Dignity and Respect Campaign

Announcing the 2011 Dignity & Respect Champion: Dr. Maya Angelou

2012-02-06T10:02:00.001-05:00

The Dignity & Respect Campaign is proud to announce Dr. Maya Angelou as the first annual Dignity & Respect Champion. Dr. Angelou -- celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist -- is recognized for her lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for all to live.

Candi Castleberry-Singleton, founder and chair of the Dignity & Respect Campaign, presented the Dignity & Respect Champion award to Dr. Angelou at her home in North Carolina.

"Maya Angelou has demonstrated unshakable faith and a commitment to the values of family, community, and culture throughout her life. Whether as a cable car conductor, a waitress and cook, a dancer with the Alvin Ailey company, an editor of an English Language paper in Egypt, a coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a Pulitzer Prize nominee, or a Presidential Medal of Arts winner, Dr. Angelou values all members of the human family," said Ms. Castleberry-Singleton. "She exemplifies the characteristics of a Dignity & Respect Champion."

During their time together, Dr. Angelou's brilliance filled the room as she reflected on four themes:

· The meaning of dignity and respect

· Living with dignity and respect

· The human condition

· Courage

We invite you to view videos of Dr. Angelou's comments to Ms. Castleberry-Singleton, available at dignityandrespect.org.

Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award!

February is African American History Month

2012-02-03T09:41:00.001-05:00

Happy African American History Month! This month, we invite you to take time to reflect on African American history, achievements, and the importance of supporting Dignity & Respect for everyone.

If you are a teacher, the Library of Congress has several premade lessons you can share with your classroom. Check out these free resources here: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/teachers.html

Or simply educate yourself and read more about the history of this holiday here: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about.html

Let us all continue to create a legacy of Dignity & Respect for all!

Be a Coach!

2012-01-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

Are you a coach or would you like to become a coach? Coaching a local kids’ sport or intramural team is a great way to give back to your community while having a personal impact on the lives of young people. Here are some tips to get you started courtesy of http://thesportsfamilyclub.com/:

1. Be Positive! When you provide criticism, put something positive with it. Say a baseball player missed a grounder. Example: "Nice effort on that grounder Billy, next time remember to get your glove all the way to the ground. Good Job!" Sandwich constructive criticism with positive re-enforcement.
2. Make it Fun! As a coach, you must make the game fun! That does not mean that there is no discipline and no goal of winning. It means you have fun while teaching them a game with discipline included and a goal of winning. Handle wins and losses in a respectful manner. We're talking about children, not professionals, so keep it light but organized.
3. Goals and Expectations! Talk to your players at the beginning of the season; ask them what THEIR goals and expectations are. Emphasize their goals are not necessarily their parents, and not yours either. Ask each player to write down their goals and bring them to practice. Give examples such as: become a better power hitter; improve my fielding; become a better blocker or tackler; improve my free throws. Encourage them to stay away from statistical goals such as: hit 20 home runs; score 12 touchdowns; score 20 points in a game. Review their goals with them on an individual basis throughout the course of the season.
4. You are the Coach! Make sure they understand that they are there to learn a game and you're going to help them become better players. They MUST pay attention when you are demonstrating drills and limit the goofing off. A simple warning, then a lap around the field if they didn't respond to your warning usually works. There is no need to raise your voice or embarrass the player.
5. The Three R's! Teach your players The Three R's. RESPECT the game (including coaches and officials) ; RESPECT their team mates, and RESPECT their parents. Share this with parents and expect the same from them. They need to remember they are an example for their children. Yelling negatively at the official, the other team or their child does not show RESPECT.

Find the full list of tips here: http://thesportsfamilyclub.com/coaches-overview/coaching-philosophy along with great advice on how to get your coaching mentorship started!

Silk Screen and the Children’s Museum Celebrate Chinese New Year

2012-01-30T09:58:00.001-05:00

Join us for a Chinese New Year Celebration while promoting Dignity & Respect!

If you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area, why not join Silk Screen: Asian Arts and Cultural Organization at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for a Chinese New Year event. For its fourth year, The Silk Screen joins with The Steel Dragon School and Mimi Jong on Sunday, February 12 at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to ring in the Chinese New Year. At 1:00 pm, Mimi Jong will play the erhu, a native Chinese stringed instrument. At 3:00 pm, The Steel Dragon Lion Dance Team will perform a traditional dance followed by a parade through the Museum for the attendees to join. The Silk Screen will invite visitors to its craft activity table to learn Chinese calligraphy and create traditional Chinese crafts related to the Year of the Dragon.

Gather the whole family to welcome in a New Year of good fortune and happiness.

Event Details:

Chinese New Year Celebration - Sunday February 12, 12:00 – 4:00pm at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Mimi Jong – 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Steel Dragon Lion Dance Team – 3:00 pm performance, 3:15 pm parade

Silk Screen Art Activities - 12:00-4:00 pm

Admission Prices – $11 for children 2 - 18 and senior citizens, $12 for adults. Children under two are free

All program and events are free with Museum admission unless otherwise indicated.

Parking: $3 for members, $5 for non-members. On-street metered parking is also available.

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provides a unique learning experience for all ages. Their inventive exhibits and programs encourage exploration, creativity, and play. It is located at 10 Children's Way, Allegheny Square on Pittsburgh's historic North Side - just one block from the National Aviary and one mile from Carnegie Science Center and Heinz Field. For more information, please call (412) 322-5058 or visit http://www.pghkids.org/

The Steel Dragon Lion Dance Team is based at the Gong Lung (Steel Dragon) School in Lawrenceville. Chris Young, instructor at Gong Lung, also offers training in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, drumming, tumbling, and conditioning in the promotion of health, self-defense, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Visit http://www.steel-dragon.org/ for more information.

Silk Screen is a 501C3 arts and culture organization, whose mission is to promote diversity and cross-cultural understanding of Asia through film, music, art and dance. Silk Screen was founded by Harish Saluja, an artist, engineer, and the host of WDUQ’s program “Music from India.”

Come Celebrate with us!

Mentoring Spotlight: the YMCA

2012-01-26T10:09:00.001-05:00

Mentoring is an easy way to make a real difference in the life of a child. This month, we are spotlighting various mentoring organizations in order to encourage everyone to share their knowledge and love to instill Dignity & Respect in the next generation.

This month, in honor of Mentoring Month, YMCAs across the country are recruiting for their Building Futures Mentoring Program.

Our Building Futures Mentoring Program is one of our most rewarding services, and we are always in need of trained mentor volunteers.

We have so many great kids, ages 6 to 18 in your community, who are at risk due to low self-esteem, social isolation, family problems, etc.,—who just need a friend, a role model, a hero. A person who can spend a little time sharing interests, listening and ultimately raising a child’s self-confidence and outlook on life. You would be amazed at what an afternoon at the ball game or a trip to the park can do for a child in need of adult companionship and guidance.

Learn more about a YMCA program near you here: http://www.ymca.net/be-involved/

Mentoring Spotlight: Junior Achievement

2012-01-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

This week we are showcasing Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to developing career readiness and a healthy work ethic in young people, as well as encouraging enthusiasm about entrepreneurship.

Junior Achievement programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.

JA’s unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver our curriculum while sharing their experiences with students. Embodying the heart of JA, our 382,637 classroom volunteers transform the key concepts of our lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world.

If you would like to learn more, check out their site here: http://www.ja.org

MLK Day of Service!

2012-01-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

Martin Luther King Day is today! Why not join the national movement to use this day as a National Day of Service! Don’t know where to start? Here are some helpful resources courtesy of http://mlkday.gov:

UPMC is hosting a MLK Day of Service today to be held at The Education Partnership (281 Corliss Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15220). Teachers from our 14 participating schools are scheduled to visit The Education Partnership facility during the last two weeks in January to pick up approximately $400 of school and classroom supplies - at no cost. Volunteers will stock the Resource Center full of school supplies. Supplies support schools where 70% of the students are on the National School Lunch Program (free or reduced lunch).

To learn more, please contact the UPMC Center for Inclusion at 412-864-3582 for more information or email inclusion@upmc.edu.

Mentoring Spotlight: Big Brothers, Big Sisters

2012-01-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

Mentoring is a simple way to make a formative impact on a child. This month, we are spotlighting various mentoring organizations in order to encourage everyone to share their knowledge and love to instill Dignity & Respect in the next generation.

This week, we are showcasing Big Brothers, Big Sisters. For more than 100 years, this organizations has matched children to mentors that have encouraged their charges to grow and thrive:

“Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.
Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy it even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.”

If you would like to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can find more information about programs in your area here: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962345/k.E123/Volunteer_to_start_something.htm

Greater Pittsburgh Dignity & Respect Champions for December: Ranny and Jay Ferguson

2012-01-09T01:18:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Ranny and Jay Ferguson, this month’s Dignity & Respect Champions! Both strong advocates for the community, Ranny and Jay Ferguson work tirelessly to spread the notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect. They believe that an individual must value themselves in order to value others.

In November, Jay became chairman of Fifth Third Bank of western Pennsylvania, where for eight years he served as president of the western Pennsylvania market. In addition, Jay currently serves on the boards of directors of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children and UPMC St. Margaret Memorial Hospital, where he is vice chairman and treasurer of the Hospital's foundation.

Ranny retired after teaching at the University of Pittsburgh and The Ellis School, and is now a full-time community advocate. She volunteers with many organizations such as the Race for the Cure, The Children's Home of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, among others.

National Mentoring Month

2012-01-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

January is National Mentoring Month! This month, we invite our friends and supporters to join us in celebrating mentoring as well as the mentors that shaped us into champions of Dignity & Respect. Please share your stories of how you have witnessed mentoring improving the lives of young people around you. Or feel free to share your story of how a mentor helped you become the person you are today. A mentor can be a teacher, a colleague, even a parent or a friend. We want to hear from you, so join us as we celebrate mentors everywhere!

And if you are looking for other ways to help celebrate this month, check out these ideas courtesy of nationalmentoringmonth.org:

1. Become a mentor in your community.
2. Tell five friends about National Mentoring Month.
3. Think about the mentors in your life and post a tribute to them online
4. Go to YouTube on Thank Your Mentor Day (January 26^th) and post a video
5. Research and learn more about the role mentoring has to help children succeed academically

Read the whole list of ideas here: http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/

Make a Resolution to Spread Dignity & Respect All Year Long!

2012-01-05T09:41:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to you and your family! Are you trying to motivate yourself to change your life? Are you going to make a greater effort this year to practice the Tips and spread Dignity & Respect? If you are making a resolution this year, you might find it difficult to keep as the year progresses. Here are some great tips to keep you on the straight and narrow path all year long:

1. Create a Plan
Setting a goal without formulating a plan is merely wishful thinking. In order for your resolution to have resolve, (as the word "resolution" implies), it must translate into clear steps that can be put into action. A good plan will tell you A) What to do next and B) What are all of the steps required to complete the goal.
2. Create Your Plan IMMEDIATELY
If you're like most people, then you'll have a limited window of opportunity during the first few days of January to harness your motivation. After that, most people forget their resolutions completely.

