Ambassador for Respect (A4R) Program Turns Challenge into Opportunity

With many schools now engaged in full-time distance learning, our Ambassadors and program staff have had to adapt the Ambassadors for Respect A4R program to provide opportunity for Ambassadors while they are unable to deliver trainings in 4th grade classrooms.

One way they’ve done this is by creating videos for use during distance learning. With program staff (School Districts and Merrick, Inc.) busy figuring out the logistics of their day-to-day programming and video production taking longer than anticipated, the program is once again adapting.

Larry, an Ambassador for the A4R program

With grant funding from the State’s Office of Justice Programs, Ambassadors will now receive an hourly wage to make cards with bullying prevention messages for 4th grade students who participate in an A4R training. 

“I have been energized by the flexibility of our organization, our partners, and our funders, said Mandy Grunklee, A4R Program Coordinator at PeaceMaker Minnesota. “It has enabled A4R to be responsive to the needs we see. I’m so grateful for our program partners who have been positive and willing to do the work to promote peace in their communities, despite all of the challenges particular to this time.”

Sam, an Ambassador for the A4R program

Mandy hopes at least some of the discoveries made during this time will stay. “I'd love to take some of the pandemic-induced changes with us even after trainings are in-person again,” she said. “We've learned that our program participants have a variety skills and ways they want to contribute to their communities, and I hope we can continue to be flexible and incorporate these opportunities into the future, and as the program grows.”

Funding for the A4R Program comes from the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Langwater Foundation, RBC Foundation – USA, The Riverway Foundation, The State’s Office of Justice Programs, and donors like you. Thank you!