Operation Respect Concert for Newtown Annual Report 2013 Creating Safe, Compassionate Climates of Respect in Classrooms and Schools Who We Are 4

Message From Chair and Co-Founder 6

Message From President and Co-Founder 7

Year In Review 8

Funders 26

Statement of Financial Position 28

Statement of cAtivities 29

Staff/Trainers/Board of Directors 30

3 WHOWE ARE

Operation Respect is a non-profit due to peer ridicule, teasing, bullying CREDO educational and advocacy organi- and other hurtful behaviors, is far less We believe that children and youth zation dedicated to transforming likely to occur. must be educated so that they honor schools, summer camps and other and respect themselves and others. youth-serving organizations into MISSION They must learn to resolve conflict more compassionate, safe and The mission of Operation Respect is peacefully. We must reach the hearts, respectful environments. Founded in to create respectful, safe and com- as well as the minds, of children, 1999 by Peter Yarrow of the famed passionate climates of learning, free youth, their educators and their folk trio, Peter Paul and Mary, along of bullying, ridicule and violence. parents – and use the creative arts with Dr. Charlotte Frank, Operation combined with effective pedagogical Respect advocates for educational VISION approaches to do so. The success of excellence and the healthy develop- Our vision is a world in which the edu- Operation Respect is measured in ment of children and youth in all areas cation of children and youth will focus attitudinal and behavioral changes on of their growth. To help accomplish its equally on the development of their the part of children, youth and society. mission, Operation Respect dissem- character as well as academic growth inates its own educational program, so that they evolve into productive, “Don’t Laugh At Me,” that provides compassionate and civically engaged effective tools for establishing a members of society. caring climate in which the emotional and physical abuse children suffer

4 5 MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER

When we started Operation Respect with How we got to this point with the culture of divisiveness, mean- spir- the discovery of the song, “Don’t Laugh At itedness and selfishness advancing exponentially in every quarter of Me” that in many ways inspired the creation our society, is a subject about which I have many theories, but not- of our efforts (in this case, “life imitated art”, withstanding such analysis, I unequivocally believe that reversing this rather than the reverse) we had no idea how trend will be in the hands of the next generation. basic to the fabric of civil society our efforts, and the efforts of those of others who pur- We, who are adults, are here to help, but every day I see indications of sue the same goals, are to addressing what is plain ole “wrong” and new spirit and strength arising from our young ones. They see with advancing what is plain ole “right” in terms of healing and creation of fresh eyes that the emperor has no clothes, that the materialism and a better world. hyper-competition and “me-ness” of our times, if unaltered, will lead us to a place where the world and everything we hold dear will be in Far beyond the elimination of bullying, ridicule and mean-spirited great jeopardy. behavior, it has become apparent that for the very survival of the planet and all we hold dear, in the simplest of terms, we’ve got to How fortunate we at Operation Respect are to be helping to provide make sure the next generation cares about each other or we’re going a loving grounding for the growth and development of the next gen- to be in serious trouble. eration. This is really the only antidote to what ails the planet. This is the antidote to terrorism and extremism. This is the antidote to what The enemy of safety for our children is the same thing as the enemy seems to be a blind march to irreversible climate change. This is the of creating a sustainable future. We’ve got to think about, and care bedrock upon which the strength of our democracy can reassert and about, “us”, as much as and more than we care about “me” in the reinvigorate itself. future. In the end, the answer is simple. Love is an act of courage, strength and To do that, as we analyze the work Operation Respect did in this transformation and it is through the teaching of love and sharing of Annual Report in the section that talks about the Concert for New- love that all ills will be obliterated and all good things will come about. town, we need to come to terms with the reality that hoping for the transformational change that we need in our hearts, in our mores and Thank you for hanging in with us for so long. Thank your for your in our culture, may not be possible at all if we are solely expecting love and thank you all for your ongoing support of Operation Re- the world of adults to, in the words of Bob Dylan’s song recorded by spect. Without you, we would never have accomplished the myriad of Peter Paul and Mary, “quit their low down ways”. things we only hoped to accomplish when we began.

6 Message from Chair and Co-Founder

Gratitude is the theme of our new curricu- taken out of our youngest students’ innocent and hopeful sails, we lum at Operation Respect, soon to be re- can assure a happy and fruitful journey that leads to productive and leased to schools free of charge to all educators successful lives. who wish to use it, thanks to McGraw-Hill Education, our most generous corporate spon- As a teacher of Math in the beginning of my career, I focused on sor. The perspective of the new curriculum, letting students know that what was already inside them, both in called “An Attitude of Gratitude”, has become their hearts and in their intelligence, was beautiful, valuable and more and more central to the work of Operation Respect. important. I always found that in helping students learn new academ- ic skills, their self-esteem increased, their sense of self was nourished Undoubtedly, we are devoted to the elimination of behaviors, such and their confidence was enhanced. as bullying, teasing and ridicule, that leave scars on the psyches of children that can last a lifetime. Similarly, we are determined to I continue to believe that opening children’s hearts is fundamental to provide a classroom and school environment that is devoid of cruelty opening their minds and that we need not choose between the two. and mean-spiritedness. But as each day passes, we realize that a focus First the goodness and appreciation of each other is established and, on correcting what is wrong is only a part of our task and, indeed, then, the learning will follow. we cannot correct what is wrong without making a very powerful commitment to illuminating what is right, wonderful, intuitive and We need to help our young, new, citizens of the world see life as a so very hopeful in all students, especially when they first enter school series of opportunities and wonderful paths to personal fulfillment. and start their education. We need to focus less on what is wrong in the world and more on the gifts of what is worth appreciating in our lives. As educators, we need Our students need to learn their academic subjects but they also need to approach our work with children and youth with gratitude for the to laugh, interact, and celebrate what’s special about being young and opportunity to be so central and critical to their development. at the threshold of life. If we want them to be grateful for the good fortune they have in life, These days, we need to be firmly committed to creating all the pos- we must also lead them by focusing on the positive that is around us. itive energy that we can amongst our students and teachers. This ef- Gratitude builds on gratitude and each act of gratitude is like a stone fort, as well as efforts to correct what’s gone wrong, will give them the thrown in the water that creates ripples farther than one can imagine. strength and the resilience that they need to forge a path that brings forth the goodness that is in all of us. By approaching our work with I am sending all of you, educators, parents and supporters of Operation this mind set, right at the start of school, way before the wind can be Respect, my gratitude for your presence in our lives.

