Arianna Merritt, M.Ed.

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February 27th is Pink Shirt Day in Canada!

Now, you might be asking yourself "What is Pink Shirt Day?"

The last Wednesday of February (this year is Feb. 27th) in Canada, is Anti-Bullying Day (i.e., Pink Shirt Day).  It is a day where we take a stand and address this important issue.

As I work in bullying prevention and love the colour Pink, I support this wonderful cause and am proudly wearing pink today.  People always ask me, Why bullying prevention?”  My answer is always the same: “I have seen and personally experienced the negative effects of bullying and want to stop it from hurting others’ lives.”  That is why I support this initiative.

In honour of Pink Shirt Day, check out what the students of a couple schools put together.  I encourage you to do the same, if not by wearing the a shirt but by standing up and supporting anti-bullying initiatives.

You should know by now from reading my blog that I believe it is important to have the courage to stand tall and speak from the heart.  We can want things to be different but change comes from taking action (speaking up). I speak up about it in person and online, as social media is such a positive tool for educating others.

In addition to wearing a pink shirt today,  you can also turn to word or song to share your support of anti-bullying initiatives. Here are two powerful videos that have really impacted the lives of many.  I have to share their messages with you.

Have a listen to spoken word artist Shane Koyczan's (also from B.C.) powerful message.  It came out last week and has been widely shared.

Last but not least, I have to leave you with this powerful video for the song Wonder Woman performed by Elise Estrada. This song is dedicated to Amanda Todd, a beautiful girl who lost her life as a result of being bullied.  RIP Amanda.

"We don’t all have the ability to sing out over a racing train, but we do have the power to speak up — and out." ~ Anna Deavere Smith

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!