3. Write Down Your Resolution and Plan
… commit your resolution and plan to writing someplace, such as a notebook or journal.

4. Think "Year Round," Not Just New Year's
Nothing big gets accomplished in one day. Resolutions are set in one day, but accomplished with a hundred tiny steps that happen throughout the year. New Year's resolutions should be nothing more than a starting point. You must develop a ritual or habit for revisiting your plan.

Check out the full article with even more tips here: http://www.mygoals.com/about/NewYearsTips.html

Lend A Hand All Year Long

2011-12-31T13:05:00.001-05:00

The holiday season may be drawing to a close, but that shouldn’t curb our desire to Lend A Hand. Keep giving back all year long.

Make a New Year’s Resolution to support Dignity & Respect. Sign our petition and follow the tips! Then support Dignity & Respect by volunteering your time, donating food, clothes or funds, or just by helping out a friend or neighbor in need.

Lend A Hand this holiday season and make sure everyone is treated with Dignity & Respect. And if you have a charitable organization that you would like to spotlight, share it with us on our Facebook wall!

Season’s greetings and Happy New Year!

Lend A Hand this Holiday Season: Spotlight on Amnesty International

2011-12-29T09:23:00.001-05:00

It’s not too late to give back this December . Lend A Hand this season! Amnesty International makes it easy for anyone to help spread Dignity & Respect to all people around the world. Whether you can volunteer, donate, or just sign a petition, you can make a big impact in the lives of every human being:

Whether you have 5 minutes or more time to spare we've got a way for you to make a mark in this world.

Our strength lies in collective action. With over 3 million Amnesty members and supporters, we help individuals around the world whose human rights are being violated.
Here are 10 ways you can make a difference:
1. Take action right now! With so many issues happening all around the world, sign a petition on one of the many human rights issues facing our communities around the world.
2. Attend an event. Events are a great way to get to educate yourself and others about human rights and meet other like minded people in your community who want to take action together.
3. Become a member. We are a movement of people. Each time a new person joins, Amnesty’s light shines brighter on the injustices occurring at different places around the world. Join today.
4. Donate. Your gift helps keep our movement free from corporate influence and independent from government agendas. Donate now!
5. Volunteer. Our network of volunteers have the chance to try almost anything—from phone banking, writing letters and organizing a group to responding to a crisis, leading a lobby effort or carrying out our campaigns—we invite you to explore the diverse volunteer opportunities available to you around the country.
6. Join a Group. Together, the members of our groups take action, reach out to new communities and educate the public about how they can make human rights a reality for all.
7. Follow a Campaign. Are you passionate about a certain issue? Join a network of activists around the country who are using campaigns to teach communities about torture, abolition of the death penalty, ending poverty and more.
8. Shop for a Cause. At our online store you can shop t-shirts and a variety of gifts with a purpose.
9. Write for Rights. Join over 17,000 people in one of the largest events on behalf of political prisoners, human rights defenders and others whose rights are being violated by their governments or corporations.
10. Partner with us. Through collaborations, partnerships and collective action, we can improve the state of human rights here and abroad. If you represent a university, association or agency, explore the ways you can support Amnesty International.

Learn more about how you can help here: http://www.amnestyusa.org/get-involved

Lend A Hand this Holiday Season: Spotlight on Best Buddies International

2011-12-24T15:27:00.001-05:00

Still looking for a way to Lend a Hand and give back this holiday season? Why not learn a little more about Best Buddies International:

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies, Jobs and Ambassadors – positively impact nearly 700,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute, at no cost to their communities, support services that equate to more than $164 million USD.
As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

Check out a full account of the exciting contributions Best Buddies makes in the everyday lives of people with IDD here: http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies

And if you would like to Lend A Hand, Best Budies is always looking for volunteers! Even something as simple as becoming an online eBuddy can change the life of a youngster. Become an email pen pal and brighten someone’s day while they learn important social and communication skills. It costs nothing but can mean the world. Learn more here: http://www.ebuddies.org/

Lend A Hand this Holiday Season: Spotlight on Paws With a Cause

2011-12-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Still looking for a way to Lend a Hand and give back this holiday season? Paws With A Cause is a national organization that trains and provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities. Their mission is to encourage independence by training assistance animal and reaching out through education and support programs. Assistance animals and service dogs help their owners in a variety of ways:

“Hearing Dogs learn to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to basic sounds such as a smoke alarm, a ringing telephone, a crying baby or a doorbell. The dog is trained to alert the individual of a sound and then lead them to the sound. If the sound being alerted to is a smoke alarm, the dog then accompanies the owner out of the building. All PAWS Hearing Dogs are taught basic American Sign Language commands.”
“Service Dogs are custom-trained to assist people with physical disabilities or seizure disorders. Service Dogs can perform tasks such as opening doors, turning light switches on/off, or picking up an object as small as a dime. Should the client fall, the dog can even be trained to act as a brace so the person can regain position.”
“To children with Autism, everyone, everywhere and everything is 'outside' of their world. Dogs can break into this world by always being there when they are needed by the child; dogs don't pass judgment on a child, like humans tend to do. By nature, the dog does not care that the child has Autism; they only care that they are a part of the child's life.”

Read about all these trained animal companions can do here: http://www.pawswithacause.org/Clients/AssistanceDogs/tabid/700/Default.aspx

If you would like to Lend A Hand to this organization, Paws With A Cause welcomes your donation but also is in need of volunteers. You can foster an animal or learn to become a trainer! Learn more here:

http://www.pawswithacause.org/GetInvolved/RaiseaFutureAssistanceDog/tabid/701/Default.aspx

Announcing November’s Dignity & Respect Champion Bracken Burns

2011-12-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

This month we recognize Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns as the November 2011 Dignity & Respect Champion of Greater Pittsburgh.

Bracken has tried to build a regional community that embraces diversity and encourages its citizens to love and respect each other. He often reminds others that "inclusion is not just about race, it also includes gender, age, geography, income, folks with handicaps, etc."

Serving as Washington County Commissioner since 1996, Bracken decided not to run for a fifth term in office. Since taking office 16 years ago, Bracken's accomplishments include spearheading construction of the 50 bed Alzheimer's Unit at the Washington County Health Center, developing an Attendant Care Training Program to aid elderly and disabled citizens, leading historic preservation efforts to restore and utilize the old jail as a Family Court Center, and more.

Commissioner Burns is known for starting all of his public comments with the phrase, "It's a great day in Washington County." He feels that we all have an obligation to be a "cheerleader for our community."

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Lend a Hand this Holiday Season – Spotlight on Habitat for Humanity

2011-12-14T09:30:00.001-05:00

Still looking for a way to Lend a Hand and give back this holiday season? Did you know that when you give to Habitat for Humanity, your gift might have twice the impact!

Investing in a Habitat family creates a brighter future for the children in Habitat homes.
Did you know that children who live in inadequate housing have lower educational achievement and are more likely to be impoverished and unemployed as adults? The good news is that, according to the Harvard Center on Housing, a dollar invested in housing has a greater impact on a child’s long-term well-being than a dollar invested in health or education.

Check to see if your employer will match your donation here: http://www1.matchinggifts.com/habitat/ It’s a great way to give doubly for the holidays!

And if you own a business, you can encourage your employees to give back this season by joining Habitat for Humanity’s Gift That Builds program:

http://www.habitat.org/support/giveatwork/Company_giving_guide.aspx

And here are some more ways you can help:

Share your enthusiasm about Habitat for Humanity with your colleagues. Here are some ideas of how you can support Habitat at your workplace:

· Identify Habitat for Humanity supporters in your company.

Encourage others to take advantage of your company’s matching gift program
Ask your Human Resources team to add Habitat for Humanity to your workplace giving campaign.
Raise money for Habitat by collecting donations and allowing donors to wear jeans on a designated day.
Host an event in the office to raise funds for a specific Habitat project.
Organize a group of coworkers to volunteer on a Habitat build site or go on a Global Village volunteer trip.

What will you do to Lend a Hand this holiday? Share your ideas and favorite charities with us!

Tip #29: Lend a Hand! Reaching Out to People in Need this Holiday

2011-12-06T07:45:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Parade Magazine featured a wonderful article entitled “Can You Help? Lend A Hand This Holiday Season. ” In this article Parade Magazine lists several charities that would welcome your help this holiday season:

Christian Appalachian Project
Gradient Gives Back Foundation
National Fuel Funds Network
New Mexico Community Foundation
Operation Homefront/Hooah Lounge

Operation Peacekeeper
Oregon Food Bank
School District of Joplin R-VIII Foundation
Southern AIDS Coalition
United States Olympic Committee

(Read the original article here: http://www.parade.com/news/2011/11/giving-issue.html)

Because Dignity & Respect Tip #29 is also “Lend a Hand,” we would like to invite our friends and followers to join us this holiday season by giving back. Choose one of the charities from this list or just pick your favorite charity that you support. Share your stories about why we should support this charity too or tell us how you are giving back this holiday season by posting to our Facebook wall:

http://www.facebook.com/DignityandRespectCampaign

Inspire us! And most importantly: Lend A Hand!

Give Back this Holiday Season!

2011-12-05T10:02:00.001-05:00

As we move into the holiday season, it is all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busiest shopping season of the year. But we here at the Dignity & Respect Campaign encourage everyone to focus on giving back this year. Here are some simple ideas to get you started.

1. Say “Thank You!” Write a note to someone who has helped you out this year.

2. Donate to your local food bank

3. Donate to your favorite charity

4. Donate old clothes especial any winter coats that are still in good repair

5. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen

6. Send a care package to a soldier

7. Foster an shelter animal in need

8. Shovel snow for your neighbors, especially neighbors who are physically infirm

9. Pick up trash at a local park or around your community

10. Visit patients at your local hospital or nursing home

And if you have ideas on how to help your friends, neighbors and community, please share them with us!

Billy Strayhorn

2011-11-30T09:47:00.001-05:00

This week we join with Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in celebrating the posthumous birthday of founder and music great Billy Strayhorn:

This is the fourth year for the birthday celebration, which the theater started in 2008 as a tribute to Strayhorn. Both he and Gene Kelly’s birthday’s are celebrated yearly.

The former Regeant Theater was renamed the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in 2000 in honor of both Kelly and Strayhorn.

“Billy Strayhorn’s legacy isn’t really known here or appreciated as well as it should be. It’s known nationally and internationally, but it’s not always connected with Pittsburgh,” said Kelly Strayhorn Executive Director, Janera Solomon.

