A group of Port Coquitlam teens hope their example will encourage people to be kind to one another — and not just on Pink Shirt Day.
"Our group as a whole thinks we should have these types of events because bullying doesn't just happen just once a year, it's a continuous thing that everyone goes through, even [we'd like to see] it happen more than one day a year," said Cassidy Unrau, in advance of Pink Shirt Day activities planned for youth and adults next Wednesday.
For Unrau and her group of about two dozen members of the PoCo Youth Crew, bullying is a sad fact of life, especially in the age of social media, where a mean post from a jealous friend can go viral and send a young person into despair.
"We're about being kind and treating other people with respect," said Dylann Turner, noting that she knows of instances where teens have been cruel to one another and she wants to see it stop.
The youth have been planning a Pink Shirt Day breakfast for middle and high schoolers and a community dinner for next week, and hope those who attend will share stories of hope, agreeing it's better to choose kindness, a phrase they're also using as a hashtag.
One of the activities they are planning is a group exercise where people are asked to cross a line of tape if they have ever been bullied. Those who have been victimized then turn around to face those who have not, who then raise their hands in a gesture of support and acknowledgement.
It's a powerful act of symbolism, the girls say, that shows people are essentially good at heart and can be there for one another.
"Basically, you come out of it and you feel changed," Turner said, "After the event you realize everyone goes through the same thing."
THE DETAILS
• At the breakfast Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., youths from local middle and secondary schools will gather for this pink-themed event, including snacks, educational and thought-provoking activities, with a focus on how to deal with bullying, and activities that are led by the Poco Youth Crew. Members of the RCMP have been invited to attend the event and will provide information on the upcoming Junior Mountie Camps. Resources and self-help information will also be available. Registration is free and can be done online at experienceit.ca course #18801 or, if online registration is not an option, it can also be completed over the phone by calling 604-927-7529.
• And from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the same day at the PoCo rec complex (Wilson Centre main lounge), there will be a pink-themed dinner featuring pink desserts and interactive and thought-provoking activities. Everyone is asked to wear pink.
Donations for food costs are accepted although registration is free and can be done online at experienceit.ca course #18802 or by phone at 604-927-7529.
Learn more about Pink Shirt Day at pinkshirtday.ca and find a searchable directory of community resources at redbookonline.bc211.ca.
