Students at North Delta Secondary School will get the chance to learn about how they can promote healthy relationships and create respectful school environments when BC Lions visit the school February 13.
The school will be hosting the BC Lions “Be More Than a Bystander Program” that day. The program is brought to the high school thanks to a partnership with the Delta Opposed Violence Everywhere Committee. Delta Police Victim Services and Domestic Violence Units are part of the DOVE Committee, as is the Delta School District.
The Be More Than A Bystander program is intended for youths in grades 8-12, and emphasizes how students can communicate that violence and abuse are not acceptable.
“A key point of focus for Delta School District is the creation and support of safe, respectful learning spaces for all students. The Be More Than a Bystander Campaign is an exciting initiative that we hope will engage students in awareness about breaking the silence surrounding violence against women and girls. The program provides tools, language, and practical ideas about how to speak up and communicate that violence and abuse is not acceptable,” says Joanna Angelidis, Director of Learning Services–Inclusive Learning with Delta School District.
Sports icons from the BC Lions will be speaking about leadership on and off the field. Students will be provided an overview of gender violence in our society, and introduced to the bystander approach.
“The DOVE Committee members will be in attendance during the presentations, providing information, resources and support to students around the topic of violence in relationships and bullying,” says Cris Leykauf, public affairs coordinator for Delta Police Department.
Adds Angelidis, “We are so pleased that the BC Lions and Delta Police, in collaboration with the DOVE Committee, are able to bring this important messaging to NDSS, we look forward to continuing this work and engaging with schools across our district.”
There will be two presentations at NDSS, Tuesday, February 13, from 9:20-11:40 am. All grades will have a chance to view the presentation.
DOVE Committee Background: The Delta Opposes Violence Everywhere Committee (DOVE) is comprised of members from various community service agencies within Delta, whose focus is the prevention of relationship violence through Education. The DOVE committee’s objective is to increase public awareness surrounding violence in relationships and the committee’s coordinated efforts work toward reducing any gaps in services that may exist in the Delta area.
The Dove Committee consists of multiple community agencies including; Delta Police Victim Services, Delta Police Domestic Violence Unit, Stroh’s Healthcare, Deltassist Family & Community Services, Legal Services Society, Boy and Girls Club, Diversecity, Options, Family Justice Services, Delta School District, Delta/Surrey Community Corrections, ~Delta Senior Planning team, Azure Transition home, Moving Forward Family Services.