I am a teenager. This time of my life is full of incredible spirit and boundless energy.
It is a time between the innocence of childhood and the wisdom of adulthood.
It is a time when I am searching for who I am, what I want to accomplish and what my special purpose on this earth will be.
Sometimes I feel different from everyone who surrounds me. I often feel overwhelmed by feelings that leave me confused, hurt, angry, alone.
It is hard to remember that this is natural and that others feel the same way.
In signing this pledge for non-violence, I recognize that I have responsibilities to myself and to all others.
In my attempts to discover my own purpose, I will remember that EVERY life has purpose. I am not alone on this earth.
It is through understanding others that we learn to know ourselves.
I will never intentionally use words to make others feel isolated and I will do my best to stop the cruel words of others.
I will hold out my hand as a friend, not use my mouth as a weapon.
Nor will I ever intentionally do physical harm to another.
That way leads to retribution and suffering. I do not wish it for me, and I do not want it for anyone else.
Violence with weapons kills the body. Violence with words kills the soul.
I will remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness or a sign that I am not "cool."
It takes more courage to say "I need some help," than to pretend I don't.
It takes more courage to see another who will not ask for help and to go out of my way to get it for them.
I owe it to myself to ask for help when I need it.
I owe it to others to make sure they receive help when they need it.
I will not assume someone else will notice or get help for someone who is troubled.
I will be responsible. I will not look the other way.
I will take action. My actions may be able to protect another from harm.
My actions may save a life.
I am responsible for me and for every decision I make.
I cannot blame anyone or anything for my choices.
If I do, I must credit them with all of my successes, as well as my failures.
If I want credit for my successes, then I must be accountable for my own failures.
I understand that being accountable means accepting that there may be unpleasant consequences for poor choices I may make.
I am human. I will not always be the prettiest or best looking, have the best car or play sports better than someone else.
There will always be someone who is better at something than me.
That doesn't mean I am a lesser person as long as I strive to be the best "me" I can be.
If I am willing to judge others, then I must be prepared to be misjudged by them.
It is not what I wear or what I drive or what neighborhood I live in that should or will determine the final judgment.
It is self-respect and the respect I show others that will determine how others perceive me.
I will remember that we are all connected.
When I leave my house to start my day, I will stop and look at the sky.
It will remind me of my own specialness and importance.
I will take one moment to hope that the day will come when everyone on earth has the chance to do the same.
I will remember to wish this for my family, friends, and community because peace begins at home.
When I walk into the front door of my place of learning, I will remember why I am there.
I am not there to flaunt belongings.
I am not there to demean teachers or other students.
I will see others with my newly opened eyes.
I will envelop others with my newly opened heart.
I will look at a face I hadn't noticed before and offer a smile.
After all, I am there to learn how and why we are connected.
Peace begins with me.
C. Brimmer & J James 1999
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On Thursday, May 27, 1999, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's sub-committee. The following is a portion of the transcript: In His Daughter's Memory
We have added a new guestbook as the old one was full to overflowing.. Please take a few minutes to let us know you were here. Comments are welcome and are monitored. Thank you. The Teen Pledge for Non-Violence was published immediately after the tragedy at Columbine High School. Since that time, it has been viewed by teens, parents, school officials and teachers, as well as church groups, all over the world. It was published in several newspapers and used as the basis for many school projects. Please join in the effort to halt violence in our schools by forwarding this page.
