What Is Words Hurt Week?
Words Hurt Week is a week that happens year round at Appleton East High School in Appleton, Wisconsin. The purpose of the week is to create awareness surrounding the power of words. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is directly challenged during this week. Students are asked to anonymously write down a time when words did hurt them or have continued to hurt them. Their words are posted in the commons for all students to see and hopefully, relate to each other.
During this week, presenters come to the auditorium to give students' valuable information surrounding topics that students are facing on a daily basis. In the past, presenters have spoken about depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, bullying, domestic violence, dating violence, mental health issues, runaway youth, homelessness, mindfulness, sexual assault, LGBT issues, transgender awareness, stress relief, racism, cultural awareness, and much more. Presenters are chosen from the school staff, students, as well as community. Students are able to get more information about these topics from stations that are set up in the commons. Words Hurt Week stresses empathy and connection and understanding what life is like in someone else's shoes. Who Started Words Hurt Week? |
Words Hurt Week was inspired by GSAFE's No Name-Calling Week. It was started by Lana Thiel, a teacher at Appleton East High School and a few of her dedicated students in the Gay-Straight Alliance including Maria Peeples, Jason Donker, Jake Bradley, Zach Zdanovec, Katie Cronmiller, and Lizzy Mui in 2009.
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Who Can I Contact For More Information?
For more information on how you can start your own Words Hurt Week at your
school, you can contact Lana Thiel at [email protected]
school, you can contact Lana Thiel at [email protected]