JCC DIVERSITY PROGRAM WINS REGIONAL AWARD

Nonprofit Innovation Award Winners:  Susan Attig, Community Development Director; Kathy Johnson, “Possibilities” pianist; Cathy Bollinger, Diversity Acceptance Director and “Possibilities” performer;  Betty Dressner, “Possibilities” director.

 

The York Jewish Community Center recently received a Nonprofit Innovation Award from the Central Penn Business Journal for its diversity assembly, “Possibilities.”  Organizations from 7 surrounding counties were in contention with “Possibilities” selected as the top program innovation.

 

The messages of appreciating the many ways people are unique and special are so important for children (and adults) to understand.  It’s not okay to make jokes or exclude someone based on differences.  Embracing differences help people to be more open to new ideas, more diverse in their thinking, and more creative in their problem solving.  Yet with the demands on schools to focus on No Child Left Behind, it is hard to fit in character development programs.  “Possibilities” provides the solution. 

 

“Possibilities” is a unique mini-musical performance presented to elementary students that reinforces the diversity acceptance messages of caring, sharing, and respect.  Through interaction with the audience and songs, Diversity Acceptance Director Cathy Bollinger portrays “Commander Cathy,” and invites the children to join her on a Possibilities Mission.  By the end of the 30-minute show, concepts of inclusion versus rejection based on difference; development of a positive self-worth; and the exploration of feelings are all presented, resulting in helping to prepare children for life in a society composed of many different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.  Students come away with the lesson that each person has worth and value and they should not ever let someone’s perception of them keep them from going after their dreams.

 

With over 11,500 of the elementary school students in York County having seen the program, the benefits to those children, their teachers, and families is far reaching.  Response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive.  One teacher writes, “The dialogue, music, props, and themes were all in concert with our school’s social curriculum.  The use of the crayon box and the rainbow song to discuss differences in people related so well to children and is something they will remember.”  Another teacher relates the continuing impact the program has had on her students, “It’s been weeks since my students have seen the program and they’re still talking about it.  In fact, some even sing the theme song.”

 

Decreasing our youths’ biases allows for a more accepting and diverse community as a whole. People live, work, and play where they feel accepted and comfortable.  They avoid places where they feel excluded.  By working with our youth to increase their skills and talents for including those who may be different from them, we allow for a community that hosts diversity and enjoys the fruits of living and learning with each other.

 

For more information about “Possibilities” or any other JCC diversity education program, contact Cathy Bollinger at 843-0918.

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York Jewish Community Center

2000 Hollywood Drive     York, PA 17403
PH (717)843-0918     FAX (717)843-6988
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