There is no more genuine source of dreams and shared possibilities in our community than our children. With their unique and imaginative perspective on the world, they can encourage us all to do better.

With support from The Heinz Endowments, we gathered a group of real kids from a wide range of Pittsburgh neighborhoods last year to talk about kindness and respect and heroes, and to tell us – in their own words – what it means to call our city their home. (Pittsburghers will recognize the whimsical Randyland as one of the locations in the videos.)

In light of the recent acts of violence in Squirrel Hill, we’re inspired to share these videos. Here, the kids discuss what it means to show respect. We hope these videos spark conversations and actions that will ultimately shape the Pittsburgh of the future.