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Marion County proclaims Oct. 19–25 'Hands and Words Are Not for Hurting' week
Summary
Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing the Purple Hands pledge and partnered organizations during a presentation that included testimonials and the pledge recitation.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 1 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 19–25, 2025, as National Hands and Words Are Not for Hurting Week in Marion County.
The proclamation recognizes the Purple Hands pledge, an education and prevention project that promotes nonviolence and respectful behavior. Anne (surname not provided), a project organizer, described outreach efforts and a digital billboard campaign in Salem. She led a description of the Purple Hands pledge and played a video of children and community members reciting the pledge.
Nicole Yates, director of housing for the Salem Housing Authority, said the partnership reached children and residents in housing authority programs. “At Salem Housing, we're helping over 9,000 residents every single day,” Yates said, noting the agency used the pledge in school and site-based activities to reduce bullying and improve community climate.
A commissioner moved to adopt the proclamation and a second was recorded; the board voted “aye” and the motion passed. The board read the text of the proclamation aloud and participants and commissioners stood to recite the pledge: “I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others.” The proclamation text in the record notes the board’s support for prevention of abuse, violence, and suicide and declares this the 28th annual recognition of the Purple Hands project in Marion County.
Speakers encouraged continued local and national adoption of the pledge. One commissioner said she planned to raise the proclamation at the National Association of Counties to encourage broader adoption by counties nationwide.
No formal budget or binding program changes were attached to the proclamation; the action was ceremonial and intended as a public-education endorsement.
