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Twin Peaks Charter Academy thrives on character and the well being of students. Some students want to express that character, and help people who need it. Diversity Allies Against Discrimination (DAAD) came to be because we wanted to include all students who are having trouble fitting in and create a safe space for them. DAAD is a place where students hangout and talk about their problems.
I personally believe that this group has done something for our school. We give support to students who have been victim to bullying or just had a hard day. We also stand up for the people who are being bullied and try to make our school safer. It is our goal to make a difference in our community, both at and outside of school. With the help of our teacher supervisor, Mrs. Goldman, we strive to make a safe space for everyone.
If you become a member it means that you will make our school a safer and better place. This includes: standing up for people who are being bullied, no matter who they are, and creating an environment where people aren't afraid to come to school.
We're basically an anti-bullying club that originally started out as a gay-straight alliance club. But with a few modifications, we've made it a place where everyone can be themselves and not worry about being bullied because of there race, age, gender, sexuality, etc... School sponsor, Mrs. Goldman said "Diversity Allies Against Discrimination has taught the members of the club to demonstrate amazing character and stand up for people who need it."
If you want to join our group and help, or if you're seeking help, or even if you just want to listen in, you can stop by Mrs. Goldman's room every Friday. It doesn't matter who you are, as long as you're in high school, we would love for you to join and discuss problems within your life and help you any way we can.. If you need help, like serious help, we would contact a trusted adult, like the school counselor, and get you the help you need. But if you just need someone to talk to and be there for you, you can come to Mrs. Goldman or me, C.c. Hart.
At the beginning of every meeting, we do a check in on how everyone is feeling. We even add a theme to it, like what space thing do you feel like today. We talk about how people are doing and assess what's going on in the outside world.
Alexis, a member and student founder of the group, says "It's important to know what's going on in the world outside of just school and to get all sides of the argument, not just the ones people around you want you to see."
DAAD teaches you how to stand up for people and yourself, and DAAD gives you great, supportive friends.
Alexis says "I feel like it benefits more people within Twin Peaks than it does outside, because it provides a safe space for students and it hasn't really reached outside the school yet."
Everyone agrees that it provides a safe space for students, but I honestly think, even taking the initiative to use the character we demonstrate around the school, to the outside world, can make anybody's day.
This is an opinion piece that was submitted to the Longmont Observer. It does not, necessarily, represent the views of the Longmont Observer. To submit an opinion piece, please visit our Submit An Opinion page on our website.
