The Companion Flag at School Companion Flag Adoption

The Companion Flag at School Companion Flag Adoption Ceremony Mann Public School New Delhi, India October 20, 2005

Presented by: Companion Flag Support International A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Visit us at www. companionflag. org

Topics covered: ü What is the Companion Flag? ü Why would we want it at our school? What does it do? ü The importance of honoring all that human beings have in common. ü What it doesn’t do. ü Why does the Companion Flag look the way it does? ü Where is it flying today? ü What steps are involved in adopting it, and how much will it cost?

What is the Companion Flag? The Companion Flag is a symbol of all that human beings have in common. It’s called the “Companion Flag” because. . .

. . . it is always flown below the other flags of the world, on the same pole (never alone). The flag of Latvia and the Companion Flag

The Companion Flag is a simple white flag with a single stripe of color across the top. . .

The stripe’s color is any color appearing in the “host flag” above it.

When the Companion Flag is displayed below the US flag, for example, the stripe can be either red or blue.

When the Companion When flown below, Flag is displayedsay, the Canadian or below the US flag, for flags, the Japanese example, the stripe will always be can be either redred. or blue.

When it is displayed below the flag of a province, state, city, organization, team, club, school, etc. , that flag becomes the host flag.

An interpretive sign is posted on or near the flag pole.

Anything? OK, the Companion Flag represents all that human beings have in common. But what do we have in common?

language memories Yes! the desire for friendship biological identity the use of numerals the love of family the need for water laughter the need for food rituals and traditions concern for the safety and happiness of loved ones vulnerability to the elements the need for sleep the range of human emotions the use of tools sports and games the experiences of birth, aging and death dependence on plants and animals the love of music and stories the desire for knowledge asking questions the desire for health sexual desire the desire for respect the love of children art susceptibility to pain and pleasure, illness and injury human dignity sharing the earth

We are, paradoxically, The humans Companion Flag is the first both different and to theembrace same. this symbol in history simple but elusive idea:

That while there are many important human differences in the world (just as there are many important human differences at school). . . We are not just different from each other; we are, at once, both different and the same!

What’s more, honoring our differences does not mean we cannot, or should not, simultaneously honor all that we share in common with people everywhere.

This is the crux of the Companion Flag idea.

Why would you want the Companion Flag at your school? What does it do? Flying the Companion Flag is a way to actively honor both our differences and separation from other human beings [the host flag], and all that we share in common with people everywhere, as well [the Companion Flag]. It symbolizes a new way for people to see each other. It is essential that your entire student body be informed about the meaning of the Companion Flag. Once this is done. . .

. . . the Companion Flag will: Foster a heightened sense of personal value, belonging, and connection at school – for all students! Increase every student’s ability to recognize the essential dignity in other people, regardless of their differences. Reduce incidents of bullying, teasing, “putdowns” and violence at school.

It will also: Reduce tensions between students who affiliate exclusively on the basis of differences – e. g. , ethnicity, popularity, family wealth, sexual orientation, athleticism, etc. And. . . Make all students proud that their school helped “lead the way” by adopting this important new symbol of human inter-connectedness!

What’s so important about honoring all that human beings have in common? When we can see parts of ourselves in others, compassionate impulses arise naturally within each of us to promote understanding, compassion, constructive dialogues, and inter-personal regard. Young people understand this. . .

“Don’t talk to us about diversity like this is a separate issue. It makes people feel defensive. ” Student reaction to a symposium on diversity and multicultural education in Boston area high schools. Reported in the Boston Globe, October 1, 2000.

“They said, ‘Get us together to talk about what we share and not about how we are different. ’

“They identified issues that, despite their native languages or family customs, all teenagers have in common. . . ”

“. . . friends and family, school, music, relationships. These are the areas the students said where they can develop a common language. ”

In other words, in addition to celebrating diversity, acknowledge and celebrate what people have in common. Embrace the paradox of humanity – the fact that we humans are, at once, both different and the same – don’t ignore it.

Young people around the world understand that honoring what we have in common is important because it – n n n promotes a much-needed sense of connection, safety and understanding provides opportunities for friendship and constructive dialogues, and underscores the essential dignity of every person

Do your school’s symbols promote both: (i) an appreciation for our differences, diversity and separation and (ii) an active awareness of all that human beings have in common? If not, consider flying the Companion Flag! But first. . .

What the Companion Flag doesn’t do. . . It doesn’t: (1) Deny or diminish the importance of our differences and diversity; (2) Tell people how they should think, feel or act when human differences collide; (3) Or provide solutions to our moral dilemmas.

It is simply that, we in This is true anoreminder matter who addition to we ourlive, differences, are, where or how we humans are informed by, andmay rely pronounced our differences upon, be. a vast range of shared experiences, characteristics, concerns, desires, etc. It is our common bond!

Why does the Companion Flag look the way it does?

For example, Because whitewhy is used is it in white 70%on ofthe world’s national flags. . . bottom?

. . . and in the USA, for example, white appears in nearly 80% of state flags.

White was chosen for visual compatibility, and to avoid clashing.

And the stripe color? The stripe color matches any color in the host flag in order to: (1) Visually reinforce the companionship of the two flags; and, Uzbekistan (2) Remind us always of the need to embrace and honor our differences and our “samenesses” at the same time.

Where is the Companion Flag flying? The Companion Flag has been adopted by schools, universities, businesses, organizations and individuals in over 13 countries. . . and counting

Canada France USA Uzbekistan Malta Japan India Costa Rica Nigeria Kenya Peru Australia South Africa New Zealand

How does a school adopt the Companion? Four Steps 1. Step One: Get the approval of your school principal or director. Explain the Companion Flag to her, and ask her to agree to adopt the Companion Flag and display it at school. 2. Step Two: Plan how you are going to make sure all students and faculty know what the Companion Flag is, why it’s important, and why the school is adopting it. 3. Step Three: Acquire a Companion Flag and an interpretive sign for your school.

Four Steps (cont. ) 4. Step Four: Schedule and hold a Companion Flag adoption/flag-raising ceremony at school. Post the interpretive sign near the flag pole where it can be seen by all students and visitors. Note: You may find this Power. Point presentation useful for completing Steps 1, 2 and 4!

Companion Flag Support International (CFSI) is also happy to help. . . with advice, ideas, speakers, lesson plans and other resources. Note: CFSI is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington. Its vision is to see the Companion Flag flying as a matter of course with all flags everywhere.

CFSI does not manufacture or sell Companion Flags. We leave that to flag shops. However, we do help people order them! We’d be happy to help your school acquire a Companion Flag and interpretive sign!

How much does a Companion Flag and interpretive sign cost? CFSI orders flags and interpretive signs from vendors, and we pass along our cost to you. Currently (2006) the following prices apply (excluding tax and shipping): 3’ x 5’ Companion Flag $17. 00 4’ x 6’ Companion Flag $24. 00 5’ x 8’ Companion Flag $32. 00 Companion Flag Interpretive Sign $15. 00

We hope your school will be the world’s next Companion Flag School! The Companion A Symbol of All That Human Beings Flag Have in Common

And we leave you with this question. . . If someday people on every continent grew up surrounded by symbols that encouraged them to honor both their differences and all that human beings have in common. . . how might their world be different from ours?

Thank you. Contact information * Companion Flag Support International 10115 Greenwood Ave. N. , #142 Seattle, WA 98133 USA * Mr. Scott Wyatt, President Telephone: 206 -297 -0102 E-mail: swyatt@companionflag. org Web site: www. companionflag. org