(1994 – 2009)
Beyond Differences was created in memory of Lili Rachel Smith. She endured the pain of social isolation and feeling different.
Lili is the heart and guiding light of the organization.
Since the start of the pandemic, teens around the world have faced a myriad of new challenges that impact their mental health and well-being. They’ve also had a unique opportunity to reflect and grow. To celebrate Know Your Classmates® Day, U.S. Surgeon General Dr....
Better Magazine is a lifestyle publication that focuses on creating positive connections that inspires readers to live a greater purpose. In their article, “Mental Health and Kids: How Parents Can Recognize Anxiety and Depression Signs in Children” by Donna Berry...
To celebrate National Know Your Classmates™ Day, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy joins schools all over the country to talk about connection, belonging and the well-being of children and teens. Dr. Murthy will share powerful insights about the pandemic and...
National Awareness Days
Join us by celebrating Beyond Differences’ three National Awareness Days that promote Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), help to end social isolation and create a culture of inclusion at your school! Reserve 2021 resources to conduct these programs at your school now.
Designed to explore youth identity and belonging + help students embrace diversity, and help students speak honestly about their feelings. Now includes teen created lessons on How to be An Ally, Diverse Expressions of Gender, Recognizing Bias, and Anti Racism + National Stand Up for Asian American Youth Campaign materials. (FALL)
Focused on creating inclusive communities online and ending social isolation in digital spaces. Students learn how to stand up to hateful behaviors, positive and negative aspects of screen time, social media’s effect on emotions and how to regulate those feelings, how to build self-confidence online and how to build your future online. (SPRING)