Albuquerque Public Schools
Words Matter: Students Are Helping Shape the Conversation
What started as a campaign about mindful language is evolving through student ideas, experiences and feedback.
Words have power. They can build someone up, create a sense of belonging and show others they are not alone. They can also hurt, sometimes in ways that last far beyond the moment.
That’s the message behind the Words Matter campaign, led by APS’ Office of Equity and Engagement. But as the campaign has grown, one thing has become clear: The most important voices in this conversation are the students themselves.
Last year, two middle schools and six high schools participated in Words Matter, with students creating presentations, posters, buttons and stickers to encourage their peers to think about the impact of their words.
At Taylor Middle School, students said they joined because they wanted to make their school a more supportive place.
“I want to change the environment of the school,” said Alex, a seventh grader.
For others, the campaign was personal. Giselle, a seventh grader, said her cousin’s mental health struggles inspired her to create something that could help others. Eighth grader Izel said negative language had been directed at her and others, and she wanted people to better understand how those words can feel.
Students also offered honest feedback about the campaign’s impact. Some noticed more kindness and awareness, while others said there was still work to do.
That feedback is helping shape what comes next.
Students suggested going deeper into the effects words can have on someone, finding more ways to help people feel better about themselves, addressing bullying and creating more opportunities for students to work with school leaders.
“Since we just scratched the surface, I think we should go further down the iceberg about talking more about what it could do to a person, depending on what you say!” said Olivier, a sixth grader.
That student perspective is exactly what the Office of Equity and Engagement hopes to build on as Words Matter continues to evolve. The campaign is not simply about telling students what words to use. It is about creating opportunities for students to lead conversations about kindness, identity, belonging, mental health and the culture they want to see in their schools.
Want To Bring Words Matter To Your School?
Educators, club sponsors and school staff interested in participating in the Words Matter campaign this school year are invited to learn more and complete the interest survey. Your students’ ideas could help shape where the campaign goes next.