A transformative and controversial workshop program aiming to foster empathy and connection among students.
Challenge Day is a program designed for 7th to 12th graders that aims to promote understanding and empathy among students. Through a day-long experiential workshop, participants are encouraged to create a culture of acceptance and connection within their schools. The program has reached over 1,225,000 students and adults across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa over its 35 years of operation. Oprah Winfrey has endorsed Challenge Day, highlighting its potential to change the world by combating loneliness and fostering true connections across lines of difference. According to the 2022 Impact Student Survey, 76% of students felt less alone, and 63% felt better connected to their school peers and adults after participating in Challenge Day.
However, Challenge Day has faced criticism for its methods and lack of follow-up. Critics argue that the program uses manipulative emotional techniques, such as sad music and imagining one’s death, to elicit participation in group therapy-like activities. Concerns have been raised about the program’s potential to be harmful to participants’ emotional well-being, especially since it does not offer any follow-up support. Some view Challenge Day as a cult due to its secretive nature, use of hand symbols, and participants’ strong belief in its cause. Despite these criticisms, many participants have reported positive experiences, claiming that the program was life-changing and helped them view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Challenge Day’s program structure is tightly controlled, requiring a private room free from interruptions, with windows below eye level covered, to maximize psychological impact. The workshop includes exercises performed in pairs, small groups, or with the entire group, each building on the next. Despite its goal to improve school climates, critics argue there is a lack of outcome data to support its effectiveness. The program has not been endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and attempts to compile studies on its impact have not resulted in a meaningful overview of its success. Some schools in Manatee County, Florida, saw an increase in violence and suspensions during the years Challenge Day was implemented, contrasting with the program’s claims.
image via Challenge Day
