Ambassador Hannah presenting to 4th graders.
It is no secret that bullying is an ongoing and increasing issue in classrooms throughout the country. In fact, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one in five students report being bullied. Of those, the most common reports for the reason behind the bullying include disability, race, appearance, religion, or sexual orientation. People who have been bullied are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. It’s a real issue with real consequences for those who have been victimized by a bully.
In March 2024, WACOSA was invited by Ambassadors for Respect to have adults with disabilities, served by WACOSA, come into a 4th-grade classroom and become an Ambassador by sharing what effects bullying had on them. Each Ambassador goes through a training program, and once trained, they present their experiences to students. The Ambassador for Respect program creates a win/win opportunity for both the Ambassador and the students. The Ambassador gets to tell their story and teach students while earning an income for their time presenting. This can be therapeutic since in some cases it is the first time they’ve had the opportunity to carefully think through the bullying they have experienced in their life, and then learn how to share that story in a meaningful way to an audience that is eager to listen and learn.
The award-winning Ambassadors for Respect (A4R) Program, started in 2013, brings individuals with developmental disabilities into 4th-grade classrooms to teach students to include others, to use Person First language, and to advocate for themselves and others. In collaboration with the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the purpose of the program is to develop the self-advocacy of individuals with developmental disabilities and to initiate or strengthen school bullying prevention efforts.
A big thank you to Ambassadors for Respect, PeaceMaker Minnesota, and the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities for making this program possible. Also thank you to the St. Cloud School District 742, Ambassador Coaches, Autumn, Heather, and Janet, and finally, the WACOSA Ambassadors, Hannah, David, Julie, George, Sara, Lisa, Robin, Rachel & Katrina.
Ambassador Hannah presenting to 4th Graders.
Ambassadors Hannah, David and Julie with coach Autumn, presenting to 4th Graders.
Ambassador Brian presenting to 4th grade classroom.
Ambassador Sarah presenting to 4th Graders
Ambassador Katrina presenting to 4th Graders.