Let’s End Abuse, Violence & Suicide
The Hands & Words Are Not for Hurting Project® began in February of 1997 by Ann S. Kelly in Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Salem, Oregon. The initial vision was to demonstrate visually that we are making a difference in stopping abuse, violence, and suicide.
Since then it has expanded to include daycare facilities, birthing centers, places of worship, youth organizations, government agencies, public officials, law enforcement, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, batterer treatment programs, businesses, mental health counseling services, child abuse assessment/treatment centers, and hospitals/ healthcare facilities.
Take the Pledge in October!
Yamhill Chapter Hands & Words Are Not for Hurting celebrates National Hands Week in October each year. Take the pledge and encourage others to do so!
Take the Pledge
I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others.
School Presentations
Schools invite Soroptimist International of McMinnville to assemblies, open houses and classrooms to bring our message of “Hands and Words are not for Hurting”. The committee’s mascot, the purple bear, brings this message to the children through a human “translator”. The beloved bear captures the imaginations of the group keeping the children focused on the message.
The Committee Chair introduces our club and explains the purpose of our visit to the children. Then the message promoting kindness is emphasized. Positive ways to handle hurtful words or situations are taught. Walking away from the situation or reminding the other child that hands and words are not for hurting can be a solution to the situation.
The pledge is recited, a hand tracing project is completed, and questions are answered. Children can take their projects home with them although some schools display the hands and words projects.
FROM A PARTICIPANT
Last week I had a leak in my roof. Abe, my roofer, could not arrive on time so he sent his son, Diego, Age 24, who is working with him. I saw the name of a local school on Diego’s shirt and asked him where he went to grade school. He said, “Grandhaven”. I asked him if he remembered a program called Hands and Words Are Not For Hurting. He said, “Oh yes, a long time ago” and sang the Hands and Words song!!! That really touched my heart. This program reaches far and wide and deep. Thank you Diego!!!