The evening promises to be beautiful as it will feature local and nationally known Jazz musicians including Roger Humpheries and a six-piece Jazz ensemble with three vocalists singing Strayhorn’s music; spoken word artist Leslie “Ezra” Smith will read a work that was commissioned for the occasion. Former Pittsburgh resident and Billy Strayhorn’s nephew, Dr. Greg Morris, will join in the celebration.

“We’re excited to have the program filled with Jazz artists and young artists,” said Solomon. “Ezra is an incredible young poet. People can expect an evening of great live music filled with classics.”

Billy Strayhorn was born in Dayton, Ohio, but his family moved to Pittsburgh’s Homewood section where he attended Westinghouse High School. His musical career began in the Golden Triangle when he studied music at the Pittsburgh Music Institute. Strayhorn met band leader Duke Ellington in 1939 after a performance in Pittsburgh. At that time, Strayhorn informed Ellington how he would have arranged one of Ellington’s songs. Strayhorn’s boldness enticed Ellington enough for him to invite his band to hear Strayhorn. Next, Ellington invited Strayhorn to New York and Strayhorn worked with Ellington for the next quarter century as an arranger, composer pianist and collaborator until Strayhorn’s death from cancer in 1967.

“It took me a while before I knew what kind of music he composed. But when he would come home to Pittsburgh, there would be a big celebration. When he got involved with Duke Ellington he sent me postcards from all over the world. I knew he was something special. I knew he was something very big. But I didn’t have a sense of how widely known he was and the music he made until after he died,” said Morris who now lives in Arizona.

Read more about the celebration and Billy Strayhorn’s interesting career here: http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5897%3Abilly-strayhorn-birthday-celebrated&catid=44%3Aentertainment&Itemid=48

Honoring Former Dignity & Respect Champions: KEYS Service Corps

2011-11-27T08:38:00.000-05:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Aaron Gray and KEYS Service Corps, last April’s recipient and the first organization to win as a whole.

The KEYS (Knowledge to Empower Youth to Success) Service Corps is an education-based AmeriCorps program that provides at-risk youth safe places with structured activities, assisting with homework and class work, implementing community service/service-learning projects, and involving community volunteers in service.

Aaron Gray and the KEYS Service Corps were nominated by Jamie Scarano and have been chosen as the April Dignity and Respect Champion their work in implementing and supporting tutoring programs, community service, and learning opportunities and operations for at-risk youth.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Tip #5 -- Say “Thank You”!

2011-11-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

Gratitude is a gift that’s never too small to give. We hope everyone is having a Happy Thanksgiving. Today is a great day to not only give thanks to your friends and family, but to give back to your community as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started courtesy of the Huffington Post:

Send a holiday care package to a soldier abroad
Our service men and women who are out of the country during Thanksgiving often long for the comforts of home. By sending a care package through Any Soldier, you can show them your gratitude for their duty and make them feel loved. Any Soldier has provided care packages to 96,371 service members and has an extensive list of popular items that have been requested by soldiers if you need ideas for what to include in your package.
Deliver a Thanksgiving meal to housebound neighbors
Don't forget seniors or the seriously ill during this holiday. By volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels Program to bring a hot dinner to those who may not be able to join family or friends. They'll appreciate the food and, more importantly, the time you share with them at their homes.
Feed families with pocket change
According to a recent government report, 49 million Americans went hungry last year, so you can bet that many families are facing slim pickings for Thanksgiving this year. Help change this by participating in Feeding America's Thanksgiving Feast for 9 Million. By donating $1, you can provide seven meals this holiday, and $50 will provide 350 meals for hungry families.
Run a "Turkey Trot"
All over the country this Thanksgiving, companies and nonprofits are hosting 5k races to benefit local charities and good causes. San Francisco's fun run will benefit a local high school's Track & Field team and Ann Arbor's will benefit local animal shelters and community groups. The bonus? Most of these races are Run/Walks that encourage full family participation and you can work off some of dinner before you even sit down at the table. Runs are planned for on and around Thanksgiving day and some require advance registration, so be sure to mind the rules specific for your area.
Serve Thanksgiving Dinner at a Homeless Shelter
All the donated food that is raised during Thanksgiving time has to have willing hands to help cook it. Lend yours by volunteering this thanksgiving at a homeless shelter to prepare and dish up a meal with all the trimmings for those who don't have a home to go to this Holiday. The National Coalition for the Homeless has a searchable directory to find homeless shelters in your area.
Sponsor a Family in Need
Thanksgiving is only one day out of the year that U.S. families go hungry. Why not do a little to help one family a lot during the whole year? Family-to-family.org can help you connect with individual families that you can help by providing food, clothing and other necessities throughout the year. Or, open a family-to-family branch in your area.

Be sure to read the whole article for more ideas: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/24/9-ways-to-show-your-grati_n_369825.html

Can you think of any other ways to give thanks not mentioned on this list? Why not share them with us!

Honoring Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Esther Haguel

2011-11-21T09:40:00.001-05:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Esther Haguel , April 2010’s Dignity & Respect honoree chosen for the award because of her extraordinary dedication to creating an environment of inclusion for children each day.

Esther Haguel doesn’t believe success has a race, gender, or socioeconomic level – she believes and lives by the principle that success stems from an individual’s strengths. Haguel works every day to teach children that when people bring out the best in each other, everyone benefits. A counselor at Northside Urban Pathways Charter School, Haguel is the recipient of the Dignity and Respect Champion Award for her work in breaking down barriers for children, and leading them to lives of success.

A native of New York City, Haguel moved to Pittsburgh in 1990 after earning a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University in New Orleans. Haguel helps Urban Pathways serve more than 300 students and works with children in sixth through ninth grades who may be struggling with schoolwork, home life, or other personal obstacles.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Joining Forces Initiative

2011-11-15T09:30:00.001-05:00

Last Friday was Veterans Day! What did you do to show your respect for our fighting men and women? If you are still looking for ideas, here is something that might be of interested to you:

Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our nation’s service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden encourage all Americans to recognize, honor, and support our military families. The campaign seeks to create greater connections between the American public and the military.
Select a volunteer opportunity in your community to honor service members, veterans, and military families. (Examples: mentor a child, clean up a park, plant a garden, donate to a particular charity, make a meal for a neighbor in need, etc....) If you're already volunteering in your community, you can dedicate your service to honor the service of the military community. When you find the right project for you, don’t forget to register and pledge your hours of community service as well:joiningforces.allforgood.org

You can also get involved by sharing your message of thanks with a military family, and it will be delivered by the USO: whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/message

To learn more about the Joining Forces Initiative, visit: whitehouse.gov/joiningforces

This Month’s Dignity & Respect Champion is… Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski

2011-11-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

This month we recognize Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski, director of The Washington Hospital Teen Outreach and President of Academy for Adolescent Health Inc., as the October Dignity & Respect Champion of Greater Pittsburgh.

Nominated by Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns, Mary Jo was selected as the October Dignity & Respect Champion for her work at the Academy for Adolescent Health and the Washington Hospital Teen Outreach.

The Academy for Adolescent Health, Inc., which Mary Jo founded in 1988, provides programs for teens and youth and works to create a community in which young people are respected and able to enjoy physical and mental wellness. The organization serves as an advocate for youth, parents, professionals, and community members to encourage wellness.

The Washington Hospital Teen Outreach holds an annual Ambassador for Respect Program in which 20,000 students participate in a "pass it on" activity that encourages recognition of respectful behavior. Each year the program centers around a different topic, including focusing on the word "respect" and what it means, listening to a speaker who talks about poverty among African Americans, a focus on self-respect and how young people think about themselves, and most recently, respecting people of all abilities.

Mary Jo is modest about receiving the award, as the passion for her work is driven by the youth, and not recognition.

Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Presents the Third Annual “My People Film Series”

2011-11-09T10:24:00.001-05:00

If you are a Pittsburgh resident, be sure to check out this great month-long event at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater:

Through film, discussion, and performance, My People Film Series: Queer Legacies, a four-part series highlights the lives and experiences of queer people of color. The series will be presented Tuesdays at 7 pm, beginning on November 1 and runs through November 22 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (5941 Penn Avenue in East Liberty). A discussion featuring filmmakers and local leaders will follow the film screening as issues of human rights, trans identity, and racism are explored.
This year’s series includes a collection of films that connect a rich history and contributions of generations of queer people of color to the present. To kick off the series a work-in-progress showing of The Untitled Black Lesbian Elder Project profiles participants ages 60 to 80 with archival footage that reveal black lesbian underground movements, life, and a vibrant presence within American black history. Pittsburghers have an opportunity to be profiled by submitting an application found on the theater’s website (www.kelly-strayhorn.org).
The schedule for My People Film Series: Queer Legacies is as follows:
• Tuesday, Nov 1, the series opens with the film The Untitled Black Lesbian Elder Project;
• Tuesday, Nov 8, features five films: Billy and Aaron; Rex vs. Singh; More Than Love (a trilogy by Jullian Peña); Tomboi Gatoey Mango and Tom/ Trans / Thai;
• Tuesday, Nov, 15, Zero Degrees of Separation;
• Tuesday, Nov 22, Billy and Aaron and Brother to Brother.
At each screening a filmmaker is present in person or via Skype. Among others, audiences have the opportunity to engage in discussion with Rodney Evans, filmmaker of Billy and Aaron and Brother to Brother. Evans is the recipient of The Independent Feature Project's Gordon Parks Award for Screenwriting and the Special Jury Prize in Drama at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Other visiting filmmakers include Tiona McClodded and Lisa C. Moore, Jillian Peña, Jai Arun Ravin, and Elle Flanders.
Individual tickets are $10 for each event or $30 for a film pass to the entire four-week series.

To learn more or purchase tickets be sure to visit http://www.kellystrayhorn.org or call 412-363-3000.

Celebrating Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Will Thompkins

2011-11-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor
Will Thompkins, our first ever Dignity & Respect honoree back in February 2010 for his work as the director of community and outreach at The Pittsburgh Project, a nonprofit community development organization with a 25-year track record of developing leaders and serving the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Thompkins said a strong faith foundation and a desire to make his family proud are what it takes for him to live a life filled with dignity and respect, but it all began with his parents. “Anything I did in my life, I never wanted to do any dishonor to them. Wherever I lived and traveled – in college and the military – I tried to carry myself in a way that my parents would be very proud of me.” Today, his two sons serve as a daily inspiration. “I want to live in a way that they would want to emulate,” Thompkins said.