7 Year in Review Operation Respect: New Initiatives Concert for Newtown – A National Initiative to Combat Youth Violence

Following the tragic shootings but also meant preventing the kind purpose of this concert was to soothe, in Newtown, CT, on Dec 14, 2012, of cruelty, ridicule and bullying that comfort and unify the community Operation Respect’s President and Adam Lanza, the teenage shooter, that needed such a moment to come Co-Founder, Peter Yarrow, received a experienced, which may well have together in a loving supportive way. number of requests from the greater played a role in his emerging pathol- Newtown community asking him to ogy during the time that he attended The Concert for Newtown, free to the organize a concert that would bring Sandy Hook Elementary School, public, had virtually all of its expens- the community together in its grief, where the tragedy took place. es underwritten by Scott and Cathy to mourn and express their love and Fine, Connecticut residents. The Fines solidarity for one another. Drawing on Since elimination of mean-spirited were deeply troubled by the trage- his decades of experience organizing and anti-social behavior is at the core dy at Sandy Hook Elementary and, benefits, festivals and marches, Peter of Operation Respect’s efforts, it was amongst others, had reached out to proceeded to organize that concert natural that the concert’s themes Peter because they were determined knowing that addressing the kind of and messages were strongly linked to do something concrete to help violence that Newtown had endured to the objectives and mission of the community and address the root meant not only the passage of sane Operation Respect. Operation Re- causes of the tragedy. The concert and balanced gun laws in our country, spect is focused on the creation of was held, with free admission, on school climates that allow students to February 10, 2013 at The Ridgefield Operation Respect is focused on accept, help, and care for one another Playhouse, the entire audience being the creation of school climates in an environment that nurtures their drawn from the Newtown community social, emotional, spiritual and cre- itself, including families who had lost that allow students to accept, ative selves, as well as gives them the loved ones. Also attending were teach- help, and care for one anoth- tools to become excellent students in ers and colleagues of Sandy Hook er in an environment that nur- academic subject areas. Unlike other Elementary School educators, and its tures their social, emotional, concerts that were being organized to principal, who was lost in the tragedy. spiritual and creative selves ... raise funds for Newtown and the fam- First responders from Newtown, and ilies of the children who were lost, the other community members who were

8 9 Year in Review

in deep mourning, many still in shock, prevent recurrent tragedies of this escalating greediness, selfishness, and all in various stages of disorienta- kind in the future. bullying in government and business tion and pain, attended as well. and corruption on the rise. Children, in Peter’s view, and that of Operation their own way, and in their public and The concert focused on supporting Respect, is that the fulfillment of private worlds, are deeply affected the community in its effort to fulfill the Sandy Hook Promise has a direct by this societal dislocation. In short, what they called “The Sandy Hook relationship to our work, our mis- fulfilling the Sandy Hook Promise is Promise” which is a commitment they sion and our vision for the future. not a task that is directed at children made to make sure that Newtown From our point of view, although alone. It is a societal challenge that is remembered, not as the place the presence of guns in the hands of needs to be faced and prioritized at where tragedy occurred, but as the those who might do harm to children every level of society. town that sparked transformation in is a necessary issue to address, the America. The transformation sought desire or urge to hurt others with Because adults are far less easy to was one that would change policies a gun, a knife or a cyber-bullying change in their habits, their view, At the Arab Jewish so that America would prioritize the campaign is at least as an important and their culture, Operation Respect Community Center in Jaffa, Israel safety of America’s children, and issue to address. The growing culture believes that efforts to educate the of cruelty and mean-spiritedness hearts of children to become caring, amongst children and adults in our constructive, ethical and generous society needs to be countered with members of society is perhaps the the tools that we have, such as the most fertile terrain, as well as a “Don’t Laugh At Me” Program, and primary battle ground, for reversing eliminated to the degree possible in the negative culture that has become our schools and society in general. ever so prominent as of late. Nurturing To accomplish that task, efforts such a next generation that does not buy as Operation Respect are, and will into cruelty and bullying as a societal continue to be, essential as a part of norm is needed to create a future that the path to reversal of this painful is caring and peaceful, and focuses societal reality that, in many ways, on meeting the needs of all citizens. lies at the root of what is plaguing Rather than accepting laws, mores our nation. In adult society, we see and cultural perspectives that pro-

