Ways you can participate in the 2024 Step Up Campaign:

Step Up Kids Awards

This year, we’re excited to announce the return of the Step Up Kids Awards, recognizing children and youth who are doing amazing things. We’re looking for Step Up Kids. Whether they’re awesome at helping others, being a great friend, sharing their culture, or doing well in school or sports, we want to hear their story.

Nominations are NOW CLOSED – Stay tuned

What is a Step Up Kid?

A Step Up Kid is someone who’s making the community around them better in their own awesome way! Whether they’re helping friends, being kind, showing off their cool talents, or doing something amazing in their community, a Step Up Kid goes above and beyond!

Step Up Kids will be recognized from JK to Grade 10 from the following award categories:

• Helpers: Kids who lend a hand, stand up for friends, or volunteer in their community.
• Leaders: Kids who guide others, whether in school, sports, or cultural activities.
• Dreamers: Kids who take on new challenges, creative projects, or excel academically.
• Changemakers: Kids who make a difference, raise awareness, or bring positive change
  to their communities.

Nomination Process:

Nominations are open throughout October and can be submitted online. The last day to make a nomination is November 1st. The winners will be announced in November, and each will receive special recognition for their efforts including a  photoshoot, inclusion in a special Step Up poster series and Step Up Prize Pack.

Do you know a Step Up Kid? Let’s celebrate them! Nominate someone special for the Step Up Kids Awards and let’s shine a spotlight on the kids who are stepping up and standing out!

Dress Purple Day – October 25, 2024

Dress Purple Day is on Friday, October 25th. We encourage everyone to wear purple and stand together to show support for vulnerable children and youth. Schools, businesses, and organizations across Ontario will participate, raising awareness about the importance of community involvement in supporting kids.

How You Can Participate:

1. Wear purple: From shirts and scarves to hats and socks, get creative and wear your purple gear.

2. Share on social media: Post your purple outfit using the hashtag #DressPurpleDay and encourage others to do the same. Don’t forget to tag Dilico Anishinabek Family Care so we can see what you are up to.

3. Organize events: Schools and organizations can host Dress Purple activities like making cupcakes or cookies, poster-making, or classroom discussions.

Why Purple?

Purple symbolizes unity, care, and the commitment to ensuring children and youth feel supported by their communities. By wearing purple, you’re showing that you’re part of a collective effort to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable kids.

Other ways to Get Involved in Step Up 2024:

Spread the Word

Help us reach more people by sharing the Step Up message. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of supporting children and youth in your community. Use our campaign posters, share social media posts, and encourage others to get involved.

Empower Kids in Your Community

Support can take many forms—volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there when a child needs someone to listen. Every little bit counts. The Step Up campaign reminds us that when children feel empowered and valued, they’re more likely to thrive, express themselves, and grow into confident adults.

Campaign Resources

To help schools, businesses, and community members get involved, we’re offering a variety of resources,
including:

• Step Up Posters: Download and print campaign posters to raise awareness in your community.
• Teacher/School Guide: Ideas for classroom discussions, art projects, and school events centred
  around kindness, leadership, and community care.
• Social Media Toolkit: Ready-to-use graphics to spread the word about Step Up and Dress Purple Day.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered, and every community member has a role to play. Step Up 2024 is your opportunity to take action, recognize the incredible contributions of young people, and build stronger, more caring communities. Let’s Step Up together—nominate a child, wear purple, and show the world that we stand with our youth.
Because when we Step Up, kids succeed.