The Aspire Project

Self-defense should be considered a basic life skill for women

Larry Parnass — Wed, 11 May 2011 10:55:56 -0400

Lynne Marie Wanamaker, a certified self-defense instructor based in Easthampton and regular Aspire Project contributor, reflects upon the importance of "physical literacy" in women's lives.

Writing contest explores children's feelings on personal safety

Larry Parnass — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:21:05 -0400

This spring, in connection with its 25th anniversary, the Cutchins Children’s Clinic in Northampton ran a writing contest for children. Most participants elected to “write about a person, place or thing that makes you feel safe” or “something you do that helps you calm down when you are really mad or upset.” In the winning entries gathered here, these young authors address the idea of safety and personal security in a sometimes difficult world.

Figuring out if a wannabe Facebook friend was once agent of misery

Larry Parnass — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:41:20 -0400

Julie Waggoner describes what happened when a high school classmate who she remembered as a bully reached out to her on Facebook.

Don't discount role stress plays in bullying behavior

Larry Parnass — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:20:23 -0400

Stuart Singer, assistant director of James Levine and Associates P.C. in South Hadley, believes that helping young people manage their stress is key in guiding them toward emotional health.

Don't blur blame in cases of sexual assault

Larry Parnass — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:09:23 -0400

Aspire Project contributor Lynne Marie Wanamaker of Easthampton explains how and why she works to help young women be clear about who is responsible in cases of sexual assault.

Bullying denial remains reality within our schools

Larry Parnass — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:49:48 -0500

Arthur Friedman, a psychotherapist, trainer and consultant with James Levine & Associates in South Hadley, describes how hard it can be to break through a culture of denial about bullying.

Steps to sustainable change in school climate

Larry Parnass — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:27:49 -0500

In an Aspire Project post last week, Chris Overtree, a psychologist with the University of Massachusetts, described why improving a school’s social climate is key to reducing instances of bullying. Today, he suggests specific steps to take.

To counter bullying, look to accentuate the positive

Larry Parnass — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:57:26 -0500

Chris Overtree, a psychologist with the University of Massachusetts, explains why one elementary student believed the best way to counter bullying is to have teachers wear better shoes. And therein lies an important answer, he suggests.

Young witnesses to bullying must be part of solution

Larry Parnass — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:38:33 -0500

While surveys and interviews give students an opportunity to share their input, schools need to take the lead and support programs that value student participation, says Tess Domb Sador, a student at Amherst Regional High School.

New group's goal: Safety for all at Amherst middle school

Larry Parnass — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:26:28 -0500

A look at how Amherst Regional Middle School is taking steps to ensure a safe and affirming school climate.

'We all cry same tears' — The quest to be 'better people' amid struggle against bullying

Larry Parnass — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:29:38 -0500

Students at Hampshire Regional High School say their goal in organizing an assembly was simple: "We wanted to get people to be better people, for we are all human."

UN's 1948 human rights credo worthy of respect today

Larry Parnass — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:57:53 -0500

Sara Weinberger of Northampton, a professor of social work at Western New England College, suggests that the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights set a lasting standard worth emulating today.

Helping all children feel valued in holiday season

Larry Parnass — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:26:22 -0500

Social worker Deborah Roth-Howe says her plea this year is that all who care for young children consider what “unity and respect” mean in terms of celebrations during the holiday season.

How a Southampton school teaches the meaning of respect

Larry Parnass — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 11:41:45 -0400

Christine Wu of Hadley, the Aspire Project coordinator, reports on her visit to the William E. Norris School in Southampton, where staff members work every day to foster a culture of respect.

Recoiling from the reality of homophobia

Larry Parnass — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:30:02 -0400

Jenn Bealer is feeling blessed to live in a state where she and her girlfriend can get married and have children. But she's also buffeted by despair over intolerence and recent suicides by young people harassed due to their sexual orientation.