Mission: To create a world where every student feels safe, loved, and celebrated.

Next Challenge Day Event: Nov 1-4, 2005. We’ll have four one-day events. We want students and adults!  Volunteer now  |  Permission Slip What is Challenge Day? Why is LHS doing it? Who can participate? Who is sponsoring it? When and where is it? How do I get involved as a volunteer? What would my responsibilities be as an adult volunteer? If I can't participate as an adult volunteer, what else can I do to support it?

WHAT IS CHALLENGE DAY? Challenge Day is a non-profit organization committed to creating a world where every child feels safe, loved and celebrated. Their award-winning daylong experiential workshops and follow-up programs are designed to tear down the walls of separation, inspiring participants to live, study and work in an environment of compassion, acceptance and respect, and to truly be the change they wish to see in the world. Overall, the aim is to increase self-esteem, to shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer support, and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, oppression and all forms of violence. You can find more information about the program at www.challengeday.org. Parents of current and former LHS students have shared that this event revolutionized their relationship with their children and gave them a whole new understanding of the complex humans teenagers are! Several PTSA parents have participated already, and would happily share their thoughts with you about Challenge Day. They include Kathy Sweeney-Easter, Janet Dobrowolski, Ruth Fenn, Gale Johnson, and Carol Fujioka, among others.

WHY IS LHS DOING IT? During the 2003-2004 school year, LHS students’ feelings about the culture and climate at school were compiled in a survey. The results? Liberty is a great place to be. However, there was a portion of students that didn’t feel sufficiently confident and comfortable to have a positive learning experience. LHS’ Curriculum Team made the decision in Spring 2004 to pursue the services of Challenge Day, Inc. Last year, LHS experienced Challenge Day firsthand. Two-hundred students and 100 adults participated in life-changing events, forging new friendships and breaking down barriers to communication in every relationship participants engage in. This year we’re excited to offer this opportunity to 400 LHS students, and we need your help!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? We want to include as many members of the greater LHS community as possible. Your participation would be a great benefit to our students. It’s fun! It’s eye-opening! It’s an incredible learning experience. If you know other parents or community liaisons you think may want to be involved, invite them too. This opportunity requires no prior training or knowledge, just a willingness to be open and honest with LHS teens.

WHO IS SPONSORING IT? The program has received grants from the following organizations:

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT? LHS’ 4 separate Challenge Days will be on November 1st, (7 am to 3 pm), November 2nd (7:10 am to 3:10 pm), November 3rd (7 am to 3 pm), and November 4th (7 am to 3 pm) at LHS. You can volunteer for one or many days—the minimum commitment is one day. We need 15 community volunteers each day.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED AS AN ADULT VOLUNTEER? If you’re interested, please contact Andrea Hillman, LHS Challenge Day Coordinator, by email  or phone 425.837.4854 ASAP.

WHAT WOULD MY RESPONSIBILITIES BE AS AN ADULT VOLUNTEER?
1. We encourage adults to volunteer as positive adult role models for the benefit of youth. Be prepared to share yourself with kids and listen/tune-in to kids.
2. No prior training is necessary than the meeting we have when you check in on the day(s) you volunteer.
3. The Challenge Day staff monitor the program and check in with you as the day progresses—giving plenty of instruction all day.
4. Adult volunteers need to be here from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Wednesday (see above).
5. You must be able to stay the entire day.
6. You need to bring your own lunch.
7. You need to wear comfortable clothing.
8. If you have never filled out Issaquah School District volunteer forms/background check forms, you will need to fill those out.

IF I CAN’T PARTICIPATE AS AN ADULT VOLUNTEER, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO SUPPORT IT? You can make donations on several levels. If you are able to help, please contact Andrea Hillman at the above email address or phone number.

1. You can donate money. Offering Challenge Day free of charge to this quantity of students is very expensive. Community support for this program last year included PTSA, Boosters, Kiwanis, Issaquah Youth and Family Network, the LHS ASB, and personal donations. PTSA has earmarked $3,000 to support the program this year. Unfortunately, that doesn’t cover even 20% of the cost. If you would like to support Challenge Day financially, you can write a check to LHS and designate “Challenge Day” in the memo line. Return the check to: LHS // c/o Andrea Hillman, Challenge Day Coordinator // 16655 SE 136th St // Renton, WA 98059.

2. You can donate time. There is a committee that coordinates the logistics of the program that could use your help. There is also a committee of adults and students that work to keep the Challenge Day message alive after the event is over.

3. You can donate food and office supplies. For those students that forget to bring their lunch, a small portion of sandwich fixings, bread, fruit, and beverages is needed. Water, cups, napkins, tape, poster board, nametags, and other incidentals would also be greatly appreciated.