UNITY — An annual anti-bullying activity known as Pink Day is recognized each February, on the last Wednesday of that month.
Schools help bring awareness to their cause by wearing pink shirts and teaching students how the initiative began as well as imparting an important message.
Unity Composite High School has a committee composed of students, teachers, school staff and parents or community members who are committed to creating a positive climate at the school.
At one time, the committee was known as the green team, then renamed positive school climate committee and several years ago, the group decided they wanted a powerful word that would help bring attention to their message of kindness and inclusion, thus evolving into ACTIVATE in 2015.
In the inaugural days of this new movement, former student and committee member, Megan Babchuck, created an ACTIVATE logo used on T-shirts and marketing material to help students recognize and engage with the initiative.
As student members became more excited about their brand and delivering its message the movement grew into a website and social media channels. They also worked to engage local schools, provincial schools and community members.
The program kept growing with former student and committee member, Kira Vliestra, creating Annie and Al, characters who represent the ACTIVATE message and are present at all ACTIVATE initiatives and activities. Another character, an animated robot named Auto, also helps deliver their message.
Current UCHS PSCC/ACTIVATE committee co-chair, Reid Martin, tells the Press-Herald/SASKTODAY.ca, “Our committee is all about spreading the message of kindness and inclusion in the school and community. As well, we continue to bring awareness to and support mental health initiatives.”
The committee has 11 members that include seven students, three teachers and, this year, UCHS student parent and town recreation director, Nicole Headrick.
Reid says this year's events have included bingo and Kahoot games in the school over the lunch break, in addition to putting a float in Winter Lights Parade, hosting a chili cookoff to support the Robyn Silvernagel family and offered free apple cider at a local business during Winter Wonderland festivities.
“Our biggest successes are getting community involvement over the pandemic. Other schools and local businesses are sharing their kindness activities. Our community is becoming more aware of the group and our purpose. Hosting a photobooth at the rink with KidSport during an exhibition game featuring the U of S Huskies ladies' hockey was another well received effort. As well, we are seeking new ways to reach out over this school year,” says Reid.
Pink Shirt Day officially falls during the school February break so the committee is holding their recognition Feb. 16, that will include a virtual assembly explaining the background and effects of Pink Shirt Day and why it should be supported.
Acts of kindness are regularly initiated and encouraged through the PSCC and ACTIVATE committee year-round.
Former UCHS ACTIVATE team member applauds ongoing work
Alana Neil, a former UCHS student who was part of the inception of ACTIVATE, said, “As a past member of UCHS ACTIVATE, I’m humbled and proud of the students and volunteers for keeping this initiative alive. At a high school age, learning how to include without bias and being able to understand the positivity that can come from being kind, can really change a person's future.
"I also love the emphasis being put on ending the stigma on mental health and opening a safe place. Mental health problems aren’t targeted to adults, it can start any time to anyone. It’s crucial to understand at a younger age it’s OK not to be OK and then how to receive help,"
Neil adds, "I enjoyed seeing, and still viewing on the social media, the empowerment and positivity that can stem from a random act of kindness. I’m thrilled the initiative is still going and a positive school climate is still being strived for at UCHS. The impact this initiative has for students is probably unbeknownst to them thus far, but it will steer them on the right path in life. Lighting a fire in yourself to include, be kind and speak about mental well-being, while inspiring others to do so, is what ACTIVATE is all about. Keep up the good work, Activators, day by day.”
Pre-pandemic days, Reid affirms that the biggest highlight for this motivational group was the annual ACTIVATE day, which showcased a culmination of activities and including some fun motivational activity along with a student pledge.
“The atmosphere during our kindness school events is noticeable. You can see people treat each other with enhanced kindness and inclusion. Grade 7s, in particular, seem to get excited when they have the opportunity to participate in a kindness event. “
Reid says he and his committee know things have been difficult, and the pandemic has impacted mental health for many individuals. Giving back and seeking unification has helped, he says.
“When you start leading by example, others follow and get on board.”
“ACTIVATE is an initiative that we are extremely proud of. Throughout the pandemic, kindness is one thing we have been fighting for. Kindness is something that is extremely necessary, especially with the division that we are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.”
Several former parent members of this student group say, “While we served as guidance and overseers in their plans and activities, we know that UCHS prioritized the promotion of a culture of inclusion, anti-bullying and valuable discussions on mental health. We are proud that our kids had the opportunity to be a part of this at UCHS, and we believe they are likely to be more mindful of kindness and more involved citizens as a result.
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