The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is launching a year-long Words Matter campaign in its schools. The goal is to create safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments.
The board is offering a virtual workshop tomorrow evening to help parents and caregivers learn about the impact of language on children and other community members. Board spokesperson Kelly Tsarouhas said the initiative has allowed them to partner with Harmony Movement out of Toronto.
“They design interactive diversity and equity education programs for youth. They empower and inspire, which led us to believe and know this campaign is something we really wanted to be part of.”
She added words matter when it comes to developing supportive spaces and a sense of belonging.
“In order to promote positive language, we need to address the harmful or discriminatory language that students might hear.”
Participants in the workshop will learn about Harmony Movement’s five-step process to deal with harmful language, be it something derogatory or a racial slur.
“Students knowing that a word or term is not appropriate and not ok, and instead of feeling stuck as to what to do next, we have a process we can follow and empower youth with to follow in order to interrupt that language,” added Tsarouhas.
The board’s system principal, Ruth Ellen Cummings, explained students will be able to stand up for themselves and others while recognizing the power of their own language and step in when needed.
“They could say, hey, that’s not ok. I don’t like that you said that, and can we go into that a bit further? Just making it more common to recognize the power of our words. We believe these measures will promote a culture of respect, equity and inclusivity.”
The board will hold an in-person conference in December, where students from across the area will gather to participate in workshops. It will be followed by an even larger, province-wide event next spring.
“It will culminate in a massive event on May 20 called Words Matter Day. It will be a day of celebration to reflect on the actions and changes students have made over the course of the school year,” added Cummings.
The virtual workshop takes place tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Access will be provided by each school and pre-registration is not required.