Will’s community service also includes work on the following boards - KidsVoice, Pittsburgh Branch NAACP, Children 2 Champions, Northside Old Timers, Pittsburgh United, and The 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania. Will has a special affinity for interacting with and counseling youth and young adults. He is very caring, actively involved in community work, and occasionally runs and shoots pool.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Have a Respectful Halloween

2011-10-31T13:01:00.001-04:00

As Dignity & Respect Month draws to an end, we want to wish you a very Happy Halloween. Let us celebrate the last day of Dignity & Respect month by letting the lessons we have learned inform the season. Make sure you use Halloween as an opportunity to practice the Dignity & Respect tips. Just follow these short rules for a more respectful Halloween:

1. Respect the rights of those who do not want to take part
2. Be grateful for any treats by saying “Thank you.”
3. Do not play tricks on people like spraying someone with shaving cream or silly string – these can be frightening or even accidentally dangerous
4. Vandalism and throwing objects like eggs, toilet paper, and flour – can result in a fine or even a prison sentence
5. Make sure your costume does not exploit stereotypes or insult groups or people for a gag
6. Respect your body by not overindulging in sweets

Happy Halloween everyone!

Celebrating Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Alan Jones

2011-10-28T11:05:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor
Alan Jones, June 2010 Dignity & Respect honoree for his work as a prevention counselor with the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force.

In the early ‘90s, Alan Jones lost more than 160 clients and friends during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. During a time when families were abandoning their own who had been diagnosed, Jones was there to lend support during their darkest days. He was inspired by the struggles people faced when battling AIDS, and took on many personal emotional obstacles as he lost hundreds of AIDS patients that he worked with on a daily basis. Jones stood by them in the face of the powerful and negative stigma that surrounded the disease, and said that while that stigma has somewhat subsided, it still exists, preventing many people from getting tested.

Jones’ work at PATF on Penn Avenue in East Liberty includes providing free counseling, free testing, and lending support to a diverse group of people – each facing a different situation. No matter what situation people face as they come to PATF to get tested, Jones said each and every one of them should be treated with dignity and respect in the face of fear and human struggles.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Strong Women, Strong Girls

2011-10-24T08:33:00.001-04:00

Strong Women, Strong Girls encourages and mentors girls with its national school program, and this October they are teaming up with the Dignity & Respect Campaign for Dignity & Respect Month!

This year’s Cultural Sensitivity lesson utilizes the D&R campaign and the pledge as its cornerstone. This means 1,400 girls participating in SWSG across the country will be learning about the D&R campaign, taking the pledge and bringing home information about the campaign. They are strongly encouraging our college mentors to do the Cultural Sensitivity lesson/pledge the week of October 24^th and will be hosting a live-streaming event to get the word out!

Strong Women, Strong Girls college mentors in Pittsburgh will be conducting the Cultural Sensitivity lesson and Dignity & Respect pledge the week of October 24th. This event will be available live via web-streaming, so check out some of the events and videos at:

http://video.magpi.net/videos/livestreams/page1/

This special presentation by Charlie Batch and moderated by Maureen Pedzwater will be followed by a Q & A session and will stream from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. (EST). At 9:30 a.m. the program will begin with introductions of Dr. William Kinavey, Superintendent of Steel Valley School District and Dr. Linda Hippert, Executive Director of the Allegheny Intermediate. At 9:32 a.m., each remote school participating though videoconference will introduce their school.

Join us for this event, and join us all week long as we encourage girls of all ages to stand up for Dignity & Respect!

Celebrating Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Leonard Carter

2011-10-23T20:04:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor
Leonard Carter, May 2010 Dignity & Respect honoree for his work as a coach and teacher. Leonard Carter wants to create a gigantic circle of respect as he prepares a generation of children for life through his football coaching and music teaching. “I teach them a lot about the Golden Rule, to treat other people the way you want to be treated, and that is your responsibility – even if others are not treating you with respect,” he said. “If we all operated that way, we’d live in a much happier world.”

Carter works every day to create an environment of inclusion for children as he is a music teacher at Conroy Education Center and also as a football coach at Peabody High School in East Liberty. Carter, the recipient of the Dignity and Respect Campaign Champion Award for the month of May, was nominated by Arlene Petite, who said he provides opportunities for all students to learn music and life lessons at the highest level possible. Carter lives his life in a way that directly represents the Dignity and Respect Campaign’s mission – to achieve cultural and behavioral change in lives, organizations, and communities by ensuring that inclusion is at the core of what people do each day.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Lend a Hand!

2011-10-20T10:31:00.001-04:00

The Dignity & Respect Campaign recognizes October, Dignity & Respect Month, by practicing Tip 29 Lend a Hand, with two community projects on Saturday, October 22 -- Lawrenceville Community Clean-up and Downtown Beautification Project.

Join us for the Lawrenceville Community Clean-up from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We will be working during those hours to make Lawrenceville a clean, safe, and attractive neighborhood. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, garbage bags, and various tools and will travel throughout the community to clean up priority sites.

The Downtown Beautification Project will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The goal of the project is to find properties in various neighborhoods that could use a quick “beautification” treatment and help reshape Downtown. If you want be part of this transformative effort, please come down!

We are looking for volunteers on these projects. Click here to sign up for Lawrenceville Community Cleanup, and here for the Downtown Beautification Project. See you there!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-17T12:11:00.001-04:00

October is Dignity & Respect Month but it is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer impacts the lives of almost 1.3 million women annually and is the most prevalent cancer in the world today. While the causes of breast cancer are unknown, let us use this month to change the tide of this disease. Here are a few things you can do courtesy of Susan G. Komen for the Cure:

1. Know your risk
• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened
• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
3. Know what is normal for you and see your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake

Show yourself respect by protecting your health. Find out more information about this disease and its treatment, click here.

Recognizing Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Nieves Stiker

2011-10-16T20:24:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Nieves Stiker, March 2010’s winner her work in empowering women and changing lives.

During her daily work, Stiker connects with women in tough situations in the New Choices/New Options program, which is a state-wide career development program designed to help single parents and displaced homemakers. Stiker also helps to provide free literacy programs to adults through the Community Education Center, which currently serves 400 people.

Stiker lives her life in a way that directly represents the Dignity and Respect Campaign’s mission – to achieve cultural and behavioral change in lives, organizations, and communities by ensuring that inclusion is at the core of what people do each day. Stiker said that while she works to break down barriers women face, she feels that it is a privilege to be a part of their lives just as they are looking to make a positive change.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Celebrate Gay & Lesbian History Month!

2011-10-12T09:42:00.001-04:00

October is also Gay & Lesbian History Month! What will you be doing to promote a message of Dignity & Respect for the LGBT Community? Share it with us! And in the meantime, learn more about this background of this celebration courtesy of Equality Forum:

In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association, and other national organizations. In 2006, Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.
The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement of our extraordinary national and international contributions.

To find out how you can participate, check out some interesting ideas here.

Announcing September’s Dignity & Respect Champion: Everett McElveen

2011-10-05T10:09:00.001-04:00

This month we recognize Everett McElveen, president and CEO of Life'sWork, as the September Dignity & Respect Champion of Greater Pittsburgh.

Life'sWork is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunity, employment, and independence to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Life'sWork began in 1927 and assists more than 2,000 individuals each year.

Everett, who lives in Ohio Township with his wife, has been with Life'sWork for seven years. He said his job frequently reminds him how blessed he is. He feels that it is important for able-bodied and able-minded people to be grateful for what they have. He also believes that treating others with dignity and respect is important to our daily lives because we are all one and the same.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Recognize the Signs of Bullying

2011-09-28T14:02:00.001-04:00

In the wake of recent tragedies involving bullying and cyber-bullying, it is important that we all keep a careful eye out for the signs of peer-abuse. Changes in your child’s behavior might be sending the message that your child is suffering at school or online. Here are a few red-flags you should look out for:

• Your child is hesitant to be online or becomes anxious when an Instant Message, text message or Email appears
• Your child becomes upset after using the computer or cell phone or suddenly avoids it
• You child quickly clears the computer screen or cellphone screen when you enter the room
• Your child wants to avoid school
• Your child has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches
• Your child takes a long, “illogical” route when walking to or from school
• Your child withdraws from friends and social activities
• Your child complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments
• Your child becomes withdrawn, teary, or depressed
• Your child’s grades begin to slip
• You receive suspicious phone calls or other missives at your home

To get more information about bullying and cyberbullying, check out this great article: http://knowbullying.wordpress.com/

Let us all lend a hand to promote Dignity & Respect for all.

Take a Healthy Step!

2011-09-25T15:58:00.001-04:00

Part of Dignity & Respect is respecting yourself. Make sure you respect yourself and your body by following some of these helpful health tips!

There are many energy and sports drinks on the market that promise hydration, energy, wellness, and more. Although these beverages offer some benefits, they come with added sugar and calories, which could end up slowing you down. The most important drink for your body is good, old-fashioned water. Water makes up more than half of your body weight, so when rehydrating, it only makes sense to put back in what you lost. Some functions of water include:

· protecting body organs and tissues

· regulating body temperature

· lubricating joints

· carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells

After a long exercise or game, pick up a bottle of water instead of the popular sugar-based sports drink. Your body will be hydrated and healthy, without the added sugar and calories.

Just how much water should you drink each day? Depending on your health, where you live, and how active you are, your water needs vary. You lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. As a general rule, doctors recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

With our busy schedules, it can be difficult to have eight glasses of water each day. To fulfill your daily water intake, try fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and tomatoes, or beverages such as milk and juice. These all have a sufficient amount of water in them and can help your body stay hydrated.

Recognizing Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Lindsay Losasso

2011-09-21T10:33:00.001-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Lindsay Losasso, last March’s winner for empowering and tirelessly advocating for Pittsburgh’s diverse population such as refugees, immigrants, and internationals.

Lindsay Losasso believes that a crucial part of the human experience is to be treated with dignity and respect. As the program & grants manager at the Squirrel Hill Health Center (SHHC), a comprehensive primary healthcare center that provides the highest quality medical care and social services, she works to put projects and programs into place that will improve the office, services for patients.

Along with her multi-lingual staff, she works closely with patients to ensure there are no barriers between income or insurance status and healthcare, showing special concern for patients’ religious beliefs, race, national origin, primary language, and disability status.

Over the last several years, Lindsay has successfully led Translation and Interpretation Sub-Committee of the Department of Human Services Advisory Council for Immigrants and Internationals. Under her leadership, the Sub-Committee, comprised of local service providers serving immigrants and internationals, formulated plans to create Pittsburgh Language Bank.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Recognizing Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Jared Jackson

2011-09-16T09:42:00.001-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember former Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Jared Jackson, last January’s winner for seeking racial and economic justice, inclusion, and improved education for all at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

As an assisting priest at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill, volunteer professor at the Metro Urban Institute of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and board member of Pittsburgh Interfaith Network (PIIN), Jared lives dignity and respect daily. Jared believes treating one another with dignity and respect would create the peace we seek and the peace our society needs.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Congratulations to Debbie Slocum: August’s Dignity & Respect Champion!

