With Student Reflection by Audrey Osswald

In a first-time school event, Valley Catholic guided 7th – 10th graders in a set of Respect Rallies this past fall. The Rally is an interactive experience that allows students to work together in order to learn how to make self-respecting choices, create healthy relationships, set and strive for goals, and end cycles of disrespect in their world. This program was designed for girls but has recently been modified to reach out to boys as well. As a result, a group of teachers and students from Valley were trained to be leaders and piloted the co-ed program.

Respect Rx is a social venture that coaches teens, young adults, advocates and organizations to boost self-respect, respect in relationships and respect for all (see www.respectrx.com). Courtney Macavinta is author of the book on which the rallies are based called Respect by Free Spirit Publishing. Macavinta wrote to Mary Donovan, Campus Life Director, to tell her about her visit to the White House to speak to the President’s special advisor on violence against women, Lynn Rosenthal. Macavinta reports, “The first thing I shared with her was all about: YOU! I told her about the trainings and the Rallies you were leading. She was so excited about the co-ed program and your work in Portland!”

Below is a reflection from one of the student leaders sophomore Audrey Osswald who helped lead the school’s first annual Respect Rally.

I am a sophomore at Valley Catholic High School and have been attending school on campus since first grade. The Respect Rally was a time for all of us to bond with our classmates, tell them about ourselves, talk about the disrespect we see every day, and learn about how we can change for the better. Most importantly, it was about opening up our minds and learning about ourselves. Accepting disrespect in our life, and choosing how to deal with it, was such an eye-opening concept.

The leaders took us through so many amazing activities that were fun, taught us lessons, and made us think all at once. I realized that many people are impacted or affected by negative things, just as much as the positive. “It made me realize that what I am going through, others have also gone through so even if I don’t think people understand my pain, some people really do understand,” said one of the leaders.

We also learned about setting healthy boundaries and how to listen and communicate with others. The video with photos and statistics about abuse, teen pregnancy and suicide got everyone’s attention. These are real-life issues that people face, and I think it opened many people’s eyes. These rallies are meant to teach students awareness. There is disrespect all around us and we have the power to put a stop to it. As Respect Rally leaders, we want students to notice what goes on in the world and motivate them to change it. Attending the Rally meant so much to me, but being chosen to help lead meant even more. We can all make a difference.

Posted by Thomas Kohler in Home Page Features, VCHS Features