10 We will not forget this tragedy mote excessive privilege for the few, standers to stand up for what is right and we believe that one day, we at the expense of fairness, a change of and just. There is no way to address shall prevail. heart is needed, especially in the world bullying through efforts aimed only of children who can either recapitulate at the perpetrators and the victims. the negative mores of society or learn To be successful we must inspire and new ways of caring for and treating unite the majority of school popu- one another as part of their growth, lations, because it is only through education and development. them that one can create a culture of kindness and acceptance in schools, Essentially, learning to care about with a consensus commitment to the one another is fundamental to the elimination of the kinds of attitudes next generation’s being committed to and behaviors that lead to emotional fairness, justice and equality and, ulti- and physical violence by children and mately, peace. The attempt to foster youth. When such a culture is created, friendship and civil behavior, as well research tells us, unequivocally, that as the attempt to diminish cruelty, success can be achieved in terms of mean-spiritedness and bullying is ba- diminishing and eliminating bullying sic to our creating the kind of society and emotional/physical violence. that is promised to us in our United States constitution, one that guaran- This is the perspective from which tees the right to life, liberty, and the Operation Respect and its “Don’t welcoming, peaceful society. New- Francine Wheeler and Dar Williams sing “Family” pursuit of happiness for all. Laugh At Me” Program has always town is especially important because operated, and this is the reason that Newtown and its aftermath is part Research shows that to successfully the Newtown tragedy and our efforts and parcel of the ongoing effort of diminish bullying and violence it is to help ignite a nationwide response the country to fulfill the Sandy Hook necessary to create a culture and to it are so important. The tragedy in Promise: together, we will continue to environment of friendship and caring Newtown is both an example of, and inspire change and, together, we will and, in turn, successfully creating that a symbol of, the failure of our towns, pursue the fulfillment of this promise. change means mobilizing, energizing cities, and our nation to address We will not forget this tragedy and we and inspiring the community of by- the need for us to become a caring, believe that one day, we shall prevail.

11 Year in Review

The Sandy Hook Promise and Oper- television interviewers and journalists. effort to achieve these goals. It is clear the “Don’t ation Respect’s goals and objectives The interview pointed to the need for that peer-to-peer child abuse can be Laugh at Me” are, and will continue to be, linked to sane gun laws, but also to the impera- a serious contributing factor to the program one another. That is why, when you go tive of assuring all children a safe and extreme psychological destabilization to our website, you will see the Sandy caring school environment. of any child or youth, It is Operation seeks to Hook Promise first, before you go to Respect’s evidence-based belief that assure all the other pages. Our promise is firm “Concert for Newtown” premiered punitive treatment of children as a de- children, and resolute and we hope, in the name on PBS in NYC in August 2013, and terrent to bullying is, more frequently in which a of our children and our future, you will aired, nationally, on PBS stations than not, counterproductive in terms culture of help us continue to hold that promise throughout the country during the fall of creating the kind of environment in our, and your, hearts. of 2013, with additional screenings that can reduce bullying – the kind of acceptance, scheduled in 2014. This PBS program, environment the “Don’t Laugh at Me” caring and Following the concert in Ridgefield, has reportedly, reached millions of program seeks to assure all children, compassion is Operation Respect enlisted the partic- Americans who have experienced in which a culture of acceptance, car- established. ipation of the four-time Emmy award the reality of the courageous resolve ing and compassion is established. winning documentary filmmaker, Jim of the community of Newtown to Brown, in using the footage from the turn their extreme pain of loss into Instead of relying on metal detectors, Concert for Newtown to create a positive transformational change in armed guards and policies that incul- PBS television program that tells the America. Music, Operation Respect cate fear of punishment or expulsion story of the Newtown tragedy and believes, is one of the surest and most for children who are acting out, Oper- the concert, as well as the story of powerful ways to reach, and open, ation Respect believes that educators the effort to advance the fulfillment people’s hearts. and schools need to respond to, and of the Sandy Hook Promise. In this treat, all children with love and com- TV special, the Sandy Hook Promise “Concert for Newtown” is a powerful passion, including those who are likely is read, songs are sung and there are advocacy tool and source of inspi- targets of ridicule and bullying, as well intermittent sections of an interview ration for those who believe that we as those who are being cruel to oth- of Peter Yarrow and Francine Wheeler, need to do all we can to prevent trage- ers. We must seek to help such chil- the mother of Ben Wheeler who was dies such as Sandy Hook from occur- dren, while simultaneously protecting lost at Sandy Hook Elementary, by Bill ring in the future, particularly people others from being injured by them Moyers, one of America’s greatest who are looking for ways to enter the and protecting children from injuring

12 themselves. Following this path is the best, and may be the only, way to cre- ating more caring, respectful and safe environments for children in which all forms of bullying, cruelty and abuse —physical, emotional and psychologi- cal—are far less likely to occur. This is the work of Operation Respect, and it is our belief that the airing of this TV program throughout the nation will powerfully help to advance the Sandy Hook Promise and also advance our efforts to fulfill Operation Respect’s goals and mission.

On October 22, 2013, Peter Yarrow gave a keynote presentation at the a 6-minute highlight video of the Fine and his wife, Cathy Fine, who, Dar Williams joins Peter and Bethany & Rufus National Educational Television Asso- concert. The audience responded with together, funded nearly all of the ciation (NETA) Conference in Atlanta, a prolonged standing ovation and all costs of the production of the con- GA to urge and inspire PBS stations of the attendees received copies of cert, itself, as well as the production to air “Concert for Newtown.” Three the hour-long special and a notifica- and post-production of the PBS TV hundred PBS station managers and tion of the live feed of the program on program. The concert and PBS special program directors from throughout November 1, 2013. The response to the could not have been created without the U.S. attended the conference. program has been extremely posi- Scott and Cathy Fine’s support, both This conference provided an extraor- tive. Over 30 airings were scheduled personally and financially. Additional- dinary opportunity to promote the throughout the country in 2013, with ly, many new efforts emanated from, program. At a breakfast keynote, many more anticipated in 2014. and because of, the Concert for New- Peter shared the heart and purpose town in 2014; these shall be detailed in of the Concert for Newtown TV pro- Operation Respect is extremely next year’s Operation Respect Annual gram, sang some songs, and screened grateful to new Board member Scott Report.

