By Henriikka Niemi
Staff Writer

Everyone has at some point in their life witnessed bullying or sexual violence, been the target of it or inflicted it upon someone else.

Throughout many high schools in the country The Be Project is attempting to spread awareness about how to have healthy relationships, both romantic and friendly.

“We’re basically an organization that empowers students to be part of the solution to end dating violence and bullying,” Coppell adolescent counselor Jessica Moreno said.

Each year The Be Project facilitates events on campus to spread their message through the community. For the 2012-13 school year, the main spring event at Coppell High School was Chalk-the-Walk during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, where students covered the sidewalks outside the school with statistics, hashtags and slogans about dating violence. One of the goals of the group this year is to attract the attention of more students with their events, which they will start planning once the interview process is over and the Be Project members are finalized.

Senior Paige Solano is entering her third year with the Be Project. Her role is centered around leading the group, planning the events and helping a group of first year members.

“I signed up to be a part of The Be Project because I saw my aunt’s marriage to my uncle fall apart and I wanted to know why,” Solano said. “I have never been in an abusive relationship, but I wanted to learn more about how I could help those that I know struggle currently and will in the future.”

On a weekly basis, students involved in The Be Project meet to discuss a topic related to dating violence, sexual violence or bullying, which Moreno decides as the group facilitator. Students learn strategies for recognizing signs that indicate issues are present, how to deal with them, or how to help a friend who is struggling with one. In addition, they have a group to share their own experiences and thoughts with.

“I want to be able to see the signs of an abusive relationship and be able to help before things get worse, and I feel that I truly can now thanks to all I have learned and experienced through The Be Project,” Solano said.

Donna Poe, CHS’s counseling secretary, helps organize The Be Project on campus. After counselors and teachers submit names of students who they see as good candidates for the program, she calls them down to her office to inform them exactly what it is about. She also sets up the interviews and keeps up with students’ attendance through the year.

“The kids learn some good strategies that they can use throughout life,” Poe said. “I’ve had kids tell me that they’ve used these strategies in the classroom and in relationships.”

Last week Moreno set up a booth at all lunches to allow students to sign up for interviews to have a position in the organization this school year, which will be held this week.

“A lot of students think leadership positions in different organizations would qualify you, but we’re trying to create real change,” Moreno said. “We’re looking for students who have influence with their peers, students who others will listen to and respect their opinion.”

Students also need to be compassionate and willing to work to solve problems in the community.

The Be Project is a way for students to be involved in finding solutions for issues that reach beyond the community of Coppell and impact high school students all over the world.