The Relationship Foundation is an educational initiative on the forefront of a new approach to social and emotional learning (SEL). The Healthy Relationships 101 program debuted in New York City in 2008 and has since continued at 7 other metropolitan area public, private and charter high schools. The work is based on principles that give students insight on how to be in a healthy and fulfilling relationship, enhanced by a highly effective communication skill-set based on Marshall Rosenberg’s book, Nonviolent Communication, and our collaboration with New York City’s Nonviolent Communication Center, NYCNVC.
OUR VISION
We are working to partner with the education system to prepare coming generations to build and maintain relationships that foster collaboration, mutuality and respect. It is our vision to see relationship education become self-sustaining beyond the school environment.
OUR MISSION
A 2008 survey* by the New York State Education Department asserts that New York City suffers from a severe gap in resources for social and emotional learning. Data within the study indicate schools need to pursue relationships with outside social and emotional learning organizations such as the Relationship Foundation.
The Relationship Foundation is committed to establishing relationship education as an essential component of the learning process. It is our mission to bring national attention to this initiative and reach educators everywhere.
*NYSED Survey of Social and Emotional Development and Learning Practices in NYS Schools, September 2008.