 Over 80 people attended a gathering of community members who expressed support for the pledge developed by the Bemidji Respect advisory group. Bemidji Respect formed in November to highlight Bemidji as an inclusive community after Mayor Rita Albrecht was contacted by residents who said their friends and family had experienced discriminatory harassment. So far, almost 150 businesses and over 330 individuals have joined in signing the Declaration of Respect. Window clings and bumper stickers with the “Bemidji Respect” logo are available at Peacemaker Resources (444-8048) and Harmony Natural Foods Coop (751-2009) for anyone wishing to demonstrate their support for building bridges of inclusion, awareness and understanding across all divides. The Declaration of Respect:
Standing Together for #BemidjiRespect Children and adults around Bemidji have experienced hostility and harassment simply because of who they are. This is absolutely unacceptable, here or anywhere. Together, we affirm shared values of mutual respect and appreciation for our differences. We are working to make this an even better place to live. We acknowledge the full history of our city, which has experienced racial, economic and other disparities. We will seek to heal past injustice while striving to confront new wrongs. People and organizations in Bemidji continue to grow in our ability and determination to ensure safety and acceptance for all. We will never overlook expressions of hate or intolerance, and we will not allow the actions of a few to set us back. Our community seeks to build bridges of inclusion, awareness and understanding across all divides. We face up to challenges and address them together. We hold one another accountable for doing the right thing. We promote a vibrant and welcoming environment in which to live, learn, create and achieve success. We will speak out against hate speech and fear mongering. We proudly stand together as a community of respect − Bemidji Respect.
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 The Beltrami Area Service Collaborative and Peacemaker Resources co-hosted a University of Minnesota Extension Agency webinar and follow-up conversation on “Getting Intentional with Social Emotional Learning: Promise, Progress and Priorities” on Feb. 9. The live-streamed address by Dr. Dale Blyth offered reflections on the opportunities and challenges of improving social and emotional learning both within and beyond the classroom. The event wrapped up with a World Café in which attendees discussed ideas for moving forward and supporting social and emotional learning for youth and the adults working with them.
The 4th Annual Edcamp Bemidji took place on February 11, 2017, and this year's event proved to be the best Edcamp yet! Bemidji State University's Memorial Hall was filled with 121 educators from over 30 area school districts on a Saturday to discuss education. The crowd was innovative, enthusiastic, and dedicated to providing the best education for all students. Many of the sessions met the mission of Peacemaker Resources including, Mindfulness, Trauma Sensitive Schools, Equity in the Classroom, and Social and Emotional Learning. Special thanks to the volunteer Edcamp Planning Committee and all of the business sponsors. Looking forward to Edcamp Bemidji 2018! |
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