Voices of Change with Tami Pyfer: The Dignity Index and UNITE

Defining US uses the power of media and the promises of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US… Stacey DeWitt interviews Tami Pyfer. Tami Pyfer is the Vice President of External Affairs for UNITE – a nonprofit organization that promotes national unity and solidarity across differences. Tami also serves as Chief of Staff to UNITE President and CEO, Tim Shriver, and is the Utah Project Lead for the Dignity Index initiative. Before joining UNITE, Tami served as Education Policy Advisor to former Utah Governor Gary Herbert, where she was involved in state-level education policy development, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. She held local and state elected office for 12 years, including 4 years on the Utah State Board of Education. Tami’s professional training is in Special Education and before her appointment to serve on the Governor's executive team she worked at Utah State University, teaching coursework and supervising student teachers in the Special Education teacher preparation program. Tami and her husband Aaron are the parents of 5 children, and grandparents of 10.  

Powerful Moments  

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.  

• 1:11 - Tami discusses her experiences and background in education and working on the State Board of Education in Utah.
• 5:58 - Tami discusses her experience with policymakers and the disconnect in communication between them and students, educators, and parents. 
• 10:46 - Tami introduces the real meaning behind UNITE that it is not that everyone’s voices should be the same, it means that everyone’s diverse voices have a seat at the table and are heard. 
• 19:33 - The introduction and importance of the Dignity Index. 
• 26:10 - The introduction of the Dignity Index scale going from 1 through 8 and it is meant to ease divisions, prevent violence, and help us solve problems. 
• 55:25 - The Dignity Index is not only for political conflict resolution, but also can apply to any conflict resolutions especially among educators.