The Respect – Pass It On campaign was launched at Loyalist College during the week of November 15th. The objective of the campaign was to generate awareness and continued adoption of the principles outlined in Loyalist’s Respectful College Community policy. Activities included the creation of a “Wall-of-Respect” – with input from students, faculty and staff on what respect means to them; a speaker’s corner produced by Television and New Media students and faculty; an on-line contest, and t-shirt and wrist band give-aways. A Student Respect Crew also contributed by recognizing respectful behaviour throughout the week.
The organizing committee of the Respect – Pass It On campaign was comprised of a cross-section of the College community, with key input from a student focus group. The week’s events were very well and enthusiastically received. Next steps include an evaluation of the launch leading to a plan that will keep the momentum going and continue to reinforce the College’s positive and respectful environment.
Tiana Gauthier, a second-year student in the Police Foundations program, was a member of the Respect crew. “It was a great idea for the College to initiate this campaign. Each time we saw someone being respectful to someone else we thanked them and gave them a wrist band and bookmark, suggesting they go to the website and read more about the campaign and the Respect policy. If you want something to grow and blossom the first thing you have to do is plant the seed. I believe that people are now more aware of how their actions affect others. We all benefit by being part of an environment that appreciates and values the important role each of us plays in our community.”
“The campaign was met with support and enthusiasm,” said Dave Templar, organizing committee member. “The student crew was thrilled to be a part of it and, even though they were in the middle of their exam week, they wanted to help with something they recognized as important. Perhaps the most visually powerful part of the campaign was the “Wall-of-Respect”, an area in the cafeteria where people wrote what respect meant to them and then posted it on the wall. You could not help but see things from others’ perspectives as you moved along and read their messages. We are part of a positive and respectful community and the week served as a reminder of how fortunate we are and how important it is for each of us to be mindful of others and treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves.”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332