Introducing ‘Colour for Courage’ – A New Concept in Art Education

We invite schools and communities to participate in the Colour for Courage initiative, a creative and impactful way to engage students in promoting courage, kindness, and respect. Encourage students to personalize Doves with messages that reflect their thoughts on respect and empowerment, creating a deeply personal connection with the theme of courage. To showcase the artwork, organize an art exhibit that brings together students, families, and the broader community to celebrate the power of self-expression and the courage to speak out.

Consider introducing Colour for Courage into art lessons with a tailored Lesson Plan that focuses on self-expression through art, helping students explore and articulate their thoughts and feelings. In addition, build a permanent, visible reminder of this initiative by setting up a Dove of Love display at the front desk, complete with a resource kit to allow everyone to create their own Dove. This gesture will serve as a daily reminder of the school’s commitment to being a safe space for courageous conversations.

1. Introduce ‘Colour for Courage’ in Art Lessons: Encourage students to colour in and personalize Doves, incorporating messages that reflect their personal thoughts on courage, kindness, and respect.

2. Organize an Art Showcase: Create a space where students can present their Dove creations, inviting parents and community members to join. This event can help build a sense of unity and encourage open conversations on the values of courage and self-expression.

3. Develop a Custom Lesson Plan: Design a lesson plan that focuses on self-expression through art. This would help students express their feelings about important topics such as gender-based violence, kindness, and respect, using art as a medium.

4. Create a Visible Commitment: At the front desk or a central location in the school, display a permanent reminder of the Dove of Love, perhaps alongside a resource kit for students to create their own Dove. This will act as a visible commitment to the school's values, promoting it as a safe space where courage is encouraged and valued.

5. Workshops and Project-Based Learning: Organize workshops where expert faculty members can teach students about respect, kindness, and ways to recognize various forms of maltreatment. These workshops can provide practical tools for identifying and addressing harmful behaviors in the community.

6. Reward Participation: Encourage students to get involved by rewarding their participation with a Colour for Courage Certificate. This certificate can serve as a visible reminder of their involvement in promoting a safe, kind, and courageous environment within the school or community.

Go a step further!

Take the project to public libraries, other child friendly groups or your community to organise a coming together that enables self-expression with the Dove of Love as a medium. One could also envisage the Dove of Love find its place in art exhibitions, inspiring unity and connections through creative self-expression. Or, do consider donating to Spirit of Woman and enable us to hold such events. 

Every form of support counts. If your enterprise or workplace can donate the dove template print outs, or other resources that can help the Dove of Love fulfil its purpose of empowered healing, please write to us at helen@spiritofwoman.com.au