Monthly Archives: February 2019

Pink Shirt Day 2019: Cyber Safety

Pink Shirt Day is now celebrated on February 27 around the world.  How did this day begin? Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 as an act of kindness in Nova Scotia, Canada. David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends bought 50 pink shirts and distributed them to all the boys in the school as a way of standing up for a newcomer Grade 9 student who was being bullied for wearing pink.

Pink Shirt Day has become a day of education about standing up for safety, kindness and respect in schools and the wider community. For the past three years, the Inclusive Leadership Co-operative has facilitated Pink Day workshops at Clements Centre,Duncan, BC, Canada. This year will be a Pink Shirt Day Quiz Show about how to prevent and stop cyberbullying.

Here is a sneak peak at a few of the questions.  We will post the answers next week:

  1. The Golden Rule for getting along with others is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” What are some golden rules for getting along with others on the internet?
  2. Many schools and community centres have become bully-free zones where everyone learns that: “In this place, and with these people I feel safe.” What is a rule you can follow that will make your computer and your phone a bully free zone?
  3. Many schools and community centres teach kids AND adults how to use our W.I.T.S. (W = WALK AWAY. I =IGNORE IT. T = TALK IT OUT. S = SEEK HELP. What are some ways you can use your W.I.T.S. if you are being bullied on your computer or on your cell phone?
  4. Is this rule true or false?: “Don’t text or post anything when you’re angry. If you are angry take a break from your computer, put down your smart phone and take a walk to clear your mind. Only text or post or email when you feel calm.”
  5. We all know about “Saftety First.” How do you make sure you are safe on the internet and cell phones?
  6. What are some signs that someone is being cyberbullied?
  7. What are some ways peers, family, teachers and mentors can help prevent cyberbullying and put a stop to cyberbullying?
  8. Is this true or false: “If you don’t type the person’s name when you spread rumors or make jokes, then it is not cyberbullying.”

The Alphabet Community: A Must Read Article

Big thanks and congratulations to Inclusive Leader, Ayodele Moffett, for co-writing  “The Alphabet Community: Who We Are and What We Need From You” recently published in The International Journal for Direct Support Professionals, Volume 8, Issue 2 by Dave Hingsburger, Virginia Jahyu, Luke Lynn, and Ayodele Moffett.

“The Alphabet Community”  article clearly defines the diversity of identities within the LGBT+ community with a comprehensive glossary of terms. “The idea that a community aims to be one community built out of many communities is kind of beautiful don’t you think?”  (p. 1). The glossary is a back drop for a treasure trove of practical information for Inclusive Leaders every where no matter where we are on our life-long learning curves embracing our own and others’ diversity with connection, compassion, creativity and courage. Although the main audience for this article is professionals who are paid to support people with disabilities, this article is a valuable resource for anyone in any kind of a support role (such as parent, teacher, care-giver, service provider, counsellor) and is a valuable tool for self advocates, advocates and allies everywhere. Continue reading →