Tolerance In the Community
vs. prejudice
Demonstrating respect for others who do not share my perspective
To practice Tolerance, I will: 
- expect the same of myself as others
- see things from the perspective of others
- listen before forming an opinion
- learn to value differences
- help myself, and others, grow
“Everybody Counts”
Everybody counts.
When my kids were in grade school, the school dedicated a week each year to the Everybody Counts program. It was a program that focused on physical and mental disabilities and explained how children in this category had more similarities to them than differences. I volunteered to help in the classrooms during those weeks. I thought the program was wonderful and did a great job at teaching Tolerance and Acceptance.
Recently, the phrase came up again when I was reading a crime novel. The main character, Harry Bosch, was investigating the murder of a prostitute. When asked why he was putting effort into finding the murderer for a “low life”, his answer was “Everybody counts or nobody counts.” I was struck by that phrase and how much more meaning it added to Everybody Counts. It gives me pause to really think about that phrase. Say it quietly to yourself and see if you can feel it.
Bosch used this phrase in many cases, and it was repeated by others in the series of books. I wasn’t the only one struck by the phrase as I recently discovered that many in the fan base have responded. The author of the series, Michael Connelly, recently hosted a fundraiser, selling T-shirts sporting Bosch’s credo to raise money for “My Friend’s Place”, an outreach that has been rescuing kids living on the street in Los Angeles. The fundraiser had a goal to sell 3000 shirts but ended up selling over 6200. (go to https://www.bonfire.com/everybodycounts/ if you want to be notified if the shirts will be sold again)
Everybody counts – those I disagree with, those that aren’t like me, those that don’t like me, those I don’t know, – the list is endless. It’s easy to value family and friends but placing value on those outside of our circle is the real test.
This month, exercise your tolerance and acceptance of Everybody.
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use with the family or within community organizations
to teach the Character Quality of Tolerance.
The following activities are related to dates this month and can relate to any character quality or good character in general.
April Character All Month
Divide the class into groups. You can use seating arrangements such as a row or table to define the groups or create groups on your own. Instruct each group to…
April 12 National DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day
April 12 National DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day National Drop Everything and Read Day is a special celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together daily a family priority. Some places celebrate reading all month long but especially today....
Spring/Easter Activity – A Good Egg
A Good Egg is an idiom that refers to a person who is kind and reliable. It is a compliment to be called a good egg. This activity will make a wreath out of good eggs. Find something round to which you can attach paper eggs to make a wreath. A paper plate with the...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a community or family setting.
Visit Tolerance in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Tolerance in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Tolerance in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources