A global movement, Pink Shirt Day grew from an act of kindness in Nova Scotia when a group of students supported a fellow student being bullied for wearing a pink t-shirt to school.
Pink Shirt Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the negative impacts caused by bullying, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at work, school, and home. Through the simple act of wearing a pink shirt, people around the world unite, show their solidarity, and celebrate diversity, inclusion and tolerance.
In the spirit of spreading kindness and advocating for those who need it, we invite you to participate in Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 22.
How to Participate
This year's motto is "Acts of kindness", and we invite you to participate in the Selfie x Pink Shirt activity.
The Activity
Take a selfie (individual or team) wearing something pink from February 19 - 21 and answer one of the following questions:
- How does your team take care of each other?
- What lifts you up at work when you're down?
- How can you support your team mates this year?
Send us your answer to one of the above questions, along with your selfie during the week of February 19 - 21 to Mark Montgomery.
We will include your answers the week of February 24 as part of our photo gallery on ShareIT.
You can also participate by downloading a Pink Shirt graphic for your personal use or as a Zoom or Teams background, or contribute in your own way.
Don't have a Pink Shirt?
Pink shirts can be purchased at the Bookstore on either campus, or online - https://the.bookstore.ubc.ca/Catalogue/ubc-bookstore/apparel/clothing/shirts/pink-shirt-day-t-shirt-2023
Support for faculty and staff
If you need to speak with someone about your challenges, you can talk to a counsellor via HR's Employee and Family Assistance Program: LifeWorks. More details on our EFAP page.
UBC's extended health benefits plan provides 100% coverage based on reasonable and customary charges for licensed psychologists, social workers or registered clinical counsellors up to a maximum of $3,000 for each person per benefit year (includes counselling services and psychological testing). Additional information can be found on HR's extended health benefits page.
Campus Events
Vancouver
The VP Finance & Operations portfolio is hosting their 6th annual celebration. Events will be in person at the Life Sciences West Atrium at 2:00 pm in celebrating diversity, kindness and empathy. An additionalr event will be held in the evening for the evening shift workers at Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) 1250 at 7:00 pm.
Okanagan
Details will be posted here as soon as they become available. Please contact Erin Trifunov for any questions or input;.
Additional Resources
- Access resources and training on the UBC bullying and harassment prevention website.
- Find resources for individuals and leaders to contribute to Building a respectful online work environment.
- Explore UBC's commitments to a diverse, inclusive, safe and vibrant workplace, as detailed in the Focus on People 2025 framework as well as the Inclusion Action Plan.
- Show your support by downloading a Pink Shirt graphic for your personal use or install it as a Zoom or Teams background.
