Today, November 13th, is Mix-It-Up Day in approximately 10,000 schools across the nation. You might wonder just what is Mix-It-Up Day. I don't blame you. Until recently, I was unaware of this program also.
In 1991, the Southern Poverty Law Center started its Teaching Tolerance program. The program was to provide free materials to teachers and schools to help them to teach their students tolerance and an appreciation of diversity. In 2002, they added Mix-It-Up Day to the program.
It is a rather simple concept. On this day in school cafeterias all across the country, students are asked to sit next to someone new for just one day. It is hoped by doing this, students will not only make a new friend, but will begin to question and cross social boundaries.
Program director Samantha Elliott Briggs says, "Nowhere on school campuses are social boundaries more obvious than the cafeteria. But it's also the ideal place for students to tear down these walls and get to know people they might not otherwise meet. Mix It Up is a starting point for better understanding and unity among students".
Organizers hope that the day will:
*Encourage students to cross group lines and meet new people.
*Foster school spirit and unity.
*Raise awareness about social boundaries.
*Help students make new friends.
*Make students feel more comfortable interacting with different kinds of people.
What a great idea! If it just accomplishes part of what is hoped for, it will be well worth the effort. It is nice to see an organization trying to bring people together in this country.
We could use a whole lot more of these kinds of things. Tolerance and acceptance are not being taught enough these days.
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