Unity Day

Team building

A diverse group of students with leadership potential participate in experiential activities designed to build trust. These activities are led by students in partnership with adult professionals.

A 2007 independent evaluation found that the activities fostered good working relationships and interaction between students.

Raise Awareness

After establishing empathy through team building, students participate in activities that allow them to identify their shared experiences and value their differences. This dialogue enables students to recognize the importance of embracing diversity and creating an inclusive learning community.

"Everyone needs Unity Day… or at least the lessons that were shared with the select students… this high school WILL see change.” – 12th grade, 2009

Leadership

Having identified the transformations they would like to see in their school and community, students develop and practice strategies for implementing these changes.

“One way I will use what I have learned is by helping to move the Unity Club in the right direction.” – 11th grade, 2008

A 2007 independent evaluation found that students who participated in the program were more likely to participate in community service activities.

After Unity Day

Students continue to practice leadership, community service, and awareness- raising in school-supported clubs.

"I have been seeking to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance at (my school)… I have also been the voice in trying to establish a Unity Club.”- 10th Grade, 2006

“I will definitely continue to treat everybody kindly and to intervene when I see someone is not being treated that way.” – 10th Grade, 2008

"I shall teach others what I have been taught.” – 9th grade, 2009

60 of the students committed to improving their schools and communities participate in a week long camp over the summer.

Camp Wananame

The week long camp is fully funded by Pasco County Schools, allowing campers from all economic backgrounds to attend.

“It provides a safe and fun environment for people to learn, grow, and experience real life issues.”
- 10th Grade, 2007

“Camp was an amazing experience.” – 10th Grade, 2008

Camp Wananamé provides the campers with a forum to delve deeper into the issues of social justice, teamwork, and leadership.

“I learned so much about others that have different lifestyles than me… It allowed me to realize there are so many types of people in this world.”- 11th Grade, 2007

“I learned to respect others opinions and beliefs in regards to any topic. Listening to others opened my eyes.” – 11th Grade, 2008

“Using your leadership skills can change the world around you.” – 9th Grade, 2008

Workshops include:

• Dialogue vs. Debate
  Heterosexism/ Homophobia
  Stereotypes/ Racism/ Discrimination
  Gender/ Sexism
  Mass Atrocities/ Genocide
  Advocacy

Activities designed to build confidence, community, and problem solving skills used in conjunction with workshops support the campers in building a safe, inclusive community.

“Camp Wananamé not only inspires teens to become leaders, but also helps them to realize that it is okay to be yourself and to be proud of who you are.”- 9th Grade, 2007

“Everyone is a leader in their own way and it is important to incorporate everyone in decisions.”
– 9th Grade, 2008.

District School Board of Pasco County Safe and Drug-Free Schools