Language is a powerful force that shapes how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. During the elementary and secondary school years, fitting in and having a sense of belonging and connection is paramount to students’ lives. Often times however doing or saying what’s popular is more important than doing or saying

what’s right.

Character is the quality that reflects core beliefs and values, which motivate our behaviors, choices, and attitudes. It’s the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Good character relies on good that is done, not on good intentions. You can be a great athlete but not have good character if you put down or tease others. You can be popular but not have good character if you demean or denigrate others.

The GET.A.VOICE™ Project is a language based, character education program developed to systematically address name-calling and language in schools. Whether one is the target or the bystander, words have a tremendous impact on everyone in the school. Not to mention that such interruptions in the classroom takes significant time away from student learning. Specifically, GET.A.VOICE™ provides tools for administrators, educators, and staff members to tackle the issue of language and name calling with consistency, and empowers students to become more aware of their own language, develop a positive voice, and stand up to peers in a respectful way.

A student who can use her or his voice to speak up against a school bully, or to invite a fellow student ostracized by a clique to join him or her at lunch takes skill and, no doubt, courage ... a lot of it! With GET.A.VOICE™ students love the fact that when others use their voices, too, then they are no longer alone to do—or say -- the right thing.

We invite you to explore the power of language in these pages. The responses to the GET.A.VOICE™ Project from educators, students and parents have been fantastic.

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