Turning Experience into Action: A4R Returns

Merrick’s Ambassadors for Respect (A4R) team is preparing for another season of anti-bullying presentations, continuing its mission to inspire inclusivity in local schools. This year’s team includes 5 members–three returning and two new participants. In the months ahead, these ambassadors will visit local elementary schools, sharing their personal stories with dozens of fourth-grade students and encouraging them to speak up and take action when they witness bullying.  

What makes A4R especially powerful is the personal connection each ambassador brings to the program. Michelle, now in her third year as an ambassador, has considered stepping aside to make room for others but remains deeply committed to the cause. “I was bullied in school, and I’ve seen other people being bullied,” she said. “I’m just sick of it, and I want it to stop.” 

That shared experience is what unites the team. Each ambassador was targeted by bullies growing up, and today they are using those experiences to help younger students choose a different path. Returning ambassador Nick explained, “I want to be an ambassador, and I want to teach those kids to be ambassadors, too, because I don’t want them to go on the wrong track.” 

The team’s message is supported by a strong curriculum and dedicated leadership. Jaylah Loving, Self-Advocacy Facilitator and A4R Team Coordinator at Merrick, shared her excitement about new additions to this year’s presentations. For the first time, students will learn about the mindset of bullies and the emotions that often drive bullying behavior—feelings that are usually unseen by those being hurt. 

These updates reflect A4R’s long-standing mission. An award-winning program of PeaceMaker Minnesota, Ambassadors for Respect gives students simple tools to prevent bullying while also providing individuals with disabilities opportunities to build job skills, earn a paycheck, and find purpose through meaningful work. 

That impact began in 2013 with the vision of the late Colleen Timbers, Program Director at Merrick, Inc. Since then, A4R has reached hundreds of fourth-grade students each year and empowered countless self-advocates. First-time ambassador Mollie, who has worked at Merrick for more than 20 years, remembers Colleen with gratitude. “If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have this,” she said. “We really appreciate what she did for us.”