What Is it All About?
Work with the whole school community to promote and commit to a message about not staying silent or about taking positive actions. Create a banner with a specific tagline or message. It could be a pledge like “I will not stay silent about dating violence.” or “I will make someone feel good about themselves today.”
Why Do It?
The pledge and banner represent the voice of the community and is a great visual for a community event.
How Do We Do It?
Work with an adult ally to decide on a date and location. If you want to engage the community, choose a location that’s accessible to everyone.
Announce the activity through the school newsletter, PA announcements, posters, and the school social media account.
Provide the space, fabric banner, and markers. Then invite people to create their own message or visual piece relating to the theme.
Put the campaign name and contact info on the banner.
Spread fabric on a clean, dry surface with newspaper underneath to protect the floor. Tape in place. Invite everyone to participate.
Hang the banner on a clothesline to dry.
Go back over sections with a black marker to make them stand out.
Teachers can be made aware of the pledge and include smaller copies in their classrooms, as well as holding students accountable to their pledge during their time in school.
Take a picture to use in a school newsletter, send to the media, and share on the school social media account.
What Else Do We Need?
- Fabric of desired size, newspaper, tape, water-based markers or paint, and brushes
- Clothesline
- Camera/cell phone
How Do We Get Creative?
Design a logo or a key message.
Take your banner to special events, community forums, or wherever it will be seen.
Combine your banner with another activity (e.g., consider handing out SWAG ("Stuff we all get") or other treats following the completion of the pledge).
Adapted from White Ribbon and exposé: A smoke-free youth initiative by Ottawa Public Health.