Promoting Respect Workshops

The Promoting Respect Workshops (PRW) program offered by the Greater Mankato Diversity Council focuses on promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect in K-12 classrooms. Through interactive workshops and activities, students learn to celebrate differences, practice empathy, and combat discrimination, creating a more inclusive and harmonious school environment. Join us in creating positive change in our schools and community.

Partnership with Mankato Area Public Schools

The Greater Mankato Diversity Council is pleased to collaborate with the Mankato Area Public School District to offer the Promoting Respect Workshops for K-5 classrooms. Our partnership is instrumental in creating a strong sense of community among young learners.

Together with the district, we have developed an engaging curriculum tailored for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students. Through interactive activities and discussions, students are encouraged to to embrace cultural awareness, practice empathy, and become advocates for an inclusive and harmonious school environment.

By working closely with educators and school administrators, we strive to create a supportive and empowering atmosphere where students can learn, grow, and celebrate diversity. Our shared commitment to fostering a welcoming community where every individual feels valued and respected is at the core of our partnership.

We hope to have the Promoting Respect Workshops back in the Grade 6-12 classrooms in the 2025-2026 school year.

Is your school passionate about nurturing a respectful, inclusive school environment and community? If so, participate in Greater Mankato Diversity Council's K-12 Promoting Respect Workshops. In these workshops, our experienced facilitators will guide students through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and creative projects exploring essential ideas around respect, acceptance, and belonging. 

Invest in your student’s future by instilling the values of respect and empathy.  Together, let’s create a school environment where every child feels valued, respected, and included.

Contact GMDC’s Education Director for more information on how your school can get involved!

Interested in becoming a PRW Facilitator?

This volunteer position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable community. If you are passionate about equity, education, diversity, respect, and inclusion, and are eager to drive positive change, we encourage you to fill out an interest form for this role.

 FAQs

  • Volunteers who are passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect in schools are welcome to apply. Prior experience in education or working with students is beneficial, but not required. Training and support will be provided to all volunteers.

  • As a facilitator, you will play a key role in promoting respect in schools. Facilitators must attend a 30-minute orientation, participate in PRW facilitation training (about 1 hour each), and complete a background check. You will communicate effectively with the Education Director and co-facilitators, choose how many sessions to co-facilitate (each lasting less than one hour), and commit to multiple sessions per month. Facilitators should practice each session with their co-facilitator and complete feedback surveys after each session. You will also stay informed about diversity topics and request resources as needed. This role requires openness to tough conversations, learning from feedback, and maintaining professionalism to foster an inclusive environment in schools.

  • The program aims to empower students to celebrate diversity, practice empathy, and combat discrimination. Through interactive workshops and activities, students learn about cultural awareness, anti-bullying strategies, and building inclusive communities.

  • The Promoting Respect Workshops program is designed to align with the Minnesota state education standards to ensure that students are meeting curriculum objectives while engaging in activities that promote diversity, inclusion, and respect.

  • Yes, parents and community members can support the program by volunteering as workshop facilitators, providing resources or donations, and spreading awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools.

  • Volunteers are provided with training and resources to effectively facilitate the workshops prior to each lesson in the schools. While prior experience working with students is beneficial, the key qualifications for volunteers are a passion for promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect.
    Facilitators are expected to attend a 30-minute orientation/get-to-know-you meeting with GMDC’s Education Director, attend PRW classroom facilitation trainings (about 1 hour each), and potentially attend further PRW trainings as required. Volunteers will also need to complete a background check. Facilitators must maintain timely and clear communication with both the Education Director and their co-facilitators.
    Additionally, facilitators should practice their sessions with co-facilitators at least once before the classroom session and complete facilitator feedback surveys after each session.

  • Educators or schools outside of the Mankato Area Public Schools District interested in similar programs or initiatives can reach out to the Greater Mankato Diversity Council’s Education Director at samantha@mankatodiversity.org.

  • The impact and effectiveness of the workshops are measured through evaluation surveys distributed to all participating teachers and facilitators. Feedback from these surveys help asses the program's impact on students’ learning, school culture, and attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. Additionally, observations and feedback from educators, students, and administrators provide valuable insights into the overall effectiveness of the workshops. These evaluation mechanisms help us continuously improve and tailor the program to meet the needs of students and schools within the Mankato Area Public Schools District.

  • Click here to fill out a PRW Facilitator Interest Form: https://forms.gle/9e5paRq42UECj4ZC8

  • "This revised lesson was excellent! I was impressed with the time that went into developing a lesson that was actually engaging and meaningful for my students. Very very well done!"

  • "It's such a great lesson, we love having this come to our grade level!"

  • "My class loved this presentation! They were able to make so many great connections."

  • "Students applauded. They were focused and creative with their questions and answers. The teacher said they like the new curriculum and thought it was fitting for current times."