A Compassion Corner at Vienna Elementary

On April 20, a Compassion Corner bench was dedicated at Vienna Elementary School. 

Vienna is one of a number of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools that now have a Compassion Corner. The ongoing project is sponsored by Compassion Winston-Salem.

Here’s what a press release from the organization had to say:

“In these times of religious conflict, it is important to recognize and respect not only the diversity between faiths, but also to appreciate commonalities in belief and practice.  One such shared ideal is the importance of compassion in human relationships.  Nearly every faith has some version of the golden rule:  “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” 

“In July, 2013, with encouragement from Interfaith Winston-Salem, our City Council approved the Charter of Compassion, making Winston-Salem the first City of Compassion in North Carolina and thereby joining an international network of over 300 Cities of Compassion. 

“Working to increase the practice of compassion in our city requires concrete strategies in every sector:  education, business, health, and others.  Recognizing the link between teaching compassion and reducing bullying, the Compassion Winston-Salem Education task force decided to begin placing Compassion Corner benches on elementary school playgrounds, accompanied by integrated learning activities promoting kindness.  Students are taught that these benches are a safe place for anyone having a hard day and are encouraged to show kindness to anyone sitting on the Compassion Corner.  In each school students decorate the benches with unique designs; guidance lessons are offered; students learn songs with themes related to compassion.  Activities related to the Compassion Corner vary from school to school.  A dedication is held following installation.

“In 2014-15, benches were installed at Bolton, Moore, Old Town, and Petree Schools.  In the 2015-16 school year, the following schools have received Compassion Corners:  Diggs-Latham, Ibraham, Sedge Garden, Vienna, and the Montessori School in Clemmons.  The cost of materials has been covered in most cases by congregational partners with each school, as well as grants from the Adams Foundation and individual contributions.  After using several volunteer groups to build the first few benches, a construction team from Epiphany Lutheran Church has taken responsibility for building all of the benches during the current school year.  Each school has students decorate their benches under the supervision of staff and adapts the activities associated with their Compassion Corner to their individual school’s goals and values."