Harmony is not as simple as it seems.
In general, harmony refers to a state of peaceful coexistence, balance, and unity among individuals, groups, or elements within a society. It embodies a sense of agreement, cooperation, and mutual understanding, where different components work together in a cohesive and integrated manner.
Therefore, we understand that socially, harmony is complicated and that politically at least, America is sadly in serious disharmony.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that broadly within our social fabric, there are not brave souls and organizations willing to break new ground in an attempt to achieve a more harmonious world.
Here locally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress (BGCGAC) and Special Olympics Southern California have partnered up to sponsor a truly special event next Saturday, April 13 at Cedar Glen Park in Cypress.
In a statement this week, these two partnering organizations announced they will kick off their collaboration by hosting “The Harmony Games: A Unified Family Play Day” at which they will provide inclusive programming for young people with and without intellectual disabilities.
“By providing inclusive programming that brings together young people with and without intellectual disabilities, these organizations are not only addressing immediate needs but also setting the stage for a more inclusive future,” the statement said.
“In a world where acceptance and understanding are paramount, the “Harmony Games” represent a pivotal moment in youth engagement, where differences are celebrated, and barriers are shattered, paving the way for a generation of empathetic and empowered leaders.”
The goal of the newly established partnership, they said, is to combat the obstacles local youth face and realize new opportunities for social inclusion, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.
“We have always been an organization committed to welcoming all local youth and providing access to resources to better integrate Club Members who may need additional support,” said Erika Gary, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.
“The opportunity to partner with Special Olympics Southern California is another step in the right direction of supporting our Club Members who need us most and continue to model acceptance and inclusion to all Club Members.”
“Young people today face many challenges, from achieving personal and academic success to feeling emotionally and physically healthy and safe. Often, the school and social environment for young people is fraught with obstacles, impeding positive development. That is what we strive to overcome with the work we do,” said Andrea Cahn, Vice President of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.
“It is truly an honor to partner with a like-minded organization that is also committed to empowering and supporting young people as they work to address these barriers and build inclusive schools and communities,” she said.
She said the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is a strategy in more than 8,300 schools, Pre-K through universities, across the U.S. that intentionally promotes social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities.
Working in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, whose mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential, Special Olympics will harness the powerful work being done at the grassroots level to create inclusive spaces using the Unified model. The melding of these two leading organizations will create new opportunities for systemic change for present and future generations of young people.
The BGCGAC was selected as one of two Clubs in Southern California to receive a fifteen-thousand-dollar grant from Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support the Clubs’ partnership, Through this collaboration, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics will work together to provide training and supporting resources to support local partnerships. This will in turn aid in Special Olympics athletes becoming fully integrated Club Members and communities becoming more inclusive and accepting.
National experts like Dr. Paula Kluth, the author of “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom and Dr. Thomas Hehir, who wrote “New Directions in Special Education: Eliminating Ableism in Policy and Practice,” and many others have argued for more harmonious learning environments.
Harmony, by its very definition, demands the surrender of a bit of self-interest to support the overall harmonic interest of others, and kudos to organizations willing to break new ground attempting to achieve it.
Our society needs more of it and upon it, our youth can build a more solid future.
Harmony indeed is not as simple as it sounds and while such movements are in their relative infancy, it’s good to know that the first baby steps will be taken in our own backyard.