THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay’s Crime Prevention Council and respect. Initiative, in partnership with Lakehead Public Schools, kicked-off Thunder Bay’s 4th Annual Everyone Matters Day Campaign today. The global inclusiveness campaign encourages us to not judge or stereotype others, to respect humanity, and emphasizes that everyone has the right to be respected and be who they are.
“Everyone Matters Day is a reminder to our community to support and celebrate everyone’s equal right to dignity and respect,” said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator, Crime Prevention Council. “By finding opportunities to include others, our community becomes a safer, more welcoming place to live for everyone.”
Over 350 Grade 6-8 students from Algonquin, Gron Morgan, St. James, Sherbrooke and Five Mile schools attended.
“We need to keep working together to address bullying in our community,” said Jeff Upton, Education Officer with Lakehead Public Schools and Chair of the Crime Prevention Council. “Bullying, including cyberbullying, can have devastating effects on the physical and mental well-being of students; these effects can be long-term, and be felt through families and the broader community. It’s a very serious issue.”
Students also learned more about the City’s respect. Initiative. “Creating a respectful community is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with an examination of our own behaviour toward others,” said Tina Maronese Tucker, Chair of the respect. Working Group. “Every day, in everything we do, we must lead with our hearts, be more empathetic and demonstrate that we’re all in this together.”
The Campaign is extended through social media to citizens, who are invited to take selfies while holding a #IAM Sign and filling in the blank space with a unique fact – something you are proud of, or something that makes you individually unique. Then, upload your selfie to Facebook, tag @respect.initiative and @cityofthunderbay, and hashtag #everyonematters and #respecttbay.
Everyone Matters Day launched in fall 2012.