13 Year in Review Operation Respect: Center for Educational Improvement and National Association of Elementary School Principals Collaboration on Heart Centered Education

(SEL) programs supporting students Laura Parker Roerden and Mark at the K-5 grade levels. Features Weiss, will be disseminated in con- of the curriculum will incorporate junction with “A Tribute to the Teach- state-of-the-science knowledge on ers of America” DVD, a star-studded brain-based instruction and student event broadcast on PBS, featuring engagement strategies that develop Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, humanitarian leadership and also Rosie O’Donnell, Bill Cosby, Cynthia foster a positive sense of self, inde- Nixon, Odetta and others that pays pendence, and lifelong learning. An homage to the teachers who made important component of the model a difference in their lives. This new will be an extension of Operation curriculum teaches core social and Respect’s approach to establish- emotional competencies to young ing welcoming climates in schools. people such as respect, communica- Implementing school-wide teams tion and active listening, perspective The Center for Educational Improve- and policies that are supportive of a taking, and the healthy expression of ment led by Dr. Christine Mason with heart centered approach to educa- feelings. Appreciation, or “an attitude the National Association of Elemen- tion. Operation Respect will work with of gratitude” can become a unifying tary School Principals (NAESP), and Christine Mason to raise funds for a principle in a school’s culture—while Operation Respect collaborated on curriculum development and pilot val- at the same time teaching life long a project called Transforming Lives idation, which will then lead to larger skills that contribute to a young per- through Heart Centered Education scale implementation and evaluation. son’s future happiness and success. and Leadership to enhance an evi- Operation Respect will offer this dence-based anti-bullying program “Attitude of Gratitude” new curriculum and DVD to educa- model. The integrated model will build A New Curriculum and DVD tors, free of charge, courtesy of The upon existing research regarding “An Attitude of Gratitude” a new cur- McGraw-Hill Companies, in the 2014- effective social emotional learning riculum, developed by Peter Yarrow, 2015 school year.

14 Defeat the Label/Rock the Vote/ someone is being bullied, I can also rumors or to bully others. I know that I WILL Stand for Change Day use that time to do something positive in the same times it takes to click my On February 27, 2013, Chrissy Faes- that can help someone else. I will use mouse on hurtful messages I decide sen, Vice President of Communica- my voice for those who cannot to let not to act. And when I see other peo- STAND tions at Rock the Vote, requested others know that I think bullying is ple cyber bulling I will take a stand. Operation Respect’s involvement in wrong. I WILL STAND UP - I will “Defeat the Label” Stand4Change stick up for my friends and other Information about Operation Respect UP Day. Defeat the Label’s mission is to students who might need someone and DLAM was distributed to all of create awareness of bullying issues to stand up for them. I know that it the educators participating in Stand- I WILL among middle school and high school takes just as much time to stand up 4Change Day, along with a link to our aged students through the creation for someone as it does to look away. website. Matthew Morrison, cast of positive campaigns, community I will let them know they are not member of the popular television pro- STICK outreach, and special events. Each helpless or hopeless. I will not ignore gram “Glee”, participated as well, and year they host a Stand4Change Day, bullying. I WILL DEFEAT THE LA- produced a video with a positive mes- UP FOR a worldwide event asking students BEL - I will not use my computer or sage that was distributed to everyone to stand up against bullying in their my phone to spread mean or hurtful who participated in Stand4Change. MY schools. In May 2013, over 3 million students participated and took the Stand4Change Day pledge, below. FRIENDS

The Stand4Change Day Pledge: Today, I am surrounded by millions of students around the world; I am taking a stand for myself and for my classmates. I WILL SPEAK UP - I will take a stand when I see my friends and other students hurting, humiliating and bullying each other. Baby Jay, OR Youth I know that in the split second it takes Ambassador and to bully someone or to just watch as positive rapper

15 Year in Review Operation Respect: ONGOING INITIATIVES IN THE UNITED STATES

Clark County School District, Foundation for Respect Ability: Las Vegas, NV Charlotte, NC In the fall of 2013, Operation Respect The Foundation for Respect Ability entered the final year of a three-year continues to seek to convert “by- partnership with Welcoming Schools standers” into “upstanders”. Their and the Clark County School District mission, modeled after Operation Re- in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mark Weiss and spect, focuses on empowering people Kim Westheimer, Director of Wel- to address bullying in all of its forms, coming Schools of the Human Rights developing programs and strate- Campaign, as well as Cathy Tully, gies for helping parents, students, School Climate Specialist with the and educators. The Foundation hosts Clark County Nevada Public Education DLAM workshops with Operation Foundation have been implementing Respect trainers and helps to support this program for 16 schools in the 5th and promote DLAM program imple- largest school district in the nation. mentation throughout Charlotte, NC. This partnership reflects Operation Mark Weiss provided DLAM profes- Respect’s ongoing commitment to sional development workshops for combine its efforts with those of educators in Charlotte, August 20-23, other organizations, and other effec- 2013. Our efforts in Charlotte, NC also tive programs, focused on reducing focus on reaching out to community bullying and promoting a positive stakeholder organizations to involve school climate. An evaluation of this them in creating respectful environ- intervention is currently underway and ments for children and youth, beyond will be available at the completion of the school settings. the project in June 2014.

16 New York City Department of Education Partnership: New York, NY

“Respect for All” in Manhattan, Intensive DLAM Program Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Stat- Implementation in NYC Schools en Island PS 14, PS 78 and PS 16, Operation Respect continues to offer Staten Island, NY Respect for All workshops, through Operation Respect partnered with The New York City Department of District 31 to submit a proposal to the Education’s Office (NYC DOE) of NY State Department of Education Safety and Youth Development, and in to fund DLAM program implementa- partnership with the Anti-Defamation tion and professional development in League (ADL); the Gay, Lesbian and elementary schools in Staten Island. Straight Education Network (GLSEN); The three year grant was awarded to and the Morningside Center for Teach- Operation Respect and has enabled it ing Social Responsibility. Thousands to provide ongoing intervention and of school staff from NYC elementary, professional development at PS 14, middle and high schools through- PS 78 and PS 16, three elementary out NYC have participated in these schools surrounded by low-income anti-bullying workshops. The primary housing projects in Staten Island that message conveyed through this initia- were struggling to address student tive is that all students deserve a safe, behavior problems. The interventions PS 16 and PS 78 are extremely pleased Hayley Reardon, OR Youth Ambassador supportive school environment, free at all three schools include DLAM with the results of the DLAM imple- of bullying and bias-based behavior, Program implementation, parent mentation and are very supportive of which goes to the heart of Operation workshops, the creation of Peacemak- continuing and expanding the work of Respect’s mission. Operation Respect ers Clubs, and songwriting workshops Operation Respect in their schools. All is also participating in an initiative and assembly programs provided by of the schools report that behavioral that was launched by the NYC DOE to OR Board member Steve Seskin and incidents have diminished and PS 16 provide anti-bias training to teams of positive hip-hop artist Baby Jay. These reports an increase in attendance K-8 educators throughout NYC to give presentations spark the effort to over the past two years, as a result of them more effective tools to help pre- unite students, educators and admin- Operation Respect’s intervention. The vent bias-based harassment in their istrators to create more respectful NY State grant has been extended an classrooms and schools. school climates. Principals at PS 14, additional year, through June 2014.

