OUR IMPACT
For over 17 years, Day Without Hate has impacted thousands of students from 35 States and 7 Countries around the world. Read out Impact Report here:
Impact Report:
Evaluating the Day Without Hate Initiative (2013-2018)
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of the Day Without Hate initiative, a student-led program established in Denver, Colorado, aimed at promoting peace, unity, and awareness of mental health issues within school environments. Drawing upon qualitative testimonials and survey responses from participants between 2013 and 2018, the findings reveal significant positive shifts in student empowerment, inclusivity, resilience against bullying, collective responsibility for mental well-being, and active engagement in initiating positive change.
Shannon Hannaway, Wheat Ridge HS
“To me, the most fulfilling thing in the world is giving a piece of myself to others. This piece may be time, a smile, kindness, or advice, but in the end it’s all a piece of me. As a result of this passion, I volunteer at St Anthony’s Hospital every week for four hours. Since I help out in the post-anesthesia care unit, I’ve seen a lot of suffering. Although I can’t provide medical healing, I can sit and chat, just listen, or hold trembling hands. I see the shimmer of compassion reflect back to me in the eyes of the patients and their family members; some have even told me that because of our interactions they’d like to start volunteering after they recover. That may not mean much to other people, but to me that means I’ve truly succeeded in helping another human being.”
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Angus MacInnis, Bear Creek HS
“Day Without Hate starts with reaching out kindness to those who need it the most and taking the high road when being teased or bullied. For example, I was sitting in the cafeteria and a group of skaters were chuckling and giving me dirty looks. They asked me if I liked Justin Bieber because of the hoodie I just bought. I unknowingly bought a Justin Bieber “Purpose World Tour” hoodie simply because it looked cool on the mannequin at H&M. They were attempting to provoke a fight out of me, but instead, I offered them some chips. They looked confused and immediately stopped teasing me, demonstrating how far the high road can take you, and how powerful Day Without Hate can really be.”
Benton Meldrum, Dakota Ridge HS
“It is a compelling skill to be able to love somebody when they are different from oneself. A stranger is harder to care for than a similar, comfortable friend. I’ve learned there are people in the world who follow the path of real compassion. Service is more than being nice. It is not lethargy and laziness. It is not being content and contemptuous. It is not in bright smiles concealing sardonic backstabbing. It is continually being an active force for good in the world.”
Alex Sanders, Wheat Ridge HS
“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I have always found this to be true, but it became more so a reality when I joined Unified Sports (Special Olympics). I remember my first basketball practice I went to. The athletes didn’t hesitate to converse with me and welcome me even though I was a complete stranger to them. I strive to embody more of their characteristics, especially their optimism. Knowing they have overcome hardships far greater than I have or probably will, and with a grin still on their faces, is sincerely inspiring. They cheer for whoever scores even if they are on the opposing team. These athlete have taught me a valuable lesson: to give everyone an equal chance while embracing your individuality and differences.”
Selena Teyes, Jefferson HS
“For freshman orientation, I took a group of students and made it a goal to make them feel as welcomed as possible. I made sure they knew they could come to me whenever they needed advice or whenever they needed help with classes. It’s weird to think that one little thing you do for someone else could cause a chain reaction or even just make their day a little better, but it does. It creates a positive environment for everyone.”
Tayte Vanosdoll, Columbine HS
“Chance to Dance is an event I have had the joy and honor of organizing and participating in over the last two years. The purpose of this unique event is to ensure that all students who attend Columbine have the ability to experience a high school dance. Watching shy and unassuming Rose twirl to her heart’s content in a dress fit for a princess, helping wheelchair-bound Michael proudly parade around the dance floor, and applauding Mia after a stunning performance in which she dropped into the splits for the finale are only a few of the countless yet unforgettable memories made on these nights. Chance to Dance brings me an unparalleled sense of accomplishment in knowing that the values promoted by Day Without Hate are an inspiration in this celebration of diversity and acceptance.”
Sydney Vie, Dakota Ridge HS
“I made a list for myself, one of personal changes I could implement, so that even if change was not occurring rapidly on a large scale, I was making small positive changes daily. It started with coming to school every morning with a smile. I smiled at everyone, no matter if I knew them or not. I believe that everyone can use a little more joy in their day, and I want to be the person that always looks happy to be around others. This accompanied another goal of mine, one to say “hi” to every person whose name I knew. Again, I wanted people to feel valued and worthwhile, to know I respected them enough to remember their name and make an effort to appreciate them.”
Valerie Abbattista, Ralston Valley HS
“Day Without Hate inspired me to take action. A few years ago, I was so moved by the Day Without Hate assembly at my school that I decided to write on all three hundred of my Facebook friends’ walls. Over the span of three days, I wrote each and every person a personalized complement in honor of Day Without hate. Many of my Facebook friends at the time saw my action and decided to do the same. The support and gratitude I received for my small act of kindness showed me how far a simple compliment could go.”
