The Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice, Inc.

Yes, we can!

As a child, Jo Ann Bland participated in the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, and her spirit of advocacy led her to co-found the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and start her tour agency Journeys for the Soul — now part of the Foot Soldiers Park family.

The SPLC mourns Bland with the world, and her legacy encourages us to continue taking civic action. Revisit our Learning for Justice team's Q&A excerpt with Bland to learn more about her lifelong advocacy: https://bit.ly/4tKQUsT

A dream come true…

Imagine growing up with kindness on your timetable.

In Denmark, kids aged 6 to 16 sit down every week for a simple class about how we treat one another. It’s called “klassens tid” - class time.

There’s no test. No grades. Just a safe space. Kids talk, listen, and solve small problems before they become big ones. They practice empathy in real life.

Teachers guide the group to notice feelings, say sorry, include others, and make room for every voice. It sounds small. It isn’t.

Caring doesn’t stop at people. Danish schools also teach kids to be kind to animals. They learn that animals have needs and feelings too.

Lessons and projects cover how to care for pets, what farm animals need, and why gentle handling matters. It’s common sense, taught with heart.

That weekly hour builds trust in the classroom. It makes space for shy kids to speak up and for strong kids to listen. It reminds everyone that community is something we build together.

Over time, children learn that empathy is a skill. You practice it. You get better. And it changes how you act at home, at school, and online.

I love that this is part of the school week - not a poster on the wall, but a habit. One hour. Every week. Year after year.

It’s a soft idea with hard results. Kinder classes. Fewer conflicts. More belonging.

If you could add one hour to your child’s week, would it be this one?

References
Skolens timebank - Børne- og Undervisningsministeriet (Denmark)
Klassens tid - Skole og Forældre
Dyrevelfærd i skolen - Fødevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration)
Lessons From Denmark: Teachers Can Incorporate Empathy in the Curriculum - Education Week

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.

While conducting a workshop on "UPstander" behavior, The Ben Marion Institute had the opportunity to collaborate with several Duluth High School teens, The Cumberland Collective and Madeleine Slate. WIthin an hour, our efforts were able to produce this wonderful song which illustrates what it takes to be an "UPstander" in our society. Below are the lyrics: Anyone can hold another down But that's not what being strong is about It takes strength to show someone love And to lift your brother and your sister up (Chorus) I'm gonna stand up I know, I know it's tough I'm gonna stand up I know enough is enough I'm gonna stand up No more anger, no more fear I'm gonna stand up I'm stopping this right here Everybody's heart was built the same We all hurt, we all feel pain Before you judge somebody different from you You better walk a mile in their shoes I'll tell you what I'm gonna do (Chorus)

A teachable moment!
Being a good critical thinker betters one’s happiness and wellbeing.

When empathy is present, the world is a happier, more compassionate place.