Article by Sean Lane
What is respect, and how is it demonstrated? This is one of the first questions asked when applying for the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI), a program founded in 2017 to encourage respect through youth projects. Although there is no right or wrong interpretation of respect, the DRI most closely defines it as people doing good and being kind to others, animals, or the environment. It is this central theme and the willingness to make the community a better place that has impacted our county while simultaneously getting youth involved. This is the Davie Respect initiative.
Each quarter, the DRI selection panel chooses three projects at most, submitted by applicants ages 12-21. Any individual or group can apply as long as they are a Davie County Resident or are involved in an organization in Davie County. A winning project must be unique, showcasing the power of respect in an innovative and creative way. The individual or group that is selected receives $1,000 and the opportunity to become an ambassador(s) of respect (AoR).
AoRs are past DRI winners, many of whom collaborate every couple of months to organize an event or project to continue their passion for giving to the community. Some of the most recent events include hosting a Valentine’s Day bingo game for senior citizens and organizing a trash pick-up.
Over 50 projects have been selected since the program’s creation, leaving an unimaginable mark on Davie County. For example, Senior, Macey Smith’s most recent project in 2024 made a beautiful spot in the County Courthouse for newlyweds to take photos. In 2022, 8th graders Silas Johnson and Scarlett Brock created a project to reinstate Spanish classes to “tear down many lingual and racial barriers.” Junior, Journey Bowman, an active Ambassador of Respect, still interviews senior citizens for the Davie Enterprise as part of her 2021 project titled “Senior Spotlight.” Bowman says, “When you are being shown respect, it makes you feel heard.” Bowman continues to be an enthusiastic member of the program saying, “My favorite part is getting the opportunity to give back to the community and help those that are in need.”
The DRI wouldn’t be possible without the small group of donors who contribute to a private foundation, which funds the $1000 rewards. The funding from these donors incentivizes community members and allows recipients to have a budget for their projects.
The advisors and selection panel also serve a pivotal role. Julia Burazer, one of the DRI advisors, says “My favorite part of being involved with the Davie Respect Initiative is working with so many thoughtful and creative young people.” As an advisor, she communicates with the Ambassadors of Respect, oversees events, and much more. The members of the selection panel make the hard yet fulfilling decision of choosing each quarter’s AORs. The panel is directed by Dr. Stephen Leighton, who came up with the idea of the DRI in 2017.
The Davie Respect Initiative is not just a program but rather a community dedicated to the betterment of Davie County. It provides youth with the opportunity to show their respect to others, whether that means creating a photo opportunity for newlyweds or reinstating Spanish classes. This organization demonstrates that proactiveness in one’s community is never in vain, as participants improve both themselves and Davie County. Anyone looking to foster growth in their community should visit https://www.davierespect.com/ to learn more about past projects or to apply to become the next Ambassador of Respect.