17 Year in Review

64, Bronx; PS 65, Bronx; PS 45, Staten professional development work- Island; PS 213, Brooklyn; and, High shops that provide educators with School of Computers and Tech, Bronx. the skills and confidence they need The Operation Respect intervention to launch DLAM successfully in their was extremely well received by princi- schools and communities. To date, pals, educators and students at each over 45,000 educators have partic- of the participating schools. ipated in these workshops. In 2013, Operation Respect trained educators “Don’t Laugh at Me” Program in New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, and Dissemination and Implementation Clark County, NV to implement DLAM Since its inception, Operation Re- in their classrooms and schools. Oper- spect has provided over 185,000 ation Respect also provided “Respect copies of DLAM to educators and for All” workshops for hundreds of ed- administrators throughout the United ucators from middle schools and high States and the world. In 2013, Oper- schools throughout New York City. ation Respect disseminated 4,000 copies of DLAM. Approximately Presentations by Peter Yarrow, 3,000 requests were processed Operation Respect Staff and Allies through the Operation Respect Since Operation Respect’s inception, website and distributed free of Peter Yarrow and our team of speak- PS 64, PS 65, PS 45, PS 213 and High charge courtesy of the McGraw-Hill ers and performers have addressed School of Computers and Tech, Education. The remaining 1,000 were over 500,000 educators, educational don’t NYC disseminated through the Operation leaders, parents, students, policy In March 2013, the NYC DOE Office of Respect office, professional develop- makers and community members School and Youth Development en- ment workshops, education associa- throughout the world. In 2013, Oper- laugh listed Operation Respect to provide tions and conferences. ation Respect continued to provide DLAM program implementation, peer presentations advocating for the mediation, assembly programs and Professional Development creation of safe, respectful and com- at me staff development in five additional Workshops in the United States passionate environments for children schools in NYC, through June, 2013: PS Operation Respect continues to offer and youth.

18 Launch of DLAM Operation Respect: Program in INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES Amman, Jordan

Amplified Voices: An Unfiltered efforts that will hopefully add mo- Experience Live From D.C. and mentum to current efforts directed Jerusalem at building a road to peace in the On November 10, 2013, Operation Middle East. It was a remarkable Respect participated in a concert in evening of song and heart-connect- Georgetown University’s Gaston Hall, ing, peace-building intention. This whose focus was on musical advoca- concert mirrored the efforts of cy for peace in the Middle East. The Operation Respect to build peace and concert, called “Amplified Voices” acceptance of differences among the was organized by Bob Schlehuber, an students in the schools of Israel and ally of Operation Respect since our other countries in the Middle East Ukrainian outreach, and was co-host- through the implementation of the ed by Ari Roth and Andy Shallal. “Don’t Laugh at Me” program. It has Peter Yarrow, Heartbeat, Bethany always been our hope that exposure and Rufus, Lena Seikaly and Huma- to DLAM will help create a perspec- nal, personal peace that will advance yun Khan gave featured performanc- tive among future citizens of any the realization of this dream. Operation es. Additional performances from country, including Israel and other Respect Israel were projected via “Skype” and countries in the Middle East, which Operation Respect: Israel believes that included: David Broza, the Jerusalem will make them more prone to reach The DLAM implementation in Isra- peace inside Youth Chorus and the Jaffa Voices of for non-violent solutions to problems el has met with great success and oneself is Peace Choir. Through this concert, rather than resort to violence as a became a source of pride for the U.S. U.S. based performers were able to way to deal with conflict. Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Center for the primary unite with their counterparts in Israel: Educational Technology (CET) and building Jews, Christians and Muslims. Operation Respect believes that Operation Respect. In all, 80 schools block for peace inside oneself is the primary participated in DLAM program imple- the creation This groundbreaking concert uti- building block for the creation of mentation in 2013, up from 56 in 2012, of world lized the powerful tools of “cultural world peace. Operation Respect also 30 in 2011 and 4 in the initial 2010 pilot diplomacy” and “musical diplomacy” believes that the implementation of implementation. Operation Respect’s peace. to create and unite people-to-people DLAM helps to build the kind of inter- work in Israel includes the expansion

