Challenge Day promotes openness, diversity

Discovery Middle School observed Challenge Day on Jan. 10, allowing adults and youth to unite in creating a world in which everyone feels safe, loved and celebrated.

Challenge Day “provides youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression,” coordinator Jacquelyn Flowers said.

The Challenge Day organization sent facilitators Jennifer Wilson and Romeo Marquez Jr. from San Francisco to lead the workshop.

After Challenge Day in 2011, Discovery staff created the “Be the Change Team.” On Jan. 10, the team grew as students signed up. “Challenge Day made a huge difference. Students and adults realized we all face similar challenges in life,” Flowers said.

Teachers recommended students to attend. Flowers, counselors Melissa Butler and Patti Blackstone and Principal Dr. Robbie Smith selected the 100 students in grades 7-12 for Challenge Day. In addition, 25 adults, including teachers, staff and parents, were invited.

The message was to celebrate diversity. “Different, beautiful people deserve to be loved and accepted for who we are, whatever that may be,” she said.

“Meetings with Heart” emphasized an open atmosphere. “No put-downs or teasing was allowed,” Flowers said. Participants were urged to listen with their ears and heart, be open-minded and “be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“If You Really Knew Me” sessions discussed “dropping the waterline,” or “getting real by facing most people’s biggest fear — rejection,” Flowers said. “We often even hide who we really are from the people closest to us.”

Elementary school counselors Amanda Kay and Patti Bill said they enjoyed Challenge Day. “It was a truly moving day — definitely more than I expected,” Kay said. “I was exhausted at the end of the day but in a very satisfied kind of way.” Bill wants to attend in 2013.

Flower acknowledged Dennis James and Lytwan Lynch for arranging the meeting, along with Discovery cafeteria workers for serving lunch.

Challenge Day is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves schools, organizations and companies. For more information, visit challengeday.org.