After our meaningful visit to the Museum of Tolerance, so kindly hosted by Ms. Silvia Perchuk and her Teach the Children Peace Foundation, the members of the Reed MS Art of Peace Club would like to share their reflections:
Why do you think students bully?
-If someone was hurt, chances are they will try to hurt someone else.
-People pass on hurt.
-People bully and put people down to feel better about themselves.
-People bully because they might not know any better.
-Students bully because maybe something happened to them or their family is having problems.
-People may have been hurt in the past or are jealous and so they take it out on you.
What can one do to stop it?
-If you see something, say something!
-They could be having problems at home- they could speak to their parents or a trusted adult or a school counselor.
-We need more allies! Like in The Art of Peace Club!
-We can stop it by not passing along hate, like the ‘scrubs’ thing.
-All the 7th and 8th graders were called ‘scrubs’ in 6th grade so the cycle just repeats. (NB: 8th graders call 6th graders ‘scrubs,’ which has extremely negative connotations.)
What will I do today to make a difference by bringing peace to my family, school, neighborhood, and the world?
-I can make a group where people talk about a problem they have and let other group members help find a solution.
-I will give compliments to make people smile.I will help others in poor housing or other bad situations.
-I can donate clothing—and my time, to help others.Help feed the homeless.
-Plant trees because they make people happy and it is good for the world.
-Don’t use plastic! I will start using metal, wooden, bamboo—and more non-plastic straws.
What are similarities that bring people of diverse cultures together?
-Food. Clothing. Celebrations. Traditions.
-Everyone wants to be loved.
-Everyone wants to be happy.
-Everyone wants to learn new things.
-Everyone needs to be SAFE!
-Everyone feels the same and can help each other in situations where they need help.If someone has a problem, and another person has the same problem, we could bring them together so they can get through it together.
If peace begins with you, what can you do to feel peace inside yourself?
-Express your feelings to others.
-Listen to musicTake time to draw, read, or write.Be kind, compliment someone.
-You can stand up to the bullies and show them a good, better path.
-Being kind makes me happy!Clear your mind and do something relaxing.
-Practice mindful breathing and meditation helps reduce stress, and makes us more happy.
-Art of Peace Club Members 2019-2020
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