Meet RESPECT Board Member: Molly Ducker

Why is RESPECT important to you?

RESPECT provides education on topics vital to the heath and safety of our youth – exemplified by real/relatable examples.

What is your favorite RESPECT program and why?

The program “Choices” is my favorite. Available for the middle school audience, Choices focuses on responding to inappropriate behavior; using assertive behavior in resisting harmful peer pressure; and how to support others whose boundaries are being violated. The session allows students to submit anonymous questions to be discussed/answered by the panel or a mental health professional.

How did you get involved with RESPECT?

I was sharing with a board member friend one day about my worries for my granddaughters’ generation. They face all the challenges we did as kids, plus many more with social media, school violence, etc. I was mentioning that it must be difficult for parents and schools to prepare children for so many circumstances they face. He knew at that moment that I needed to be part of this amazing organization.

What would it have been like to have RESPECT when you were a kid in school?

The middle school years were some of the toughest for me and I didn’t always establish healthy boundaries in fear of not being accepted or liked by everyone. I would have benefited from seeing how others handled uncomfortable topics/situations.

What do you like about being on the board of RESPECT?

I like working with others who believe we have an obligation to our youth to model better behaviors. RESPECT leadership keeps the board completely up to speed on things going on and stays in constant communication.