Petaluma Junior High Challenge Day

When was the last time you did the sprinkler, the lawn mower, the shopping cart, and the air guitar? Ok, so how about in front of 110 junior high students? I can proudly say that for me it was last week.

I participated in Challenge Day at the Petaluma Junior High. For those of you who don't know what this means, it is a day where kids and adults come together to talk about some tough stuff and build compassion, empathy, love, and understanding for one another. It is an opportunity for kids to own their stuff and allow support to be given by others. It is a day of vulnerability and safety.

Stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to have one of the best days ever in my professional life. Part of the day I was acting like an untrained cheerleader hopped up on several Dr. Peppers. The other part of the day gave me the opportunity to provide love, support, and connection for children on a grander level than I ever had. I laughed, I cried, and left with the warmest feeling inside. I saw real change.

I am still deeply moved by this experience. I witnessed bullies commit to no longer harming others and apologizing to their victims. I saw connections made between kids who would have not otherwise said a word to one another due to their differences and judgements. I held children as they wept for their losses, differences, and awareness about how hard some kids and adults have it. I was able to empower children to believe they can do anything.

Challenge Day is movement sweeping across our nation and moving up and over to others. Due to budget cuts, a program like this may not be able to continue in our schools. This cannot happen. This is a program that works, and I believe is imperative to the health and healing of our youth. If you are a parent of a child in the local high schools or junior highs, I would strongly encourage you to contact the administration and advocate for this program. Our children need the opportunity to heal. Let us provide this for them.

Sierra Dator is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS23317) with a psychotherapy office in Petaluma providing counseling to youth, adults, and families in group and individual sessions. Please visit www.sierradator.com for more information about Sierra and her services.