Bridges

"I think our involvement with the NCCJ has had a phenomenal impact on our school climate…slowly but surely, we are becoming a school where more and more kids feel comfortable being themselves.  I think the culture change that happened as a direct result from that very first Bridges and Anytown group in May 2007 has been significant.  That was the group that started ACTION and carried out activities throughout the school year last year…their energy was contagious and many students have picked up the torch, continued activities, and most importantly continued a VIBE throughout the school that it is cool to take a stand, cool to be yourself, cool to be actively involved in making a difference.

One funny anecdote was a student’s concern that people were participating in the Day of Silence this year because it was the cool thing to do.  Think about that for a second.

The individuals who have been impacted are countless… Jelan. Ashleigh. Alex. Farron. Roxana. Michael Rush. Priscilla. Edwin. Etc…etc…etc…all of these students and the energy and change that they have brought back to our school have had a huge impact on their peers and on the adults in the building. I believe that many of them have significantly changed attitudes held by staff…

The students from ACTION/SafeSpace have been doing workshops with fellow students and they are in demand…both from the students and staff… I think this is proof that our students are craving this conversation and change…

I’m so grateful to be involved with you all. It makes me happy. It makes me hopeful."

Classical Magnet School

“The BRIDGES Program provides a unique opportunity for students who may never interact during their daily lives, to come together for 2 days and learn about each other. In learning about people who may be different from themselves, respect grows- respect for others as well as respect for oneself. Our students have been eager to participate in this truly worthwhile program year after year, and always emerge from it with a truly deeper understanding of others as well as themselves. These students then carry this deeper respect and understanding back into the high school, where it permeates throughout the culture of the school.”

Stephanie Kelly, School Psychologist, Rocky Hill High School

“I came away from this experience with a clear understanding of what my responsibilities are as a role model of social justice issues. Importantly, I believe the students respected the ways in which everything was based within a very meaningful context. There was a good balance of hands-on activities, games, reflective writing and discussion that helped the students to develop an understanding of how pejorative language associated with ethnicity, gender, religion, age and sexual orientation reinforces stereotypes. Encouraged to first look closely at their own social and cultural identities gave the students an essential basis for understanding others. All activities were varied and engaging. NCCJ has a clear understanding of their audience and their mission.”

Peg Considine, Teacher, Westfield Vocational & Technical High School

“BRIDGES was offered to students at East Windsor High School because two students attended Camp Anytown. These students returned to school in the fall energized to share with the entire school. Consequently, the school, with the support of NCCJ, has offered a workshop for the past two years. Participating students come away with a greater awareness of stereotyping and how discrimination impacts lives. Every student has appreciated this educational opportunity and this year East Windsor High School is creating a program for the entire school. It was an enlightening experience.”

Lora Arnold, Guidance Counselor, East Windsor High School

“It was fun and educational. The stuff we learned was a lot more valuable than things we learn in school.”

East Hampton HS

“I learned to accept people, don't judge them, and to be yourself.”

East Hampton HS

“I loved the community building we did.”

East Windsor HS

“It taught me things about myself that I didn't know existed.”

East Windsor HS

“It was a wonderful experience! I made new friends and feel empowered to change my environment.”

East Windsor HS

“I learned about myself, how I'm different and like the people sitting in the room with me. I also learned shocking facts about how prejudice affects our world.”

East Windsor HS

After completing the BRIDGES program, … “I will use the information I learned in BRIDGES and apply it wherever I go.”

East Windsor HS

After completing the BRIDGES program, … “I will speak up, stand up for my beliefs, even if I stand alone.”

East Windsor HS

After completing the BRIDGES program, I will… “Have an open mind, a will of iron made to change and reshape this prejudiced world.”

East Windsor HS

After completing the BRIDGES program, I will… “Stand up for what I believe in!”

Glastonbury HS