Darlene Hooley: “hands are not for hurting. It is a simple phrase and a simple concept, but one that too many never learn. I rise today…”

“hands are not for hurting. It is a simple phrase and a simple concept, but one that too many never learn. I rise today to spread the word about the Hands Are Not For Hurting Project started by Ann Kelley, a woman in Salem, Oregon, who is dedicating her life to violence prevention. Ann got the idea that if all children took a pledge that they would not use their hands for hurting and signed that pledge on a purple paper cut-out of their hand, then that simple idea may penetrate. She reasoned that because violence is a learned response, it could be unlearned, and we could teach more peaceful and constructive methods of showing anger or resolving disputes. Hands Are Not for Hurting is now being used by schools, churches, civic groups and government agencies in more than 20 States. Thousands of young people and adults across this country have taken the pledge to refrain from violence. Today marks one of the saddest anniversaries in America's recent history. To commemorate the life and goals of Martin Luther King, Jr., I would like to urge all of my colleagues to spread the word. Hands are instruments that can paint a masterpiece, sculpt a classic, or wipe a tear from a child's face, but hands are not for hurting.”