19 Year in Review

and deepening of DLAM implementa- parents and teachers. CET has also in Israel, with the important endorse- tion, with enhanced curricula and an offered distance learning opportuni- ment of the Israeli Ministry of Edu- assessment of success as measured ties through web meetings focused cation and the U.S. Embassy in Tel by, among other things, a national on conflict resolution, anger manage- Aviv. The goal of this pilot project is to standardized climate survey applied ment and empathy so that teachers demonstrate greater effectiveness to all public schools in Israel. and counselors are able to meet on by combining strategies employed by the internet, listen to a lecture given teachers and other educators with In terms of long-term oversight, the by an expert on a related topic, and the strategies of health care workers leadership and staff of CET continue share their questions and problems such as doctors, psychologists, social to provide on-the-ground support with one another. workers and psychiatrists who inte- in the schools, lending assistance grate their efforts with teachers and and guidance to each school’s staff, As a result of the positive impact administrators. DLAM has had on student behavior, the Israeli Ministry of Education has This conjunction of the fields of offered DLAM to all of the schools health and education to reduce youth throughout the country and, in 2013, violence is, to our knowledge, not mandated that DLAM be included in being attempted in a systematic way the pre-service education of all future anywhere else in the world. Those teachers as part of Israel’s Life Skills who are involved in this H&E Initiative education. This is an extraordinary believe that, if it proves successful, it testament to the efficacy of DLAM could occasion a huge breakthrough and the high regard and value that has in Israel, and subsequently in other been placed on the program by the countries, in their efforts to diminish Israeli Ministry of Education. youth and childhood violence.

Operation Respect Israeli Health The educational strategy being adopt- and Education Initiative ed in this pilot program is, in fact, the The Operation Respect Israeli Health implementation of DLAM, which has and Education (H&E) initiative has already received the enthusiastic sup- entered the second year of its pilot port of the Israeli Ministry of Educa-

20 tion. The health care strategies being An evaluation will be conducted to education, many of them from dis- Peter in Amman (left) and at a benefit for Arava’s utilized in this pilot originated with the prove, or disprove, the efficacy of this advantaged backgrounds and on work in Israel (right) Chaim Sheba Medical Center and in- pilot project. Thus far, the schools complete scholarship. Peter also sang clude the creation of video simulations report that this initiative has met for young children in two refugee of challenging situations, using actors, with great initial success during its camps in Jordan. During this visit, a technique that has proved highly early stages. Peter met with Bryan Butki, the Peace successful at Sheba’s Tel HaShomer Corps Jordan Country Director, who Hospital. New education-related Operation Respect: Jordan expressed interest in the possibility simulations, designed to help teachers In May, 2013, Peter Yarrow visited of involving a small group of Peace to successfully handle challenging sit- Amman, Jordan, to introduce Oper- Corps volunteers in the launch of uations in schools, are currently being ation Respect and DLAM to Kings Operation Respect in Jordan. Peter created at Sheba’s Messer Simulation Academy, a remarkable and highly also met with Anneliese Reinmeyer Center, with input from Israel’s Center prestigious boarding school in Am- in the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. for Educational Technology (CET) and man, where students from around Embassy in Amman. Subsequently, from Operation Respect. the world receive an extraordinary the U.S. Embassy in Amman awarded

21 Year in Review

Operation Respect: Japan the environment. Peace Boat seeks Following successful meetings with to create awareness and action based the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. on effecting positive social and polit- Embassy in Tokyo in February 2013, ical change in the world. They pursue Peter returned to Japan in Novem- this through the organization of ber 2013 to solidify the launch of the global educational programs, respon- implementation, and translation of, sible travel, cooperative projects and the DLAM program in Japan. During advocacy activities. These activities the November visit Peter met with are carried out on a partnership basis Ikumi Yoshimatsu, the winner of the with other civil society organizations Miss International Pageant, who and communities in Japan, Northeast expressed her support for the launch Asia, and around the world. Peace of DLAM in Japan. The U.S. Embassy Boat carries out its main activities in Tokyo committed to supporting the through a chartered passenger ship launch and implementation of DLAM that travels the world on peace voyag- in Japan in 2014 as well, including the es. The ship creates a neutral, mobile Peace Boat seeks to create translation of the DLAM curriculum space and enables people to engage awareness and action based into Japanese. across borders in dialogue and mutual on effecting positive social and cooperation at sea, and in the ports political change in the world Peace Boat: Japan that they visit. In September 2013, Peter Yarrow and Mark Weiss joined the Peace Boat Operation Respect: Hong Kong Mark Weiss on Peace Boat Operation Respect a grant to launch journey in Central America and pro- The Hong Kong Bureau of Education with staff and students and implement DLAM in Jordanian vided Operation Respect workshops continues to support Operation schools in 2014. Operation Respect and presentations over the course Respect and the implementation believes a successful launch in Jordan of a week at sea. Peace Boat is a of DLAM in schools throughout the will help advance Operation Respect Japan-based international non-profit country. In 2013, Nini Forino, Director efforts and programs in Palestine, in organization that works to promote of the Public Affairs Office of the Israel and potentially in other areas of peace, human rights, equal and sus- U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, the Middle East as well. tainable development and respect for offered additional support to deepen

22 Peter in Hong Kong the impact of the program. Ms. Fori- Peace Corps volunteer who coordi- no introduced Operation Respect to a nated Operation Respect’s engage- private foundation that is interested ment in 2012, returned to Ukraine in in further supporting and developing 2013 as an employee of the Peace our program in area schools. Albert Corps and Operation Respect coor- Au, a folk singer and beloved celeb- dinator. The partnership with Peace rity in Hong Kong has translated and Corps, U.S. Embassy in Kiev, and local recorded the “Don’t Laugh at Me” NGOs in Ukraine serves as a model song in the Cantonese dialect of the that we hope will be replicated in Chinese language that is spoken in other countries throughout the world. Hong Kong. Albert Au expressed great reverence for Peter, Paul and Mary and the impact their music Projected Priorities of Operation Respect in 2014 and advocacy has had on his life and career and is honored to partner and Broaden the dissemination and adoption of the DLAM program in the United States and internationally. support Operation Respect’s efforts in his home country. Expand DLAM and other professional development opportunities for educators in the arenas of the social and emotional development of children and youth. Continue the collaboration with the Office of Safety and Youth Development at the New York Operation Respect: Ukraine City Department of Education. Operation Respect’s Ukrainian Disseminate “An Attitude of Gratitude” Guide to accompany the dissemination of an expanded partners, the Peace Corps Ukraine, PBS “Tribute to Teachers” DVD, free of charge, courtesy of McGraw-Hill Education. YMCA Ukraine and Alternative-V Expand advocacy initiatives to improve the education of all children through adoption of continue to broaden and deepen the whole child education as America’s primary educational model, focusing on the formulation of implementation of DLAM in schools improved educational policy. throughout the country. To date, Expand Operation Respect: Israel’s efforts to include the partnership between health care these organizations have provided providers and educators, in an effort to more effectively combat bullying and youth violence. over 100 DLAM workshops, for 1,500 Further the partnership with the United States Peace Corps with the goal of replicating the educators throughout Ukraine, Ukraine implementation model in other countries in which the Peace Corps is actively engaged. including Peace Corps Volunteers Continue to develop an effective Board of Directors with new and expanding skills, resources (PCV) in the field. Tommy Boyd, a and diversity.

