Standing With Teachers and Students
Hardwired is working with educators across the United States to transform the educational landscape by fostering a culture of pluralism.
Pluralism
helps communities move beyond mere tolerance to learn how to actively engage with people from different backgrounds and beliefs, based on respect for the rights and freedoms of others.
Since 2015, Hardwired has trained and equipped hundreds of teachers and shared our lessons with thousands of students in more than 30 countries to foster pluralism and respect for human rights. The teachers and students who have experienced these lessons are changing the culture of their classrooms, schools, families and communities. They are reducing bullying and intolerance, encouraging freedom of speech and expression - especially on points of disagreement - actively engaging one another across their deepest differences, and building a future where the freedom and dignity of all is protected.
How it Works
Hardwired’s training programs help educators bring the values of pluralism to life for students. We provide a variety of professional development opportunities for educators as well as direct-to student programs for the community. We have partnered with the YMCA and several national refugee resettlement agencies to provide opportunities for communities to support the needs of diverse communities.
Our professional development programs for educators equip them to:
(1) develop lessons and curricula using conceptual change theory that can be applied in addition to or integrated within existing curriculum,
(2) develop skills to encourage critical thinking, facilitate dialogue and the open expression of diverse ideas, and improve engagement across differences in the classroom,
(3) implement lessons that help students understand what their rights are, and build empathy and respect for the dignity and rights of others in the classroom,
(4) help students overcome bullying, censorship, intolerance, isolation, and mitigate conflict in the classroom, and
(5) improve their ability to evaluate student learning and conceptual change.
Through a human rights-based education program, students are better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue with one another as they develop a deeper respect for the freedoms which are essential in a pluralistic culture.
Our Impact
We have witnessed what is possible when students are taught to move beyond tolerance, and embody pluralism - active engagement with people who are different than them based on sincere respect for the their fundamental freedoms and dignity. Our programs have been shown to help teachers and students build more inclusive, culturally responsive, rights-based environments:
- Develop a greater understanding of pluralism and human rights, including freedom of conscience, religion, expression, speech and equality.
- Prepare educators and students to respond to real-life challenges to pluralism and diversity.
- Reduce bullying and intolerance in the classroom and school.
- Increase equal treatment and respect of others, including girls, minority groups, and newcomers.
- Welcome greater diversity of thought and expression and confidence in engaging with others across our deepest differences.
- Build cultural awareness, understanding and empathy for the dignity and freedom of people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
- Reject conflict and actively stood up to intolerance and bullying.
And we have observed changes in students' attitudes and behaviors beyond the classroom, in their schools, homes, and community. As teachers and students build a culture of pluralism and respect for human rights in their classroom, communities are beginning to change and everyone is experiencing greater freedom, dignity and security.
Testimonials
"I love what they are doing and I want to be a part of it."
Enes Freedom
"Hardwired is saving lives and changing the world...teaching people they
deserve to be free."
Kathy Ireland
"The Fruitopia simulation made everything easy-to-digest and easy to
teach students about."
Teacher, Kidinnu Academy, CA
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Resources
Professional Development
Hardwired provides a variety of options for professional development for educators to promote pluralism and respect through partial or full day to multi-session programs.
A Hardwired Simulation
Fruitopia is our unique and proprietary simulation that uses the analogy of fruit groups to teach basic concepts about culture, dignity and individual freedom.
Stories and Activities
Educators working with students in Kindergarten through fifth grade will enjoy our books which come with fun, meaningful activities that can be easily incorporated into your existing classroom routine.
Growing Together: A Play
Through an engaging play, students become immersed in the fictional island of Fruitopia and discover a new perspective of pluralism, human dignity and individual rights as they learn how to live in peace with one another.
Programs We Offer
Hardwired provides multiple options for professional development programs for educators. The "Peaceful Garden Project" is our unique educational initiative aimed at fostering a culture of respect and engagement among people of different backgrounds and beliefs within the classroom. It equips educators with innovative tools that help educators model respect for human rights and empathy for others through engaging content.
Multi-Session Training
Teachers experience Hardwired's unique simulation that models pluralism and are equipped to apply it in their classrooms and curriculum. Experienced Hardwired staff guide and support teachers throughout the program - from developing new lesson and implementation to evaluating understanding of pluralism and human rights.
Full Day In-Service Training
A full-day, hands-on training where teachers experience Hardwired's unique simulation that models pluralism and are equipped to apply it in their classrooms and curriculum. Teachers learn about the key values and rights required for pluralism and how to cultivate those values in their classroom. This includes freedom of expression, speech, and belief among other rights.
Peaceful Garden Express
A streamlined option where teachers use Hardwired’s library of children's books and corresponding activities to teach about human dignity and pluralism. This is designed for teachers with limited time. Similarly, Hardwired supporters, Kathy Ireland and Enes Freedom, have participated in our express program for schools and community groups in a variety of settings.
Student Programs
A half or full-day program for high school and college age students interested in promoting the values of pluralism, human dignity and individual rights. Students learn how to host discussions and activities with other students that teach others how to live with one another across our deepest differences with a deep respect for the dignity and rights of all people. Programs equip students to counter bullying and intolerance and build greater respect for human rights.