2011-09-14T09:50:00.001-04:00

We would like to announce this August’s D&R Champion Debbie Slocum, personnel analyst at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services!

Nominated by Brendan Hanschen, Debbie was recognized for promoting dignity and respect in her everyday life, as well as at her job. "Debbie seizes every opportunity to include dignified and respectful treatment of her colleagues. She has been the driving force of the Dignity & Respect Campaign in the Department of Human Services, and has truly shown herself to be a champion in every way," Brendan says. Debbie thinks that it is important to treat each other with respect because it would make everyone feel appreciated and recognized, and brings the community together.

To learn more about our current D&R Champion or to nominate your own candidate, click here.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

2011-09-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

September 15th is the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

There are many things you can do to discover the Hispanic heritage and celebrate it with your friends and family. For example, brush up on your history and read a book such as Chronology of Hispanic-American History: From Pre-Columbian Times to the Present. If you want to end the summer with a party, plan for a fiesta with Hispanic games, food, and traditions such as making Arroz con Leche and having piñatas.

There are many books and recipes for the whole family that can contribute to your learning and celebrations of important people and events in our history. What will you be doing to celebrate? Let us know!

Recognizing Former Dignity & Respect Champions: Elisabeth Healey

2011-09-07T10:48:00.001-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Elisabeth Healey, last January’s winner for her work to ensure anyone with disabilities and special health care needs leads rich and active lives, and participates as members of the community.

As founding executive director of PEAL, or Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center, she finds it rewarding to be able to help those with disabilities. Treating others with dignity and respect is important to what she does. As the mother of a child with significant disabilities, Elisabeth Healey believes that she needs to help others who are in similar situations.

As she says, “Many people in our community lead isolated lives. If we make people feel welcome, we impact the quality of our own life, and the lives of everyone else, both in big and small ways.”

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Honoring Past Champions: Mark Douglas

2011-09-03T10:42:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Mark Douglas, last December’s winner for his work with disadvantaged youth.

As a foster parent to teenagers, Mark Douglas has helped disadvantaged youth his entire career. And as director of the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center, Mark has been responsible for all training and academic programs, and supervision of daily enter operations, with 232 staff members whose belief is that everyone should feel valuable.

With 850 students, Pittsburgh has the largest college program in Job Corps. Mark and his staff practice positive reinforcement, and rewards the students for all their accomplishments.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Remembering the Struggles of the Past

2011-08-31T09:34:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday marked the 48th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's epic March on Washington. To commemorate this and all Doctor King’s contributions to obtaining Dignity & Respect for all, a Martin Luther King memorial was unveiled this week. This thirty-foot tall memorial is the only memorial on the Mall not dedicated to a war, politician or white man.

Let us do our part to remember King’s legacy this week. To help us all out, let us remember his words:

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

Find the entirety of his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech here: http://www.mlkonline.net/dream.html

Remembering Past Dignity and Respect Champions: Pastor Cheryl Ruffin

2011-08-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Cheryl Ruffin, last November’s winner nominated for her work as the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Pittsburgh in counseling, mentoring, and listening to others in times in need.

Cheryl Ruffin finds that listening to others is the best way to demonstrate respect to her peers, colleagues, family, friends, and the people around her.

“When people walk into my office, they need to be heard. When individuals enter into the sanctuary, they need to be acknowledged. I think that is probably the basis of who I am. Just making sure that people can be heard and their presence is acknowledged,” Ruffin said.

Cheryl is also a mentor through Amachi Pittsburgh, where she guides children who have an incarcerated parent. She finds that just listening and sharing another’s emotions can go a long way. She believes that working together is the key to making the community and world a better place, all starting with dignity and respect.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Join Us at the University of Pittsburgh New Student Orientation

2011-08-23T10:25:00.001-04:00

It’s Back-to-School time for many schools, colleges and universities. What are you doing to promote Dignity & Respect this school year?

If you are in the Pittsburgh area, why not join the Dignity & Respect Campaign at the University of Pittsburgh New Student Orientation. We will be manning an awareness table and will be collecting pledges! Stop by and visit us! We will be spreading our message of inclusion to incoming freshmen at the Student Union (5^th Avenue side) on:

· Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 9am to 1pm

· Thursday, August 25, 2011 from Noon (after the Pathway program) to 4pm

· Friday, August 26, 2011 from 1pm to 5pm

We are also very fortunate to have 4,500 awareness bracelets donated to us. These will be placed in all new student care bags upon arrival to orientation.

So start the semester off right and do your part to promote Dignity & Respect on your campus too!

Honoring Past Dignity & Respect Champions: Jessica Mock

2011-08-22T10:38:00.001-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Jessica Mock, last October’s winner for her work at the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services (CHDS) in helping the deaf community.

Jessica Mock is giving a voice to people who are sometimes left in a world of silence. A 27 year old Johnstown native, Jessica works as an administrative assistant and assistant staff interpreter at CHDS. She first learned sign language in high school so she could communicate with a deaf friend, and her commitment continued during her college years. She attended Bloomsburg University in eastern Pennsylvania where she earned a bachelor's degree in interpreting.

Jessica moved to Pittsburgh after graduation and started working at CHDS, where she interprets at least once weekly, accompanying clients to doctor appointments, physical therapy, counseling, and other medical occasions that require both discretion and confidentiality.

Jessica said she was surprised and honored that she is being recognized for treating others with dignity and respect, and said that it’s important for everyone to incorporate the values into daily life!

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Become a Mentor You Can Help Others Realize Their Potential

2011-08-16T10:02:00.001-04:00

October is Dignity and Respect Month! Why not to celebrate by participating in the 12^th Annual National Disability Mentoring Day? Get motivated by checking out this energizing story:

UPMC has committed to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 will be participating National Disability Mentoring Day. National Disability Mentoring Day brings students and other job seekers with disabilities into the work place, affording them the opportunity to learn firsthand about career opportunities. Last year, over 50 students from Pittsburgh visited various UPMC locations and shadowed employees, while finding out more information on careers in healthcare.

If you are part of the UPMC community, please consider hosting a group of students for 2011 National Disability Mentoring Day. By hosting a group of students, you will have the opportunity to educate individuals about future careers available in the healthcare field. In addition, you will be mentoring students, and helping them realize their potential.

You will be provided with all the tools you need to have a fun and insightful day with the students including a sample agenda and activity ideas. This year, all mentors will be receiving information on the students including their career areas of interest and hobbies. Therefore, all you will need to do is make the commitment to host students.

Contact K.C. Hoffert, Project Coordinator, at hoffertkc@upmc.edu or 412-864-4167 by Monday, September 12, 2011 if you are interested in hosting students for National Disability Mentoring Day on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011. When contacting K.C., please indicate the number of students you would like to invite to you site. More information on the names of the students assigned to your location will be provided in early October.

Learn more about the program and how you can mentor a student at your business here. How will you be participating and making a difference in a student’s life?

Enter Our “Picture a Better World” Photo Contest!

2011-08-15T15:50:00.001-04:00

Do your pictures always capture the right moment? Now is the time to put your photography skills to the test!

Attention all amateur photographers and artists: The Dignity & Respect Campaign would like to announce our “Picture A Better World” photo contest! Participation is easy:

Each week from now through October, we will ask you to submit a photograph that you believe best represents one of the Dignity & Respect Tips on our Facebook page.

This week, submit a picture that best represents Tip #21: Get Someone else’s point of view!

How to enter:

Step 1: Become one of our Facebook fans by clicking "Like" at the top of the Dignity &Respect Campaign’s Facebook Page. Once you are a fan,share your best photo on our Facebook wall. Be sure to include your name and a short caption as part of your Facebook post explaining why you think your photo best represents the Tip!
Step 2: Once your picture is posted, our Facebook fans will be invited to vote for their favorite photo by “Liking” the photo that positively represents the Tip. The one photo with the most likes will be our winner, so don’t be afraid to generate support for your entry: Ask your Facebook friends to vote for you!

The Prize: The winner will receive at $50 Visa gift card generously donated to us by one of our sponsors!

This prize may be redeemed anytime and all photo entries may be used by the Dignity & Respect Campaign for future awareness campaigns. Photos that are not appropriate for all audiences will be deleted and not entered in the contest. Contest dates and conditions may change, so follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on all our announcements!

So get started practicing the Tips today and start snapping!

Remembering Past Dignity and Respect Champions: Barbara Murock

2011-08-13T10:59:00.000-04:00

As we continue to take time to remember past Dignity & Respect champions, let us honor Barbara Murock, last September’s winner and Health Policy Specialist with the Office of Behavioral Health for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Barbara works in health care policy related to different vulnerable groups of people that the Department of Human Services serves, including the aging, mental health and drug and alcohol, children, youth and families, those with intellectual disabilities, and community services. She also manages an initiative for immigrants and international citizens. She believes and lives each day under the philosophy that everyone wants to be included – and there is a place for everyone. Treating others with dignity and respect is simple – and is the vital life and fabric of the community. With an advisory council of people from around the world, Barbara is helping to develop a language bank for the community where different organizations can go for translators, and also works with an employment mentoring program for immigrants, and also works with a program aiming to make foster care more culturally competent.

If you would like to nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion, visit us here. Let us continue to recognize everyone who works tirelessly for inclusion!

Honk if you love equality!

2011-08-10T13:15:00.001-04:00

The Human Rights Campaign’s “On the Road to Equality” bus tour begins this week! The HRC will be traveling nationwide to bring a message of dignity and respect for the LGBT community. The twelve week tour will travel to 17 cities in 11 states and D.C to raise awareness in areas where living openly and honestly can be difficult.

The tour will be visiting:

· Aug 12-14 Salt Lake City, UT

· Aug 18-21 Omaha & Lincoln, NE

· Aug 24-27 Lawrence, KS & Kansas City, MO

· Sept 1-5 New Orleans, LA

· Sept 8-10 Austin & College Station, TX

· Sept 15-18 Little Rock, AR

· Sept 22-25 Louisville & Lexington, KY

· Sept 30-Oct 3 Washington, DC

· Oct 6-9 Atlanta, GA

· Oct 14-16 Birmingham & Tuscaloosa, AL

· Oct 20-23 Jacksonville, FL

· Oct 27-30 Orlando, FL

… so be sure to come out and show your support! And if you don’t live along the tour route, you can still show your support by downloading the HRC equality car signs here.

Honk if you love equality!

Honoring Past Champions: August 2010 Dignity & Respect Champion Michael Smith

2011-08-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

Through the upcoming weeks we will be recognizing past winners of our Dignity & Respect Champion Award. This week we honor Michael Smith, our August 2010 Champion.

