Staff
Local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals will be participating in the annual “Day of Pink” next Wednesday (April 10)—the International Day against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia, and Transphobia in schools and communities.
“We invite everyone to celebrate diversity by wearing a pink shirt and by organizing activities in their workplaces, organizations, communities, and schools,” said Trudy McCormick, chair of the Celebrating Diversity Committee.
“Help us paint the district pink,” she urged.
Many people in schools and workplaces will be wearing pink shirts while some businesses also will decorate their windows and interiors in pink.
In addition, several activities are planned.
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, for instance, will be showing “Bully” which, according to commonsensemedia.org, is a no-holds-barred documentary that intimately portrays bullying victims’ daily lives.
“While it’s often heart-breaking and deals with tough issues like suicide, the movie addresses an incredibly important, timely topic—bullying—in a frank, relatable way that’s age appropriate for teens and relevant for middle schoolers if an adult is present to guide discussion,” the website noted.
Families are encouraged to attend the movie to learn more about the affects of bullying.
The movie will be shown at 5:30 p.m., with pizza and refreshments to be served.
Those wearing pink will be entered in a draw for a door prize.
Meanwhile, schools in the Rainy River District School Board have been putting a strong emphasis on bullying and have planned events to coincide with the “Day of Pink.”
A book entitled “Just Call me Lucille,” which was written by Dr. Jeff Sutherland and Mike Parkhill for the school board, will be launched that day.
“It will be going into the schools and will be available for teachers to include in their lessons,” said Director of Education Heather Campbell.
She added copies also will be provided to area First Nation communities.
The book includes an Ojibwe translation, as prepared by Nancy, Dan, and Jason Jones, and is respectful of aboriginal culture.
“It has a very good message, providing strategies for students to stand up for themselves in a positive way,” Campbell explained.
“The book has lots of versatility and we are really excited about it.”
Many of the schools also will be holding anti-bullying assemblies, working on a “Respect” campaign, offering up anti-bullying announcements throughout the day, and holding activities to develop buddy relationships.
It’s not too late to join in the “Day of Pink.”
Visit dayofpink.org for ideas of how you can participate to work together to stop bullying.
