Townsend takes helm of education nonprofit of national organization 'Operation Respect'*** Operation Respect provides educational programs that can be used in schools, camps and other programs involving children to try to teach respect and compassion. Townsend said a big part of her job will be traveling throughout the country helping start state offices for Operation Respect. "This program started as an anti-bullying program because there is so much bullying," she said. Townsend said while respect and compassion should begin at home, many children don't learn those lessons from their parents.