Challenge Day

Specialties

Challenge Day provides youth and communities experiential programs that show the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression. Since Rich and Yvonne St. John-​Dutra created Challenge Day in 1987, over 1 million teens have experienced it. The 6 ½-​hour program is for 100 students; the 1 ½ hour Assembly Program is for 1,500. Annually 75% of youth are cyber-​bullied for their gender, weight, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Results indicate schools participating in Challenge Days see a reduction in violence, bullying and an increase in school safety and emotional connections among peers. Be the Change (BTC) helps students, teachers and community to partner with school groups — leadership, mentorship, and conflict resolution. BTC acceptance and service activities occur during or after school. The Next Step Workshop is a 3-​day community program for personal growth and creating relationships of compassion and mutual understanding.

History

Established in 1987.

After years of working in teen crisis, prevention, and intervention, counselors Rich and Yvonne St. John-​Dutra were clear that substance abuse, eating disorders, bullying, truancy, violence, and even suicide were «acting out» behaviors and symptoms of underlying problems which they believe are separation, isolation, and loneliness. With overcrowding being the issue in most schools across the nation, they knew that if the youth are feeling lonely, it’s not because a lack of people around them, but a lack of love and connection.

Challenge Day Founders Rich and Yvonne asked the question, «If young people cannot experience love and connection in their schools — how can they believe peace on earth is possible?» At this point, Rich and Yvonne drew upon their commitment as parents and their combined professional experience to create in 1987 the award-​winning 6 ½ hour Challenge Day Program.

In 2001, Challenge Day became a 501 © (3) non-​profit organization.