Women’s History Month

 

March is Women’s History Month. Why not take this opportunity to reflect on the women that have made a different in your life? The National Women’s History Project has declared that this month’s theme is women’s education and women empowerment:

Although women now outnumber men in American colleges nationwide, the reversal of the gender gap is a very recent phenomenon. The fight to learn was a valiant struggle waged by many tenacious women—across years and across cultures—in our country. After the American Revolution, the notion of education as a safeguard for democracy created opportunities for girls to gain a basic education—based largely on the premise that, as mothers, they would nurture not only the bodies but also the minds of (male) citizens and leaders. The concept that educating women meant educating mothers endured in America for many years, at all levels of education.

Pioneers of secondary education for young women faced arguments from physicians and other “experts” who claimed either that females were incapable of intellectual development equal to men, or that they would be harmed by striving for it. Women’s supposed intellectual and moral weakness was also used to argue against coeducation, which would surely be an assault on purity and femininity. Emma Willard, in her 1819 Plan for Improving Female Education, noted with derision the focus of women’s “education” on fostering the display of youth and beauty, and asserted that women are “the companions, not the satellites of men”—“primary existences” whose education must prepare them to be full partners in life’s journey.

Learn more about the history of women’s education here: http://www.nwhp.org//whm/index.php

African American History Month: Spotlight on the Tuskegee Airmen

 

Happy Black History Month everyone! Because of the buzz around the movie “Red Tails,” a lot of attention is now being paid to the Tuskegee Airmen – the first African-American pursuit squadron. Learn the true story here:

"Tuskegee Airmen" refers to all who were involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experiment," the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air.

The military selected Tuskegee Institute to train pilots because of its commitment to aeronautical training. Tuskegee had the facilities, and engineering and technical instructors, as well as a climate for year round flying. The first Civilian Pilot Training Program students completed their instruction in May 1940. The Tuskegee program was then expanded and became the center for African-American aviation during World War II.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. They proved conclusively that African Americans could fly and maintain sophisticated combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen's achievements, together with the men and women who supported them, paved the way for full integration of the U.S. military.

If you would like to learn more about their fascinating history, you can find the full article here: http://www.tuskegeeairmen.org/explore/history.aspx

Tip #10 – “Be a Relationship Builder” this Valentine’s Day

 

This Valentine’s Day reach out to all your loved ones to show them Dignity & Respect. And while your add it, why not add some new friends and colleagues to your circle! Here are some tips to help you build relationships this Valentine’s Day

• Send a personalized, hand-made card. Say what you feel and let it come authentically from the bottom of your heart
• Give the gift of health! Prepare a healthy snack for your school, your office, or sign up for a couple’s exercise class.
• Help out! Do a chore for a friend, neighbor, or loved one. Help a stranger at the grocery story with her packages. Or simply hold a door open for a fellow patron.
• Say “Hello” to someone new.
• Call as many of your contacts as you can and just check in with them.

Do you have any ideas on how to reach out this Valentine’s Day? Share them with us!

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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!