When Harmful Language Happens at School, Will Your Staff Know How to Respond?

Join us for a free virtual demo

A racial slur is used during group work. A homophobic comment is dismissed as a joke. An ableist term has become so common that students — and sometimes adults — barely react to it anymore.

What happens next?

Two times to choose from:

September 1 | 12:00 PM ET

Time Zones:
9:00 AM PST | 10:00 AM MST | 11:00 AM CST | 1:00 PM AST | 1:30 PM NST

September 29 | 3:45 PM ET

Time Zones:
12:45 PST | 1:45 MST | 2:45 CST | 4:45 AST | 5:15 NST

Across Canada, educators and school leaders tell us they want to address harmful and discriminatory language, but knowing what to say in the moment, how to turn an incident into learning, and how to build a consistent approach across an entire school isn’t always straightforward.

That’s what the Words Matter Campaign was built to help schools do.

On September 1 or 29, join Harmony Movement for a free, 45-minute online demonstration of the campaign and see how more than 300 schools across Canada are using Words Matter to help educators respond with greater confidence, equip students to speak up, and intentionally build a school culture where harmful language doesn’t simply go unaddressed.

Don’t just hear about the campaign. Experience it.

We’ll take you inside the actual Words Matter resources and demonstrate the same tools and strategies available to participating schools. During this session you will:

  • Work through a real school scenario and see a practical framework for responding to harmful language in the moment
  • Preview ready-to-use training materials for educators and school staff
  • Explore age-appropriate student lessons for K–12 classrooms
  • See resources for engaging parents and caregivers
  • Learn how schools are turning individual interventions into a more consistent, school-wide approach
  • Explore different ways to implement the campaign without creating an overwhelming new initiative for staff
  • Preview new and expanded resources for the 2026–27 school year

You’ll leave with practical ideas you can use in your school — whether or not you ultimately join the campaign.

From reacting to incidents to changing school culture

Words Matter isn’t about finding the perfect thing to say every time.

It’s about giving educators a shared approach and practical tools so they can intervene confidently, create opportunities for learning and accountability, support students who experience harm, and reinforce consistent expectations across the school community.

The campaign brings together resources for educators, students, administrators, and parents/caregivers so this responsibility doesn’t fall on one teacher, one equity lead, or one administrator.

Is Words Matter right for your school?

This session is designed for principals, vice-principals, educators, equity and safe-schools leads, and school board/district staff considering how they will address harmful and discriminatory language during the 2026–27 school year.

Whether you’re actively looking for a school-wide approach or simply curious about the resources, you’re welcome to join us.

See Words Matter in Action

Can't attend live? Register anyway and we'll send registered participants access to the recording following the session.
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