What Is it All About?
Use the expressive qualities of graffiti to allow students to speak up about a theme related to growth and development (e.g., body image, diversity, healthy relationships, and self-esteem). Start with a message for students to respond to — maybe something like:
- Where Do You Draw-The-Line? (use a relevant scenario directly from a Draw-The-Line postcard)
- We Believe Survivors
- Consent is...
- Healthy Relationships look like... sound like... feel like...
- Positive Role Models include...
Why Do It?
Create an eye-catching message developed by the whole school community.
How Do We Do It?
Work with your adult ally to gain permission to run a long piece of chart paper across one wall.
Advertise the activity through the school newsletter, PA announcements, posters, and social media.
Start by preparing the banner with specific messaging and language before making it a public activity. This could be writing a statement of inclusion and then asking others to “sign on” in solidarity.
Another option could be using one of the DTL postcards as a focal point and allowing the graffiti contributions to positively reflect that theme.
Consider symbols or imagery that convey your message as another idea (e.g., rainbows for LGBTQ inclusion and violence prevention).
Invite students to add a message about the issue (decide whether messages can be anonymous).
Contributions can be words, images, colours, or designs—anything goes!
Each day, check to make sure comments are appropriate. If not, remove them (work with your teachers if you’re not sure).
Once the paper is full, take a picture and share it!
What Else Do We Need?
- Long paper, wall tape
- Markers, paint, crayons, and other writing materials
- Camera/cell phone, social networks
How Do We Get Creative?
Use chalk on the pavement outside the school or on an outside wall to share your message with the whole community.
Send a picture to the local newspaper, post on the school website, or circulate the photo via social media.
Make it a competition among classes or schools!
Adapted from exposé: A smoke-free youth initiative by Ottawa Public Health.