The purpose of One Love is to spread awareness of the differences between a healthy relationship and a toxic one. It focuses on educating people on “knowing the signs” and ending relationships that could cause harm.
Student Leader Nora Hess said, “I wanted to bring One Love back because it is such an important club. It equips people with knowledge and skills that they can take with them throughout their whole life.”
The backstory of this club comes from the creation of the One Love organization in honor of Yardley Love, a Notre Dame Prep student who was brutally beaten to death by her boyfriend. The organization has helped millions of people with toxic relationships.
Club Moderator Hannah Roy said, “We plan to have a different student leader for each meeting. We want each member to feel as though they can contribute to the club in their own way.”
Nora added, “This year, we want to help educate our members and the school on how to know what a healthy relationship is. Many people may be oblivious to harmful and toxic behavior. We also want to make and distribute bracelets and cards to local women’s shelters and throughout the community.”
She highlighted how the goals of the One Love club are to understand and recognize the ten signs of a healthy and unhealthy relationship, better understand consent, know that not all relationship abuse is physical, and spread awareness on all toxic relationships: friendships, dating, and even some family relations.
She said, “One Love at John Carroll wants to help make a difference in students’ lives. We want to help provide people with insight on how to get out of toxic relationships or how to help a friend in a toxic relationship. Our biggest goal this year is to educate the community. That is how we will truly make a difference.”
The meeting structure varies for each meeting. Most meetings consist of a small presentation about what the club is learning and then a fun activity. This could mean making posters, putting together skits, or making friendship bracelets.
Mrs. Roy said, “We want our students to leave JC with the key tools and resources to take with them for a lifetime.”
Nora said, “One Love wants to form a stress-free environment that acts as a support group and encourages bonding. All Patriots are welcome and encouraged to join.”