The junior students in OCS 352 (Occupational Health and Wellness) created a program called Operation Affirmation to look at the community wellness portion of the Occupational Health and Wellness class on Monday, April 18, 2011.
The objectives of the program were:
- to gain insight into the effects of genuine affirmation/positive reinforcement on both the community as well as those who were doing the affirming;
- to plan a wellness event that can impact people over a large area directly or indirectly;
- to work both individually and as a team to evaluate the process and results of the program.
- to start a positive movement of affirmations on campus
Students write a reflection paper on the experience, and note how it impacted both themselves and the people around them. They will also be reflecting on the process of putting the project together, which is part of this multi-faceted learning experience.
We live in a world where people are more apt to tell people what they are doing wrong rather than focusing on what they are doing right. This can have a major impact on overall wellness, job satisfaction, and general well-being.
Studies show that even a complement or positive remark from a stranger can impact a person, and the "repercussions" continue as that person consciously or unconsciously passes it on through attitude, action, and intention. Creating a positive environment is every one's job. One person can make a difference just by having a good attitude, which lessens or has the power to eliminate toxicity in work environments.
Studies show that even a complement or positive remark from a stranger can impact a person, and the "repercussions" continue as that person consciously or unconsciously passes it on through attitude, action, and intention. Creating a positive environment is every one's job. One person can make a difference just by having a good attitude, which lessens or has the power to eliminate toxicity in work environments.
All of the students in the class wore shirts that said Operation Affirmation on the front with "Pass it on" on the back, encouraging those who were affirmed to pass on the complement/affirmation to students, faculty, staff, and guests on campus-- "equal opportunity complements" available.
Students distributed erasers with smiles on them as well as affirmations to some participants. Others received verbal complements. they were situated on both north and south campus, both outside and within buildings and departments.
Students distributed erasers with smiles on them as well as affirmations to some participants. Others received verbal complements. they were situated on both north and south campus, both outside and within buildings and departments.
Others on campus are interested in hearing about what students learned with the hope of gaining insight on what motivates people and what helps them to feel included, positively regarded as valuable members of the community, and recognized. It's easy to become "invisible" in a crowd. This is one way to reach people where they are at the extent in which they are comfortable.
