...
Is TBH Safe for My Teen?
November App Alert: This month’ App Alert looks at tbh, an anonymous teen compliment app for iPhone users available at the App Store. Designed with bullying prevention in mind, tbh claims to be “the only anonymous app with positive vibes.” BASIC INFO...
National Awareness Days
Join us by celebrating Beyond Differences’ three National Awareness Days that promote Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), help to end social isolation and create a culture of inclusion at your school! Reserve 2021 resources to conduct these programs at your school now.
Know Your Classmates™ Day
Designed to explore youth identity and belonging + help students embrace diversity, and help students speak honestly about their feelings. Now includes teen created lessons on How to be An Ally, Diverse Expressions of Gender, Recognizing Bias, and Anti Racism + National Stand Up for Asian American Youth Campaign materials. (FALL)
No One Eats Alone® Day
Be Kind Online™ Day
Focused on creating inclusive communities online and ending social isolation in digital spaces. Students learn how to stand up to hateful behaviors, positive and negative aspects of screen time, social media’s effect on emotions and how to regulate those feelings, how to build self-confidence online and how to build your future online. (SPRING)
