Dignity of Man Foundation was established as a non-profit educational organization in early 1973 by Richard and Christiane Smith and Dave Allen, with the help and support of charter members and friends.
Dignity of Man has provided educational programs and multi-cultural initiatives in myriad forms and continually searches for ways to encourage the improvement of human relations and cultural and global understanding. Our commitment is to provide the opportunities and resources for people to develop and achieve their fullest human potential, and to foster an ever-growing sense of responsibility to contribute to the well-being of others.
From 1999 until now, Dignity of Man Foundation has supported several programs helping at-risk youth and adults from all backgrounds.
1970-1990
- Documentary films made in: Nepal, Afghanistan and Mexico shown in schools. Films on Nepal and Afghanistan sold to the Peace Corps (1972-1974)
- Publication of “Dignity of Man – The Basis of Global Understanding” with pictures of people and children from around the world (1974)
- Camping trips with children and students from all backgrounds developing survival skills, leadership abilities and self-esteem in exploring new ways of life (1972-1975)
- Development of educational curriculum and instructional materials (1972-1984)
- Monthly publication: “Exploring Dignity” (1974-1976)
- Development of “The Dignity of Man Education Society” (1974-1977)
- Student, teacher, parent and community programs, workshops and college accredited courses (1972-1984)
- In-service programs for students and teachers of all grade levels (1972-1984)
- Consulting services (1972-1984)
- Educational Help In Afghanistan (1979-1992)
1990-2010
- Offspring Urban Farms (1992-1997)
- Compton STARS (Students Talking and Resolving Successfully): A pilot project for effecting change in school communication through governance, conflict resolution and diversity training (1993-1997)
- Jump: Placement of highly motivated high school students in the workplace under the mentorship of a professional (1995-1996)
- Youth Economic Development Program: Oil recycling educational program developed with the help of Brown Enterprises in San Francisco (1995-1996)
- Project Freedom (1993-1997)
- Mission Dignity (1999-2004)
- Wijdan: Mystery of Gnawa Trance Music (2000)
- We Can Do: Intensive training events and workshops for girls’ and women’s leadership skills (2003)
- Power of Peace: Creation of a study guide for a book called “Finding Freedom” designed to be used in prison high schools (2004)
- Peace Angel Project: Development of a short documentary film about the Peace Angel Project (2005)
- Velocity Technology: Partnership with rural high school computer repair training program for at-risk youth (2006)
2011-2018
- Bay Area Green Tours (2011-present)
- SetVets (2014-2017)
- The Bird House (2016-present)
- Hollywood Orchard (2011-present)