This past week, we have been wrapping up Unit 2 - Colonization. This past week, I have been personally impacted and affected by events in our community. It has left me in a state of shock and profound sadness. As one of many Varsity Head Coaches at Westlake, I chose to use the influence of my mantle to impact, inspire and empower the boys in the Westlake Lacrosse program. Here is the challenge I sent to them:
“We (the Westlake Lacrosse Coaching staff) invite you to join us in this Validation Challenge. I want all of us to identify THREE people that we can write an anonymous letter to that will impact, inspire & empower them. It can be a family member, a teacher, a coach, a coworker, a classmate, an administrator, a kid that you see who is alone....ANY 3 people...& we challenge you to take some time to write these 3 people a meaningful, thoughtful handwritten letter. You are NOT limited to 3, either. But these letters have got to be uplifting & meaningful. None of this ‘HAGS’ garbage. If you’re going to say someone is awesome or great, EXPLAIN that to them. I cannot stress the importance of watching out for others. To BUILD others. Put it on yellow card stock, symbolizing LIGHT. We need more light. We need more love. We need more empowerment. This is a big deal to me. HUGE. As you do it anonymously & deliver it through someone else, you get the joy & satisfaction of sitting back & watching the impact. This works. It’s powerful. Do it.”
I Issued this challenge Thursday afternoon. On Friday morning, I woke up and next thing I know Westlake High School was promoting it and it had been shared on social media over 100 times. I did not anticipate this, but was deeply touched by it. I have watched firsthand the power of these notes the last 12 years literally save lives of kids. Parents, you are raising AMAZING KIDS. Choice. Elect. Simply remarkable. I promise that as all of us BRING THE LIGHT and participate in the VALIDATION CHALLENGE with the same gusto and zeal as people participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, we will change the world for GOOD and save the lives of thousands.
