HazingPrevention.Org Announces National Hazing Prevention Week, Sept. 20-25, 2020

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ALBANY, NY (09/15/2020) (readMedia)-- Despite the challenges created by the global coronavirus pandemic, organizations across the U.S. will join HazingPrevention.Org to observe National Hazing Prevention Week, Sept. 20-25. The week, which is designed to draw attention to the dangerous and counterproductive practice of hazing, will kick off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time with "Love, Mom & Dad: Turning Tragedy into Progress," a nationwide presentation by the parents of five young men who died as a result of hazing.

"Each year since 1969, at least one young person has lost their life to hazing," explained Leonard Sancilio, the president of HazingPrevention.Org. "Even as the pandemic demands our attention, we do not want to lose sight of the dangers of hazing."

National Hazing Prevention Week is an opportunity for schools, universities, clubs, sports teams, and even church groups to talk about hazing. By engaging in conversations about hazing, organizations can help spread awareness of not only its potential dangers, but also the fact that hazing simply is ineffective at building group unity.

"One of the biggest myths of hazing is that it creates stronger teams and groups," Sancilio said. "Research shows this simply isn't true. Hazing involves experiences that include humiliation, physical pain as well as mental and emotional pain delivered by people whom you are supposed to trust. This can create resentment and mistrust at best. At worst, it can lead to physical and/or psychological trauma and even death."

Any organization can take part in National Hazing Prevention Week. Participation is as simple as committing to have a conversation with a team or group about hazing. For more information on how to join this effort, including how to view the Sept. 20 presentation as well as posters, essays, and the free National Hazing Prevention Week Resource Guide, go to http://www.hazingprevention.org/national-hazing-prevention-week.

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Caption: Harrison Kowiak was a college sophomore when he lost his life in a fraternity hazing ritual. His mother, Lianne Kowiak, is a member of HazingPrevention.Org's Board of Directors and a featured participant in a Sept. 20 national presentation on the effects and dangers of hazing.

About HazingPrevention.Org

HazingPrevention.Org is a national 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing by providing education and resources, advocating on hazing prevention, and building partnerships with like-minded organizations. Major initiatives of the organization include National Hazing Prevention Week™, HazingPrevention.Org Institute™ and Prevent.Zone™ educational online courses that touch the lives of thousands of individuals, organizations, campuses, and communities. www.hazingprevention.org

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