Helping people find work who have not been given a chance before is exactly why Michael Smith loves his job. By helping those with mental challenges and financial struggles to lead more independent lives, Smith sees everyday how transforming opportunities restore dignity and respect in both individuals and communities. Nominated by Arlene Robinson and Kim Simpson, his colleagues at Goodwill, Smith is the recipient of last August’s Dignity & Respect Champion Award for his work as CEO, along with his dedication to the organization for the last 20 years.

There is still time to nominate your favorite champion of dignity and respect for our August 2011 honor. Do you know a person who works tirelessly to promote inclusion in your community? Let us know and let them be recognized!

Winner Announcement: July’s Champion of Dignity and Respect!

2011-08-03T13:27:00.001-04:00

The Dignity & Respect Campaign would like to congratulate this month’s D&R Champion, Hilda Pang Fu!

Hilda Pang Fu, president and founder of Luminari. Nominated by Candi Castleberry Singleton, Hilda was selected for her work to broaden minds, inspire innovations, and promote a cultured community. "With the I Want To Be An Ambassador! camp, Hilda has found an inspiring way to expose students to the art of diplomacy, and to challenge them to become better negotiators by letting them see for themselves that differences are barriers to progress only if we allow them to be," Candi says. Hilda exhibits dignity and respect in her daily life without giving it a thought, as she says it comes naturally to her.

Nominate your favorite dignity and respect champion and learn more about past champions here!

Multicultural Food Fest this Wednesday!

2011-08-02T11:16:00.001-04:00

Let Us Continue to Honor All Our Dignity & Respect Champions!

2011-07-30T10:08:00.000-04:00

We will soon be announcing this winner of July’s Dignity & Respect Champions Award!

But there is still time to nominate your candidate for August: We invite everybody to go to the Dignity & Respect Campaign’s website and nominate a person who you believe best promotes inclusion, dignity and respect in your community. And in the upcoming weeks, we would like to take time out to remember some of our past champions as well.

Last July, Linda Demoise was awarded this honor for her daily work with students as the academic support coordinator for Investing Now, an engineering tutoring program at the University of Pittsburgh for high school students as well as college students in Pittsburgh. Linda Demoise said her job is the perfect opportunity to give back, challenge young people, and help them shape successful futures for themselves in exciting fields.

Demoise works directly with Hands-On-Science programs for pre-college students, where children get a chance to visit universities and learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Nominated by her colleague, Terri Kennelly-Cook, Demoise demonstrates her belief in treating all people with dignity and respect every day as she helps children to realize their potential, no matter their situation.

2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

2011-07-27T13:09:00.001-04:00

The 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games are coming to Pittsburgh August 1-6, 2011!

This event showcases the athletic abilities of more than 550 wheelchair-bound veterans in 17 different events. It is the largest sporting event of its kind dedicated to showcasing the strengths of veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological diseases. The provide opportunities for both world-class champions and newly disabled Veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.

But the Games need your help. Get involved now! Thousands of volunteers are needed so Volunteer for the 2011 Wheelchair Games here courtesy of our partners in dignity and respect Pittsburgh Cares. Or come to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on August 1^st at 6pm for the Opening Ceremonies and show your support for these American heroes! And check out the Games’ website for a full schedule of events.

A Celebration of Authentic Self

2011-07-23T10:52:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh Black Pride will host a Celebration of Authentic Self from July 28^th until the 31^st. The event kicks off at 5:30pm at the August Wilson Center when Board Members of Pittsburgh Black Pride will host an open meet and greet featuring refreshments, live acts and special guest speakers.

The fun and festivities will continue all weekend long and feature the The Aggressive One & Ms. Fem Pageant at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, a picnic in Highland Park, The Domination Ball, and so much more! Events will be occurring all over the Pittsburgh area so be sure to check out Pittsburgh Black Pride’s website for a full schedule of events. A full access pass an be purchased through the website for only $50 so be sure to register today!

Dreams of Hope’s Summer Qamp!

2011-07-18T13:37:00.001-04:00

Every young person needs a place where they can be themselves and share their real experiences and stories. For LGBTA teens and tweens, Dreams of Hope, our partners in dignity and respect, provides just this sort of safe space.

Dreams of Hope will host an overnight “Summer Qamp” from August 16 - 20th for LGBTA youth ages 13-17 at the Emma Kaufmann Camp on Cheat Lake near Morganton, West Virginia. Campers will have the opportunity to share stories and express their unique viewpoints through art and music. Camp activities focus on growing each camper’s artistic talents while exploring issues LGBTA young people encounter in their day-today lives and learning how to combat these obstacles.

Registration is still open and need-based scholarships are available. And if you would like to sponsor a camper and this fantastic cause, Dreams of Hope welcomes you to make a donation through their website, because every child deserves a chance to have their voice heard!

News from the Dignity and Respect Campaign!

2011-05-31T23:12:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

The D&R Campaign was an exhibitor and sponsor of the 2011
Nonprofit Summit held on Thursday, May 12 at the Westin
Convention Center Hotel. More than 750 leaders from greater
Pittsburgh's nonprofit organizations gathered to mingle, learn
about emerging trends, and share best practices during the
day-long event.

Nonprofit organizations contribute to each of us. Whether
through social services, advocacy groups, educational
institutions, or arts and culture, we all reap the benefits from the
time and talent nonprofit executives invest. Nonprofits make our
lives better, richer, and safer.

Join the D&R Campaign and "Say Thank You" (Tip #5) to all
the people in your life who work at nonprofit organizations.

Sincerely,

Melanie Harrington - Chair, D&R Campaign Council - Pittsburgh
Shari Manges - Vice-chair, D&R Campaign Council - Pittsburgh

Read more HERE

Check out the latest from the Dignity and Respect Campaign!

2011-05-25T14:37:00.001-04:00

Seniors Enjoy Sun And Song At South Park Festival

2011-05-17T22:47:00.001-04:00

People from across the county turned out for the third annual Senior Celebration in the Park.
By Dan Nephin | May 12, 2011

Seniors citizens from across Allegheny County enjoyed one of the nicest days of the year at South Park on Wednesday as they took part in the third annual Senior Celebration in the Park.

The day included dancing, information booths, caricature painting, games and prizes and featured an "American Idol" styled Celebration Idol contest.

The winner, Russell Bowe, of Homewood, won a recording contract at Ya Momz House recording studio for his rendition of "My Girl" by The Temptations.

People came from the county's Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging senior centers.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield; the Dignity and Respect Campaign; Fifth Third Bank, various county departments and other organizations were involved.

Read the full article here

Dignity and Respect in the News!

2011-04-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2011

Onorato Announces Third Annual “Senior Celebration in the Park”

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the Third Annual “Senior Celebration in the Park” will be held at the South Park Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. The celebration is part of Older Americans Month, which was first proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

“We are proud to acknowledge and pay tribute to the older adults in Allegheny County for enriching and strengthening our community,” said Onorato. “Seniors are our one of our greatest community resources and serve as role models for younger generations. This event will provide attendees with free health screenings, live entertainment, prizes, resources and a day of fun.”

Morning refreshments and enhanced boxed lunches will be provided at no cost to attendees. ACCESS Transportation will provide free rides to the event from all 58 Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging senior centers in Allegheny County. Additionally, accessible parking will be available in designated areas. Free shuttles will transport seniors from the parking areas to main exhibits and activities at the celebration. Seniors are encouraged to wear adequate sun protection.

This year’s theme is “Back to the Swingin’ ’60s” and will open with a spectacular dove release by the National Aviary. Participants will enjoy: early 1960s music and memorabilia; live music by the Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band; line-dancing lead by Pittsburgh’s dancing D.J., Roland Ford; and a “Celebration Idol” contest.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity to share information about the programs and services available in Allegheny County in such a fun and entertaining venue,” said Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director Marc Cherna. “We anticipate more than 2,500 seniors will once again participate in this day of recognition.”

Advanced registration is required through any DHS Area Agency on Aging senior center or by calling the DHS Event Line at 412-350-3428. The registration deadline is May 4.

Senior Celebration in the Park is made possible through the generosity of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dignity and Respect Campaign, Fifth Third Bank, DHS Area Agency on Aging, and the County’s departments of parks, public works and special events.

For more information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/seniorcelebration .

D&R on WPXI!

2011-04-19T09:33:00.006-04:00

Set your DVR! The Dignity and Respect Campaign is going to be highlighted on WPXI - Impact

Program will air: This Saturday(4/23) at 5:30am on Channel 11 or WPXI, Sunday (4/24) at 1:30pm PCNC, Tuesday (4/26) at 3:30pm PCNC.

Featuring Community Partners:

Melanie Harrington CEO, Vibrant Pittsburgh & Chair, Dignity & Respect Campaign - Pittsburgh,

Jennifer Roupe Director of Communications, Shadyside Academy

Connect with the D&R Campaign and see photos from the taping on Facebook!

D&R at Linkage Summit on Leading Diversity

2011-04-04T12:22:00.001-04:00

April 4th - 6th, the Dignity and Respect Campain is a sponsor of the Linkage Summit on Leading Diversity! Now in its 12th year, the Leading Diversity Summit is the nation’s premiere diversity event and plays an integral role in creating and sustaining inclusive work environments that enable organizations to operate more effectively in a global marketplace. Linkage prides itself on the quality and depth of the program and remains committed to showcasing a collection of the most vital tools, strategies, and best practices available in the diversity field.

"If professionals could only attend one conference on diversity and inclusion, Linkage’s summit would be the only one I recommend. " - Manager, Diversity Consulting and Inclusion Strategies, Toyota Motor Sales

News from the Dignity and Respect Campaign!

2011-01-02T23:38:00.003-05:00

As we look forward to the unlimited possibilities that the new year brings, it's important that we take time to reflect on all that we've done to make a difference in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities in 2010.

This year the Dignity and Respect pledge count has exceeded 30,000 and continues to grow each day. Our efforts have touched individuals, students, and organizations alike, by engaging them in everything from the D&R Champion Initiative to the D&R Fall Festival. We have also selected new council leadership who will continue to drive our mission forward and help us to reach our goals throughout the new year. We encourage each of you to continue practicing tip #30 and Be a Champion of Dignity and Respect.

Please accept our sincere thank you for your support in 2010 and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2011. Until then, have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

Melanie Harrington - Chair, D&R Campaign Council - Pittsburgh
Shari Manges - Vice-chair, D&R Campaign Council - Pittsburgh
Dawnita Wilson - D&R Campaign Manager - Pittsburgh

Get Involved!
Join us in promoting Dignity & Respect!

