"I Act With Respect"

Kelly Himsl Arthur, Director of Thinkpeace Workshop for Girls

"Sometimes we just need an awesome speaker to remind us of how capable we are."

My name is Kelly Himsl Arthur. I am the Director of thinkpeace workshop for girls and the mom of three kids. I believe that the world is in pretty bad shape, environmentally, politically and socially and that together we can make changes if we commit to acting with respect.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns at Maple Ave. Middle School when he was my oldest daughter’s Social Studies teacher. We had recently moved to Saratoga Springs from California, where I knew all my kids’ teachers and friends and felt very connected. Everything was unknown here. One day Mr. Johns called me at home just to let me know how my daughter was doing, academically and more importantly, socially. He took the time to really get to know her and somehow he made the transition so much easier. I felt like he really cared about every student he had and that he would always make time for them and encourage them.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
Coach Johns was just beginning to formalize Act With Respect Always when my oldest daughter was in 6th grade. I was starting thinkpeace at the same time and when we talked we saw the connection in our work.

How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
Personally, the Act With Respect Always mission has helped me be a better parent. When my kids have struggled with competition and bullying, we take the time to step back and talk about character and respect, both their own and what they see around them. We talk through problems with honesty and empathy and look for constructive solutions. By emphasizing the importance of always treating others with respect, I think my kids are more aware of when they could try harder and I know they are more sensitive to other people’s feelings.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
In my work I have many opportunities to “Pay it Forward”. In our workshops with teens we learn about global awareness and sensitivity and ways to create change. In order to change practices like child marriage or trafficking, or limiting the rights of girls to an education and health care, we have to understand other cultures and belief systems. If we simply judge others, we won’t get anywhere. By respecting others, and allowing all voices to be heard, real dialogue can begin and solutions created. This is the basis of conflict resolution— it all starts with respect. I am committed to my work with youth, teaching them how to create peace through understanding and communication.

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
At our summer camps with youth from around the world, we describe the Act With Respect mission as the foundation to world peace. Coach Johns has established 8 basic character traits which are vital to being a healthy part of the global community: responsibility, honesty and fairness, civility, self discipline, doing the work, persistence, courage and respect. Imagine if each of us committed to working on these traits every day— truly, the world would be a better place!

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
In person Coach Johns is a dynamic and motivational speaker. I have seen super competitive adults be humbled by his stories about championship tennis teams, recognizing how they could be more supportive and less combative at their kids sporting events. I have seen young boys hang on every word he says about winning being sweeter when you can hold your head up high, knowing that you have played with respect. I have seen teen girls exhale when they hear Coach Johns tell them that every single one of them matters. Rich is a kind and passionate guy, who simply believes that we all have it in us to live respectfully. Sometimes we just need an awesome speaker to remind us of how capable we are.