About Us

Operation Respect is a non-profit organization working to transform schools, camps and organizations focused on children and youth, into more compassionate, safe and respectful environments. Founded by Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, the organization disseminates educational resources that are designed to establish a climate that reduces the emotional and physical cruelty some children inflict upon each other by behaviors such as ridicule, bullying and-in extreme cases-violence. It is a unique organization that provides a gateway to broad scale adoption of school-based character education as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) programs.

Toward this end, Operation Respect developed the Don't Laugh at Me (DLAM) programs, one for grades 2-5, another for grades 6-8 and a third for summer camps and after-school programs. All of the programs utilize inspiring music and video along with curriculum guides based on the well-tested, highly regarded conflict resolution curricula developed by the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) of Educators for Social Responsibility (ESR).

Thanks to the generosity of The McGraw-Hill Companies, and other supporters, Operation Respect disseminates the DLAM programs free of charge. More than 60,000 copies of the curriculum have been distributed to educators since Operation Respect's inception. Please go to the Programs section of our website to register, order and/or download a complimentary copy of the school and camp curriculum materials.

Operation Respect also offers professional development workshops designed to provide educators with the tools for effective implementation. To date, over 18,000 educators have participated in DLAM workshops throughout the United States. Please visit the Professional Development section of our website to learn more about opportunities to organize or participate in a DLAM workshop.