23 Gallery

Peter was invited by Warner Music, Japan to create a song based on the Dalai Lama’s poem, “Never Give Up.” For the debut of the song and Peter’s album of the same name (pictured above) Warner Music flew Peter to Tokyo to make a joint presentation with the Dalai Lama which began with a 600 college student Q&A with His Holiness followed by a performance of the song and a discussion of the song’s philosophy by Peter and the Dalai Lama. His Holiness presented Peter with two white silk scarves, one for Peter and one for his guitar and, in response to the acclaim for “Never Give Up,” that song will become a significant part of the coming implementa- tion of OR: Japan’s Don’t Laugh At Me” Program.

24 Special Thanks

Operation Respect would like to thank McGraw-Hill Education and Dr. Charlotte Frank, Senior Vice President of Research and Development for McGraw-Hill Education, the educational division of the Corporation, for their most generous support since Operation Respect’s inception. Operation Respect would also like to thank Sue Pearsall, for donating her time and talent to design this annual report and McGraw-Hill Education for underwriting the cost of its being printed.

25 FUnders

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Operation Respect depends on the generous support of individuals, $500-$999 $100-499 cont. corporations, foundations and governments. Many donors have con- Joseph Abessinio Avery Cohen tributed to make it possible for us to survive and thrive and increase our Nancy Bagley Cohen Capital Management Group effectiveness. Our thanks go out to each and every one of them. Thou- Michael Belote Howard and Alexandra Cohen sands of classrooms are evolving into safer and more respectful learning Zaner Bloser, Inc. Carolyn Cort environments because of all who help us. We appreciate and value your Jim Brown Susan Cutler support, offered in so many ways, more than we can ever express. Talley Bryan Foundation Chic Dambach International Union of William and Sara Dehoff FUNDERS 2013 Operating Engineers Bonita Drolet $40,000-$80,000 $1,000-$4,499 Elliot and Marcia Lepler, MD Jean Easterly Scott and Cathy Fine Amnon and Selma Ben-Yehuda Lifeforce in Later Years, Inc. Sarah Epstein Cary Presbyterian Church Bob Lynch Sara Essner $20,000-$39,999 Human Rights Project Charles and Barbara Nurnberg Ro Foege U.S. Department of State, Daniel Kanter Anita and Howard Richmond Arlene Forbord Amman, Jordan Victor Kovner Schwab Charitable Fund James and Melinda Gallagher Alex and Marie Josie Berenstein LivePerson Bruce and Pamela Wexler Dorothy Goldstein Mary Madrid Walmer and Jennifer Gordon-Tennant $10,000-$19,999 $100-499 Vartan and Clare Gregorian Elliott and Cathy Masie Dolores Eyler Stephan and Arlene Bassett Cindy Hagg Priscilla McDonnell Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation Lisa Bennett Gayle Harris Michael Miller The Dream Big Foundation Michael and Linda Bennett Geraldine Haynes Silicon Valley Community Foundation Polis Schutz Family Foundation Arlene and Milton Berkman Martha Hertzberg Stanley and Jodi Reynolds Nancy Blume Steven and Shari Kaplan Scott and Kathleen Simpson $5,000-$9,999 Elizabeth Bontrager Dan and Paula Kinney Irving Harris Foundation Carolyn Specht David and Barbara Brandt Alan Margaret Kulczewski David Hilty Noel and Elizabeth Stookey Herbert Bridge Linda Kurtz Nathan and Vivian Serota Fred and Lois Tarter Chen and Cox Family Fund John Lawrence Jonathan Sills Charles Touhey and Alice Green Robert and Elaine Cline Andrew Lebby

