Programs

The Don't Laugh at Me (DLAM) program materials include a curriculum guide, pre-and-post implementation questionnaires and a CD and video for both schools and summer camps. The school program consists of two separate curricula; one developed for grades (2-5) and the second developed for grades (6-8). Please click here to learn more about our camp program.

Please click here to register, download and/or order a free copy of the Don't Laugh at Me Program of your choice. After you complete the registration form, please follow the ordering instructions provided at the end of the registration process. Instructions will also be sent via email. If you experience technical difficulties, or do not receive the materials within two weeks of placing your order, please email info@operationrespect.org.

Operation Respect/ESR grants educators permission to reproduce the written DLAM materials, the copywritten CD and video, free of charge. Alternatively, if you would like to order the materials in bulk (25 cds, 50 videos) please call Kathy Jones at United AVG 800-247-8606 or 818-980-6700 to place your order. The CDs and videos are available for a nominal fee of 90 cents/per CD and $1.15/per video in bulk (25 CDs and 50 videos). Please note, United AVG does not fill individual orders. If you would like to order the curriculum guides in bulk, for a nominal fee of $1.00 each, please email your order to Elizabeth Kolodny at: ekolodny@operationrespect.org.

Through music, video, and classroom activities, the DLAM programs help sensitize children to the painful effects of behaviors that too often are accepted as necessary rites of passage in childhood—ridicule, disrespect (or "dissing"), ostracism and bullying. DLAM is designed to inspire children, along with their teachers and other educators, to transform their classrooms and schools into "Ridicule Free Zones". Children participating in DLAM learn that by working together they can positively shape their school environment, and eventually bring this message to the broader community.

DLAM focuses on fostering four characteristics of a caring community: the healthy expression of feelings; caring, compassion, and cooperation; creative resolution of conflicts; and, appreciation of differences. The three DLAM curricula were written by Laura Parker Roerden and created under the direction of Linda Lantieri, the Founder of Educators for Social Responsibility’s Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) who collaborated with DLAM to shepherd the curricula's development. The Southern Poverty Law Center and other distinguished educational organizations pursuing objectives parallel to those of DLAM offered additional guidance and input.

You are among the many teachers, school counselors, principals, school social workers and other educational and healthcare professionals who have expressed an interest in learning about and/or implementing DLAM. We recognize that you bring a wide range of talents and experiences to your work, including in some cases training in social and emotional learning and character education. We strongly believe that such training is crucial to the successful implementation and delivery of the DLAM curriculum. Please visit our professional development section to learn more about opportunities to participate and/or organize a DLAM workshop.

Please click here to review the DLAM School Program Survey Results: 2001-2002 (Prepared by Metis Associates).