Unity Conference

Unity, tolerance, acceptance, and knowledge of other’s perspectives are all concepts that are hard to define, yet critical for success in our world today.  NEISD, through the STAN Counselors and the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, sponsor the Unity Conference (s) each year. 

The Unity Clubs and Unity Conference are about defining these concepts through action and attitude

The student groups work to remove artificial barriers on each individual campus by promoting activities that bring different groups of people together to achieve a common concern.

The Unity Conferences focus on the development of attitudes and leadership that will assist students in the work on their individual campuses.

2011 UNITY CONFERENCE

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February 18, 2011

Guest Speaker: Melvin Echard, Johnson High School Assistant Principal

Presented by: NEISD STAN Counselors

Special Thanks to : Pat Sanford, Director of Leadership

Goal:

Students who want to see change, come together to share ideas, meet new people and make a difference in the district.

Objectives:

• Recruit student leaders from diverse backgrounds to examiine their own biases and work to overcome them
• Provide the necessary skills to speak out against hate and injustice
• Teach postive communication and leadership skills
• Have students create a plan to include new or uninvolved students in school activities.

Questions answered by UNITY Club Officers: What is Unity Club? Why is Unity Club needed? What our Unity Club has done? What are the best things about being in the Unity Club? What is Unity Club planning on doing? What does it cost me and how do I join? What differences/impact has Unity Club made on our campus?   The Balloons activity encouraged students to explore their individual and community strengths.

2010 Unity Conference

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February 5, 2010

Keynote: Jeff Yaldern, Palmer Drug Abuse Program

Facilitated by: Pat Sanford, Director of Leadership/Safe & Drug Free Schools and NEISD STAN Counselors

Special Thanks to: Joe Reasons, Executive Director of High School Campus Adminstration

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High School students from across the district will have the opportunity to come together to learn what is happening on other campuses to promote a safe and welcome school climate. The students participate in discussions with other students and adult leaders about the barriers between and among student groups that can hinder communication and a sense of community.

By the end of the conference, students will have a plan for their own campus and community.

165 NEISD High School Unity Club student attended this conference.