26 $100-499 cont. $100-499 cont. $99 and Under $99 and Under Robert Lifton Margery Tabankin and Earl Katz Diana Dokken David Orleans Peter and Connie LoCascio Beth and James Thomas Mary Edwards Carole O’Toole Rep. Nita Lowey Ed and Lisa Walsh Lucia-Ann Effros Robert Paszczyk Arthur and Susan Luman James and Lori Weddell Family Management Corp. Robert U. Porter Thomas and Patricia Mancuso Alan and Frances Wiener Patricia Farnham Elizabeth and Bernard Reder Michael and Lesli Marasco Suzanne Williamson Michael and Marcy Feinberg Samuel and Harriet Rubin Rob Mayer Mark and Jane Weiss Adrienne Friedman Honey Sacks Muriel McCarthy Michael and Ella Weiss Donna Gautier Ruth Sarfaty Doug Mishkin and Wendy Jennis Mary Beth Yarrow Nancy Haneman Karen Schulz National Council of Jewish Women Jonah Zimilies Janet Hanson Elaine Shepp Network for Good Anna and Helen Zurawinsky Gayle Harris Daniel and Maira White Strich Serge Nivelle and Paula Gamache Linnea Hart Alice Waco Julia O’Keeffe $99 and Under Lawrence and Sara Hogan Ann Walker and Susan Robertson Debra Thrall Pierce Rose Marie Adams Richard and Jane Hoskins Roger Weissberg and Stephanie Wright Ramona Pole G. Yanta Bannister and L. Yanta Rebecca Jonas Raymond and Rita Wolkind Brandon Pole Kathleen and Steven Belmonte Mark and Carole Kaufmann Grant Wood Jr. Dorothy-Jane Porpeglia Bruce and Joanne Bergborn Helen Kresse Judi Zdziera Roberta Roth and Bill Newell Marvin and Judy Berkowitz Dennis Larsen Rosenbluth Family Fund Uri and Mary Berliner Barbara Lerman-Golomb In Kind Goods and Services Edward Rosenthal Dorothy Blumner Robert and Carol Lifton McGraw-Hill Education Phillip and Arlene Rushe Heather Booth Robert Lowe Sue Pearsall RTN/WMNB Russian Media Group William Brown and John Newman Jeanne Mann Rainmaker Benita Sakin Harold and Rebecca Carlson Mary Mann Lisa Walsh David Saperstein Albert Chu David Mason Peter Yarrow Cherie Schwartz Julie Churchill and Michael Henson Stanley and Anita Mishook J.R. Shatken Judith Cohen Janis Morariu Special Thanks to: Larry Sheingold Robert Corrigan Paula Newman Dr. Charlotte K. Frank Donald Sinkin Ardith and Gregory Cronin Harry Newton McGraw-Hill Education Jeff and Yvonne Stave Robert and Louise DeCormier John and Nancy O’Reilly

27 Statement of Financial Position 2013

December 31, 2013 2012 ASSETS Cash $115,031 $126,745

Certificates of Deposit — $75,185

Contributions Receivable $5,301 $4,550

Other Receivables $45,363 $46,625

Computer Equipment, net of accumulated depre- — $1,286 ciation of $37,447 and $36,162

Total Assets $165,695 $254,391

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses $16,436 $15,830

Net Assets:

Unrestricted $16,436 $167,200

Temporarily restricted $31,242 $71,361

Total Net Assets $149,259 $238,561 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $165,695 $254,391

The Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities on the following page were derived from the 2013 financial statements audited by our independent accountants, West, Rhode and Rob- erts. A copy of the audited financial statements and form 990 for 2013 are available upon request.

28 Statement of Activities 2013

Year ended December 31, 2013 2012 Summarized Temporarily Comparative total Unrestricted restricted total Information Total

Contributions Individuals $62,849 $29,000 $91,849 $66,659

Foundations and corporations $36,278 $30,000 $66,278 $51,844

Contributed goods and services $165,767 — $165,767 $190,866

Total contributions $264,894 $59,000 $323,894 $309,409 Educational workshops $236,200 — $236,200 $165,183 and performance fees Special Events $94,100 — $94,100 —

Investment income $1,747 — $1,747 $1,278 Other Income $239 — $239 $2,302 Net assets released from restrictions $99,119 ($99,119) — — satisfaction of program restrictions Total revenue $696,299 ($40,119) $656,180 $478,172 EXPENSES AND LOSSES Program service $452,406 — $452,406 $393,779 Management and general $141,169 — $141,169 $143,845 Special Events $103,198 — $103,198 — Fundraising $48,709 — $48,709 $58,215 Total Expenses $745,482 — $745,482 $600,839

Change in net assets ($49,183) ($40,119) ($89,302) ($122,667)

Net assets at beginning of year $167,200 $71,361 $238,561 $361,228 Net Assets at End of Year $118,017 $31,242 $149,259 $238,561

29 Staff

Staff Peter Yarrow, Co-Founder and President Mark Weiss, Education Director Elizabeth Kolodny, Program Director Maryam Williams, Administrative Assistant

Trainers Edwin Figueroa, Deputy Director, Effective Alternative in Reconciliation Services Javier Francisco Diaz, Consultant Lynne Hurdle-Price, President, Hurdle-Price Professionals Linda Lantieri, Director, Project Renewal Marcy May, Executive Director, Effective Alternative in Reconciliation Services

Presenters Jonathan “Baby Jay” Gutierrez Hayley Reardon Steve Seskin Bethany Yarrow and Rufus Cappadocia Peter Yarrow

30 Board of Directors Dolores Eyler, Founder, Rye Record and Actor, Performance Plus Scott Fine, Investment Banker, Scarsdale Equities Charlotte K. Frank, Ph.D., Chair, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, McGraw-Hill Education Charlotte Kea, Deputy Director, Office of Private Sector Initiatives, Peace Corps Victor Kovner, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Michael P. Miller, Treasurer, former Chair, Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Benefit Fund Larry Moses, Senior Philanthropic Advisor and President Emeritus, Wexner Foundation Suzanne H. Pasch, Ph.D., d.b.a, Next Steps Educational Consulting C.J. Prentiss, State Senator, OH (Retired) Steve Seskin, Singer/Songwriter Gloria Smith, Philanthropist Richard Stoff, President, Ohio Business Roundtable Noel Paul Stookey, Peter, Paul and Mary Chad Wick, Founder and Director, KnowledgeWorks Foundation Peter Yarrow, President and Founder, Operation Respect

Board of Advisors The Honorable Max Cleland, former (D-GA) United States Senate The Honorable Elton Gallegly, (R-CA) United States House of Representatives The Honorable James Jeffords, former (I-VT) United States Senate Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and Operation Respect President Emeritus Mary Lou Kohne, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Ohio University Vincent Lawrence, former Vice-President, Music & Educational Technology, MacMillan/McGraw-Hill The Honorable Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education, Clinton Administration

31 Operation Respect 2 Penn Plaza, 20th Floor New York, NY 10121 212/904-5243 fax: 212/904-3618 [email protected] www.operationrespect.org

Operation Respect is a public charity under sections 501c(3) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our 2013 Form 990 is available upon request.