D&R Pledge Drive - University of Pittsburgh
January 10-14, 2011
Various Times
University of Pittsburgh Campus (Oakland)
4200 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Annual MLK Day of Service - UPMC/D&R Council Pittsburgh
January 17, 2011
9 am - 3 pm
The Boys & Girls Club of Duquesne
29 N. 3rd Street, Duquesne, PA 15110

The Black and White Reunion -13th Annual Summit Against Racism
January 22, 2011
9 am - 3 pm
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
116 S. Highland Avenue, 15206

For more upcoming events,click here. For additional information contact us via phone at 412.864.3582 or email us at CampaignManager@DignityandRespectCampaign.com

Check us out on YouTube!

2010-11-17T22:06:00.003-05:00

Check out the Dignity and Respect Campaign on youtube at: www.youtube.com/DRCampaign!

Dignity and Respect Fest brings inclusion and multiculturalism to the multitudes

2010-09-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

reposted from PopCity...
http://www.popcitymedia.com/forgood/dignityrespectfest092910.aspx?utm_campaign=Why+I+Moved+to+Pittsburgh.+Twice.&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_term=Dignity+and+Respect+Fest+brings+inclusion+and+multiculturalism+to+the+multitudescampaign

Dignity and Respect Fest brings inclusion and multiculturalism to the multitudes
Wednesday, September 29, 2010

UPMC's workplace inclusion program has now gone from an internal effort to a community-wide, free Dignity and Respect Fall Festival set for Oct. 16 at Schenley Plaza in Oakland."We are planning for it to be an annual event," says Dawnita Wilson, who is program director of inclusion initiatives at UPMC's Center for Inclusion and manager of the Center's Dignity and Respect Campaign.

The Campaign began in 2008 with UPMC employees pledging their support for inclusion in their workplace. Employee groups devised 30 tips to help with the effort, from simple courtesies to being open, flexible and "culturally competent.""Dignity and respect to them meant these small little behaviors that we lose sight of on a day-to-day basis – things we learn when we are young," notes Wilson.

The Campaign then became a wider initiative last year, gaining 60 community partners who spearheaded a literal pledge drive – 5,000 people throughout the area pledged to honor the Campaign's goals of fostering multiculturalism and diversity.

The Campaign also offers a monthly Dignity and Respect Champion Award, most recently to Barbara Murock, a county behavioral-health specialist who works toward better health-care policy for vulnerable groups. This year's festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will celebrate those same principles – and offer some fun, including rock climbing by Venture Outdoors, multicultural entertainment from UMOJA African Arts Company and lion dancers/kung fu artists Steel Dragon, alongside games, health and educational information and other free stuff.

For more information, call 412-864-3582 or click here to e-mail.

Writer: Marty Levine
Source: Dawnita Wilson, UPMC Center for Inclusion

Women, Find Employment That Will Sustain Your Family

2010-08-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

Women, Find Employment That Will Sustain Your Family

August 31, 2010

in Side by Side

Side by Side welcomes Nieves Stiker from Carlow University’s New Choices Program.

This event is for single mothers and women who find themselves needing to (re)enter the work force.

Topics include:

goal setting
self esteem building
skill building
job training.
Learn how to find employment that is not just for survival, but that will sustain a family.

About Nieves Stiker

For over ten years, Ms. Stiker has worked closely with single parents and women in transition, fulfilling Carlow University’s original mission “to involve persons, primarily women, in a process of self-directed, lifelong learning which will free them to think clearly and creatively, to discover and to challenge or affirm cultural and aesthetic values, to respond reverently and sensitively to God and others, and to render competent and compassionate service in personal and professional life.”

Recently, she was the recipient of the Dignity and Respect Champion Award which is presented to, and honors, a person identified as one who has made a difference in promoting inclusion, dignity and respect in the communities where they live and work.

Please join us!

Details:

Time – 6:30 PM
Date – Thursday, Sept. 2nd
Place – The Christy House (St. Stephen’s Church), 403 Frederick Ave., Sewickley.

Childcare will be provided.

Contact: sbs@ststephenschurch.net or 412-741-1790 for more information.”

from: http://togetherweflourish.com/2010/08/31/women-find-employment-that-will-sustain-your-family/

Dignity and Respect Campaign receives top honors from the Profiles in Diversity Journal's 7th Annual Innovations in Diversity Award!

2010-08-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

Dignity & Respect Campaign – A Community Initiative

The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness campaign designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect.

In November of 2008, The Center for Inclusion at UPMC introduced the concept of Dignity and Respect to the employees of UPMC. Employees were tasked with taking a pledge to demonstrate their commitment to treating others the way they want to be treated and providing their opinion on behaviors that represent dignity and respect in the workplace. Based on their feedback, "30 Tips of Dignity & Respect" were created, which highlight behaviors that can easily be incorporated into everyday activities.

Awareness about the campaign spread throughout the Pittsburgh community, as the Center for Inclusion partnered with community leaders on efforts around community unity, cultural competency, and multicultural awareness. On October 1, 2009, the Dignity & Respect Campaign was launched as a community initiative, with the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh declaring October Dignity & Respect Month. The community campaign kicked off with the launch of a city-wide pledge drive, which engaged over 50 community organizations and awarded a day of service to the organization that received the most pledges. The launch also included the unveiling of the Dignity & Respect Campaign website. (http://www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com/)

To engage the community, several ideas were created to ensure that dignity and respect are at the core of what UPMCemployees do every day:

The D&R Pledge and D&R Tips: Visit the Dignity & Respect Campaign website and take the pledge.

The D&R Month: Organize a launch event, promote a D&R pledge drive, and award a day of service to the organization in your community that receives the most pledges.
The D&R Journey: Champion inclusion within your organization by joining the D&R Journey. The Journey enables organizations to highlight best practices and share them with the D&R community.
D&R Campaign National or Local Sponsorship: Promote inclusion in your organization and community while associating your brand with the Dignity & Respect Campaign by becoming a national or local sponsor.

What began as a workplace initiative to promote dignity and respect at UPMCsoon became a local community effort in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has now become a national initiative dedicated to driving inclusion.

Read more! http://diversityjournal.com/images/2010_Innovations_in_Diversity_Awards_Winners.pdf

Dignity and Respect Fall Festival~ 10.16.2010!

2010-08-17T14:36:00.003-04:00

Have you been to the website lately??

2010-06-10T13:37:00.001-04:00

There are some BIG changes going on over at www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com have you been over there lately?

Dignity and Respect Champion award honors Pittsburgh Project's Thompkins

2010-03-31T09:46:00.000-04:00

Will Thompkins, director of community and outreach at The Pittsburgh Project, doesn't seek the spotlight. But it has found him: The Dignity and Respect Campaign, launched last fall to unite people and organizations throughout the city under the common belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect, has named Thompkins their first Dignity and Respect Champion. The award will be given monthly throughout the coming year to Pittsburghers who exemplify the campaign's goals.

Through his work at The Pittsburgh Project, and through service on the boards of KidsVoice, the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP, Children 2 Champions, Northside Old Timers, Pittsburgh United, and The 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, the campaign feels that Thompkins has devoted himself to promoting "the principles of dignity and respect" and "an environment of inclusion" here in Pittsburgh.

He was nominated for the award by Saleem Ghubril, executive director of the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program for students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

"Will models servant-leadership in everything he does, but never with the aim of drawing attention to himself. He makes whomever is in his company feel deeply valued and highly regarded. He is a bridge-builder between those typically alienated whether because of race, ethnicity, gender, economics, age, or politics. This is Will's first nature," Ghubril said in a statement about the award.

What issues are taking up most of Thompkins' energy these days? Helping to combat homelessness tops the list, as does the challenge of helping low-income Pittsburgh students get access to the best possible education. As we enter the second year of recession, Thompkins says those two problems often cross paths. Homeless students do their best to stay in school, he says, but it can be incredibly difficult.

"Education is a major issue... and one great challenge we face for young people, whether in high school or college, is employment," he says. "To identify and work with those young people who go to school and are homeless is very important. ... A lot of young people, if they're given an opportunity to work, they will work. And they will do well, in some cases excelling beyond our imagination."

http://www.popcitymedia.com/forgood/dignityandrespect0331.aspx?utm_campaign=On%20the%20Edge&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_term=Dignity%20and%20Respect%20Champion%20award%20honors%20Pittsburgh%20Project%27s%20Thompkins

Center for Inclusion reaches out to 6th-graders in the New Pittsburgh Courier!

2010-02-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

Center for Inclusion reaches out to 6th-graders
Written by Rebecca Nuttall - Courier Staff Writer
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 11:35

Starting in February, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Center for Inclusion in Health Care will be hosting a series of career fairs for sixth-graders in the Pittsburgh Public School District. The fairs will expose students to a variety of careers in the health care field, beyond the usual professions.

“It gives the students the opportunity to explore the many different areas they can go into health care,” said Winifred Torbert, program director, education partnerships. “You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse and students aren’t aware of that. So it’s an exploration activity.”

“We want to really talk to the students about health careers and post-secondary opportunities they can pursue if they are interested,” Torbert said. “In sixth grade they are beginning to question where they are going to be and things they need to know. This will show them this is what it will lead to and also to give them a pathway to the promise.”
The first of four sessions will be held at Greenway Middle School, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The Center for Inclusion, which was launched in October of 2008, has a number of initiatives aimed at customers, employees and the community.

“We launched the center in an effort to kind of re-brand the department and move the work to another level,” said Dawnita Wilson, chief of staff. “We wanted to provide a broad range of resources to UPMC employees as well as the people in the communities we serve.”

Among the center’s major initiatives is the Dignity and Respect campaign, which invites UPMC employees and the community to take a pledge to ensure that inclusion is at the core of what they do every day. After taking the pledge, participants can download a list of daily tips encouraging them to be mindful of their interactions with others and to commit to treating others the way they want to be treated.

“We engaged community partners and the community at-large to take the pledge,” Wilson said. “We ask them what dignity and respect mean to them.”

The campaign has engaged numerous organizations, including the Pittsburgh Foundation, Leadership Pittsburgh, UPMC Health Plan and the Office of the Mayor. October 2009 was designated as Dignity and Respect Month, during which time almost 5,000 pledges were received.

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1365:center-for-inclusion-reaches-out-to-6th-graders&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

Wear Red Day!

2010-02-04T12:57:00.002-05:00

GET Involved
Are you available between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm on Friday, February 5th? If you are, help us spread life-saving information about the "Go Red for Women" campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke as threats to the health of women, and to urge women to take action to improve their heart health.

The campaign's goal is to have at least 200 men and women in downtown Pittsburgh and 100 more in Oakland, passing out bookmarks and red dress pins. You'll be given a red fleece scarf to wear to keep you warm and to identify you as part of the "Go Red for Women" campaign. Register here to Participate in Wear Red Day

Smart Futures eMentoring Features in Pittsburgh Tribune- Review!

2010-01-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

UPMC enlisted for e-mentoring effort
By Rick Wills, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 14, 2010

Dave Mosey said he thinks there are more teens in need of mentors than mentors with time.