Madeline Baca, Columbine HS
“While all the activities at schools were extremely uplifting, satisfying, and uniting, my favorite Day Without Hate moment came at the rally. During the excitement of one of the bands performing, I noticed a student who was enjoying the show alone. To give him a group of students to watch the show with, I decided to step out of my comfort zone, and I approached him to ask if he wanted to sit with our student government for the remainder of the night. Despite being uncomfortable and nervous at first, I realized putting myself in an uncomfortable situation relieved him of his thoughts of discomfort and anxiety. Celebrating unity with a student from a rival high school showed the true power of Day Without hate. Collectively, we are not students from Columbine, Chatfield, Standley Lake, Dakota Ridge, or Wheat Ridge; we are students of unity and nonviolence.”
Sonja Barber, Golden HS
“I cannot express my joy at having had the opportunity to work deeper into integrating peace in schools. [As a member of the Jeffco Student Health Advisory Committee], we spent the year creating resources for schools in become “Schools Without Hate” for which we would provide banners or stickers for their schools if they could do well to use our materials and lend us feedback to improve their schools. I spent the year doing research into which activities work well for this, and then putting together the sources in “ReciPeace” cards, or games and activities to bond students, classes, and schools together. By Day Without Hate 2015, 40 schools had signed up to try our resources in their schools.”
Aaron Cadayong, Dakota Ridge HS
“I do not have the greatest memory, but I was determined to get to know as many people as I could. To accomplish this daunting task, I tried my best to first know everyone’s name on my track team. There were over 80 kids on my team, most of whom I had never met before. We had a team dinner, and instead of spending time with the same people that I have talked to for the past couple years, I decided to go out and not only learn everyone on the team but also try to know them as a person. As we sat down to start playing games, my coach challenged our team learn everyone’s name by the end of the season. He then asked if anyone could already do that, not expecting a freshman to raise his hand. I actually got everyone’s name correct.”
Brooke Dugger, Columbine HS
“Day Without Hate is more than just one day and instead more of an idea that can be spread and practiced each and every day of the year. It means that there is hope for what the future will bring with the changes and messages that people establish today. It means that the idea of acts of violence within school communities will no longer be able to be described as something remotely normal. It means that each and every student that walks through the doors of a school might know and feel an intense sense of belonging; a feeling that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Kaylen Gehrke, Golden HS
“One person can alter an entire lifetime by solely demonstrating compassion. I have encompasses compassion and everyday try to do something kind for someone else. My passion exudes through my efforts with Day Without Hate. I embody the image of Day Without Hate in always attempting to be there for people, exhibiting kindness and understanding for all, and promoting inclusion within my school and atmosphere. I genuinely strive to make others feel that they belong and matter.”
Courtney Kauffman, Standley Lake HS
“My school community has endured far too many tragedies throughout the last few years, compelling me even more so to spread the impact and grace of DWOH to all students. DWOH creates an inseparable bond within the community that pulls our strength together to endure life’s trials. I have seen the impact that DWOH has on individuals in my school, how it can brighten their day, year, or even life as an outlet and source of comfort. For this reason, I became more involved with PeaceJam over the years, brought new friends to club meetings with me, and now am part of the executive leadership board. The friends I had brought with me now share the same love and passion for DWOH that I have, which excites me as more people can spread the word about what a remarkable impact we’re making on our community.”
Jaimi Mueller, D'Evelyn HS
“My school is faced with economic differences, intense competition, bullying and a lot of teasing, kids feeling alone and overwhelmed. My biggest concern is that suicide attempt rates have been increasing. I have spoken to several friends who see this as a “fix” to their problems and the constant stressful pressure they feel. This is a problem my friends and peers are facing now, and it needs to be addressed. So, at the start of the year, with the sponsorship of my counselor, I started a “Fun Club” for my school. This club’s sole purpose is to create one day, April 27th, in which every student, teacher, and staff member can relax and just have simple fun. We plan to have one of the student bands playing and to pass out ice cream and bubbles to everyone at lunch to help our community find peace of mind and feel safe and happy in the place where we spend so much of our lives. “
STUDENT VIDEOS
Check out some of the amazing impact videos created by students over the years:
17 YEARS OF IMPACT
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WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. (Source: SAMHSA)
How does Day Without Hate promote Mental Health Awarenress?
The Day Without Hate program is a powerful student-led initiative that strives to foster peace, unity, and respect, while also raising awareness about mental health in our schools and communities. Through various events and activities, we aim to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. While we do not provide direct mental health services, we recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone experiencing mental health struggles to seek help. Resources are available here and we urge students to reach out to qualified professionals for support.
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OUR MISSION
Day Without Hate is a student-led initiative promoting peace, nonviolence, unity, respect, and mental health awareness in our schools and communities. We believe that every individual deserves a safe and respectful environment, and we strive to create a culture of empathy, understanding, and unity through our student-led efforts.
Day Without Hate
600 17th Street
Suite 2800-South
Denver, CO 80202-5428
+1 720-257-9396
Copyright © 2024 • Day Without Hate is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Tax ID 99-3484622