"Being a face-to-face mentor is often complicated. There are even legal and security issues involved when you are dealing with underage kids," said Mosey, executive director of SmartFutures, a Downtown nonprofit that runs an online mentoring program.

SmartFutures got a big boost Wednesday, when UPMC -- the state's second largest employer after Wal-Mart -- volunteered to promote e-mentoring among its 50,000 employees.

"They have a wonderful program. It's a great opportunity to engage our professional people with students in the area," said Dawnita Wilson, chief of staff for UPMC's Center of Inclusion in Health Care.

The program aims to match thousands of high school students with UPMC employees over the Internet and to help them plan for their future.

Paula Balogh, a nurse practitioner at UPMC's Hillman Cancer Center, said she finds mentoring rewarding on several levels.

"I can talk to kids through the computer in a very non-threatening way. I feel like I can help students navigate the system and set goals. And I can tell them about how I started out with nothing," she said.

UPMC also has enlisted the support of partner organizations, including Community College of Allegheny County and Bidwell Training Center to expand the mentor pool.

The effort targets 10th graders, Mosey said.

"That seems like a good age. Senior year is too late to start planning what to do after high school," he said.

Each student will receive a personalized college and career plan, created with his or her mentor.

SmartFutures, which was founded in 2005, offers several educational and career-related online programs including Keys2Work, PA eMentoring, My Career Journey and Financial Literacy 101

MLK Day of Service Event!

2010-01-20T12:47:00.005-05:00

Recently, the Center for Inclusion in Health Care, along with Pittsburgh Cares at the Duquesne-West Mifflin Boys and Girls Club held a youth orientated activity to commerate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and also to discuss ideas of how we can all work together to make the world a better place.

The event was even picked up by the McKeesport Daily News! See the article and some pics from the event below!

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Young, old ponder modern vision of Dr. King’s dream
Buzz up!By Eric Slagle, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
E-Edition

If Martin Luther King Jr. were still alive, what would his dream be today?

Children, teens and adults taking part in a celebration of the day honoring the slain civil rights leader at Duquesne-West Mifflin Boys and Girls Club on Monday all were asked that question in one form or another.

In an exercise called "I Have a Dream, Too," students recorded their ideas about how humanity could work together to make the world a better place.

"I have a dream that one day we'll all stop fighting and get along," said S'myiah Adams, 5, of Duquesne.

"I have a dream that people won't be talked about because of their skin color," wrote Alexis Berry, 11, also of Duquesne.

Carrick High School student Jenna Aleski, 14, wrote that her dream is a world where "everyone will be equal. Everyone will feel loved. Everyone will have a home."

There were hundreds of other inspiring answers offered at the event, which in addition to being attended by club members, drew students and adults from all over the Pittsburgh region through the volunteer organization Pittsburgh Cares.

This is the first year the club held an MLK Day activity. Patricia A. Bluett, who is executive director of the local Boys and Girls Club branch, said she is pleased the club could host such an event.

"It's a chance for kids in our community to get together with kids from outside the community and learn there's a world outside of Duquesne," she said. "It's time for us all to start working together."

Pittsburgh Cares Project Manager Holly McGraw said the youth club in Duquesne was a natural choice for her when she was looking for a place to hold the youth-oriented activity. Having worked with Bluett and the club on other occasions, she said of the director, "She's always welcoming and willing to open her doors to new faces."

Will Barmen, 10, who is a student at St. Edmunds Academy in Squirrel Hill and was at the club with the philanthropic Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners group, said he was inspired by the message of community service being promoted by the day's activities.

He said he'd remember it later this year when his school holds its annual clean-up event.

"I've learned we can work together to be a better community," he said.

Candi Castleberry-Singleton, of UPMC's Center for Inclusion in Health Care, was at the event encouraging participants to use club computers to pledge their support for treating colleagues and members of the community with dignity and respect in honor of King.

Justin Portis of Pittsburgh Cares was overseeing an event for older students to create a public service announcement honoring King's legacy that will be shown in area high schools and on his organization's Web site at www.pittsburghcares.org.

Portis said the program at the youth club was beneficial because it instills service values in children at an age when many still are too young to get involved in hands-on volunteer activities in the community.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailynewsmckeesport/s_662914.html

Make Dignity and Respect part of what you do everyday.

2010-01-04T09:33:00.005-05:00

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
-- Martin Luther King Jr.

Have you taken the pledge to support Dignity and Respect? In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day we are inviting you to take our Dignity and Respect Pledge again or for the first time.

About the Campaign

Dignity and respect are crucial to building and sustaining an environment in which everyone feels included, valued, and appreciated. Sometimes it's the smallest things that have the biggest impact. Join us in our Dignity and Respect Campaign by making sure that inclusion is at the core of what you do every day

Here's how it works: Every day we have the opportunity to test our commitment to dignity and respect through our behavior. The tips below encourage us all to be mindful of our interactions with others and to commit to treating others the way they want to be treated. By following the daily recommendations, we can all work to achieve a more inclusive community.

You can take the pledge by visiting www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com or by clicking here

Goodwill Day of Service!

2009-12-17T12:22:00.008-05:00

Congrats to the runner up in the Dignity and Respect Campaign Contest with a grand total of 1362 votes: Goodwill of Southwestern PA!

Leadership Pittsburgh is committed to contributing to a community of Dignity and Respect. In an effort to show their support of Dignity and Respect, and to commend those organizations who have helped to make the pledge drive a success, they have decided to offer a 'Runner-Up ½ Day of Service', to the organization who has the second highest number of pledges.

Check out the pics!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T12:22:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome!

We would like to wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings! Enjoy the holidays! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

And, if you haven't checked us out on facebook, please visit our link to the right -------->

The Journey to Inclusive Leadership by Rebecca Hastings

2009-11-19T12:51:00.003-05:00

A very interesting article (included below) written by Rebecca Hastings, an online editor for SHRM, proposes a unique course of action-- being less comfortable with the "too comfortable". In quote from John Forland, senior associate for Graybridge Malkam, " We need to be more comfortable with the uncomfortable and less comfortable with the too comfortable". He cites that in order to be more comfortable, one must be more open to learning about and understanding others; and not making assumptions by external characteristics.

Read the article below:

The Journey to Inclusive Leadership
11/2/2009 By Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR

To be regarded as an inclusive leader, one must live a set of values that place human relationships at the center of business, according to John Dorland, senior associate for Graybridge Malkam, a consultancy specializing in global competency. But getting there is a journey, not a program, he said.

The journey begins with conscious efforts to step outside one’s comfort zone.
“We need to be more comfortable with the uncomfortable and less comfortable with the too comfortable,” Dorland told those who attended his Oct. 19, 2009, concurrent session at the SHRM Diversity Conference & Exposition in San Diego.

For example, in order to get to know someone, two individuals begin by exchanging information, such as name, occupation and place of business. The more individuals share information the more they will gain knowledge of each other, Dorland said, and that leads to a better understanding of the other person. Greater understanding leads to greater comfort.

But it all starts with that conscious, deliberate choice to reach out to another human being, he said, particularly to those who appear, on the surface, to be most unlike oneself.

According to Dorland, most people, most of the time, tend to make assumptions about people based on external characteristics. From those assumptions, conclusions are drawn. And from those conclusions come decisions or actions. But such decisions are often flawed, he said, because the original assumptions made about others are often wrong.

And to further complicate matters, “We often don’t know what we don’t know,” he said.
Yet human beings tend to be driven powerfully by what they can see.

Dorland, who lost his sight 18 years ago as a result of medication he was taking for leukemia, said one of the “neat things” about not being able to see is that he can’t see skin color, age or other physical characteristics. All he knows about people is what they choose to share with him over time.

People tend to see similarities and differences on the surface, but the layers that make individuals unique beings include their personality, internal dimensions such as race, ethnicity and gender, external dimensions such as marital status, religion, personal habits and appearance, and organizational dimensions such as seniority, location and function.
In order for an organization to value the unique combination of traits individuals bring to the table, it must have an environment that allows each person to contribute in their own way.
But it’s a two-way street, he noted: “Each of us, the unique individual we are, has to work with the organization to help it leverage our value.”

Dorland said his company at first had no idea what to do with him once he lost his sight. He refused to go on long-term disability, and the company eventually realized that his extensive knowledge and experience gained from working in 147 countries over 30 years had not been lost. And they found that he could still do many things—including making presentations—just as effectively.

Inclusion Is More than Being Nice

Dorland said inclusion means ensuring that all employees have equal access to sharing and using the talents they bring to the organization. Inclusive leadership is therefore more than being nice. It begins with respect, he said, and it requires the willingness and ability to communicate across differences. This requires:

• A mutual willingness to engage.
• Two parties who are willing to “tell their truth.”
• Individuals who are willing to “shift their truth” in the face of new information.
• A willingness to listen with understanding.

“A good leader always leads from the front,” Dorland said. “Demonstrate by virtue of your own example the actions and attitudes you want demonstrated.”

To support inclusive leadership, Dorland said, organizations need to ensure that inclusion is a non-negotiable reality, create discomfort with exclusive practices and generate a sense of urgency about inclusion.

He offered several other tips for organization leaders:
• Think we, not I.
• Practice generosity, not greed.
• Work at minimizing conflict by reminding everyone that they truly are family.

“We all have a leadership role in this context,” he said. Inclusive leadership is less about power and position and more about the quality of interaction between people.

Inclusive leaders first develop a broad awareness of diversity and the impact changing demographics have on the business. This knowledge can lead to a better understanding of self, which in turn sets a leader on the journey of building an inclusive work environment.

“We have to look at it as a fundamental way of how we manage our business,” Dorland said. “We will never reach that endpoint where we can set it aside and focus on something else.

“This isn’t a ‘nice to do,’ ” he added. “Our economic challenges just reinforce the sense of urgency.”

Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR, is an online editor/manager for SHRM.

30 Days of Dignity and Respect

2009-11-05T14:19:00.004-05:00

Inclusion begins with a core belief that everyone deserves Dignity and Respect. This ideal is critical to building and sustaining an environment in which everyone feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

Join us in the pledge to commit to treating others the way they want to be treated. Visit http://www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com/ to learn more about the 30 Tips of Dignity and Respect and to ensure that inclusion is at the core of what you do every day!

2009-11-04T14:38:00.003-05:00

Greetings!

Welcome to our new Blog focused on promoting a community of Dignity and Respect. By committing to treating others they way they want to be treated, you too, can help to create a workplace, classroom, organization or even household of Dignity and Respect.

By practicing one of the '30 Tips of Dignity and Respect' each day, we can enhance our own lives and impact the lives of others, by contributing to an environment of inclusion. Sometimes it's the smallest things that have the biggest impact. Join us in our dignity and Respect Campaign by making sure that inclusion is at the core of what you do every day!