Non-Discrimination Symbol

NON-DISCRIMINATION SOLUTIONS SYMBOL | A World First, Launched by South Africa
SCHOOLS + WORKPLACE + PUBLIC

The Symbol for Non-Discrimination Solutions is a World First launched by South Africa.

Much like the AIDS Red Ribbon, it is a device for conscious raising, and used to impact hearts, minds and behaviour.

The Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol is a mechanism for the Awareness of Solutions for All Forms of Discrimination (old, new and yet to be articulated)


The symbol is the Oxygen Atom. Why Oxygen?
Because Oxygen is what we all breathe no matter who we are.

Ideas of hate and prejudice underpin all forms of discrimination.

There are many forms of discrimination.

There is discrimination based on Colour, Race, Gender, Disability, Identity, Language, Heritage, Nationality, Culture, Religion, Anti-Religion, Spirituality, Class, Body Shape, Sexual Orientation, Age, Socio-Economic Conditions, Education, Animal Rights, Microaggression, Mental Health, Xenophobia, the Environment… the list goes on and on…

The symbol is also an anchor for partnership in Non-Discrimination advocacy, a pledge against any current or future forms of discrimination, and a commitment by any individual living in and out of South Africa to not discriminate against each other.

The symbol is inspired by the Constitution of South Africa and is set in the beautiful South African national colours of green and gold, just like the South African sports teams.


Design Rationale

Embodied in the design of the Symbol for Non-Discrimination Solutions are:

• The oxygen atom;
• The circular and cyclical nature of the sun, moon and earth;
• A sense of current and future heritage.

Oxygen is what we all breathe, no matter who we are.

Oxygen is the opposite of discrimination; it is intrinsically what makes life go on, it reminds us of what kind of life currently exists and simultaneously what kind of life is possible.

Oxygen is a necessity to all life; we all cannot live without oxygen.

The sun, moon and earth are constants in all life; and along with a sense of current and future heritage; add up to inspire concepts of home, existence, living together and global community.


The Need for… The Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol

Discrimination is destructive, linked to violence, destroys humanity and it will destroy our nation if we don’t act against it – continuously.

The red ribbon was just a drawing… before it became the symbol of AIDS awareness!

So let’s not dispute the power and impact of symbolism, but rather utilise this method to tackle the plague of hate… by rolling out the symbol for non-discrimination solutions.

If we are to have significant impact on hearts, minds and behaviour,
it makes sense that the Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol, rolls out in ways that:

• Are neither anti nor pro any political organization, but rather purely pro non-discrimination
• Are continuously sustainable
• Does not create time burdens
• Allows easy peer-to-peer transmission of the idea to reach public and private spaces
• Reaches spaces of influence en-masse e.g. schools, homes, the workplace…


Schools

Schools are among the best places to tackle discrimination. It’s where education and understanding is taught, it’s a space of influence and where work gets done en-masse and this is key!

Positive Behaviour Change grows when Solutions Thinking and action is encouraged.

We activate this via:

1. The Non-Discrimination Solutions Olympiad
2. The Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol:
• Symbol Frames (placed in targeted areas of the school)
• Symbol Badges (worn on school uniforms)
• Symbol Pledge
3. The Non-Discrimination Edu-Resource Book

Individuals and groups know their own environments best, so it is crucial that their insights and solutions are brought to the fore.

Governments, Civil Society and the Private Sector can all learn from the sparks of school students…

Accessing the plans and ideas of school students benefits our country and world.


Non-Discrimination Solutions Olympiad

The Non-Discrimination Solutions Olympiad is a national competition, where participants enter solution ideas for any forms of discrimination. This could be either a single form of discrimination or a combination of forms of discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability, class, name calling, bullying, gangsterism etc. or whatever the participants wish to address.

Solution ideas can tackle issues at your school or in your community, your street, social club, sports club, family, suburb, the entire country or even the entire globe if you wish.

The Olympiad is open to:

• Primary Schools (Grade 4 and above only, and inclusive of Special Needs Schools)
• High Schools (All Grades, and inclusive of Special Needs Schools)

Solutions Thinking! Solution Ideas!


Symbol Frames, Badges & Pledge

The Symbol Frames are placed in targeted areas of the school.

These targeted areas are where there is high foot traffic, and high visibility for school students.

Apart from a handful of schools, pretty much all learners in South Africa attend schools that require uniforms to be worn...

So what’s in a school uniform? amongst other reasons-identification?
…The standardised non-discrimination solutions badge would sit perfectly,
both aesthetically and in terms of ethical ideals, as an addition to all school uniform regalia.

This is not just a badge.
It is a simple, tangible, constructive, practical, sustainable, powerful and beautiful tool in overcoming discrimination,
and by wearing it, you are actively participating in social cohesion and nation building.

So just imagine for a moment that symbol frame is placed at all schools, and that the non-discrimination solutions badge is worn by every single primary and high school learner in uniform…throughout the country… Monday to Friday… every school going year… from generation to generation to generation…
now that has enormous impact, enormous continuous top of mind impact!

It’s time to rally behind non-discrimination solutions, its symbol, and its future.

The time is now and South Africa is perfectly positioned to lead the roll out.


Non-Discrimination Edu-Resource

The Non-Discrimination Edu-Resource is a book that unpacks Discrimination, provides definitions of various types of discrimination and informs the reader where to report discrimination.

It also gives insight into related discrimination information and provides key extracts from the Constitution of South Africa.

The Edu-Resource is available in electronic and hard copy.

The Non-Discrimination Edu-Resource is a constantly emerging book on All Forms of Discrimination (old, new and yet to be articulated) and is in tune with tomorrow’s current and evolving future.

The Edu-Resource is designed for Schools, the Workplace and the broader Public.


The Workplace

Be part of this World First launched by South Africa, and display the Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol at your workplace.

Whether you are a business or an organisation, pledge your company’s and employees support of Non-Discrimination.

There are many forms of discrimination…discrimination related to race, gender, culture, disability etc.…the list goes on and on.

Old, current and new forms of discrimination can all exist at the same time…

The Non-Discrimination Solutions Symbol is for the Awareness of Solutions for All Forms of Discrimination.

Your commitment to Non-Discrimination has a positive effect on your colleagues; and your clients and customers.

Just imagine the significance the daily visibility the symbol has in the workplace…day after day… month after month… year after year… now that’s influence!

Non-Discrimination creates a productive work environment, and the rallying of support has a great pass-on effect to society.

The time is now and South Africa is perfectly placed to lead its roll out.

Assist with the School Programme (Partner | Sponsor | Donor | Contributor | CSI | CSR)

Organisations and companies also have the opportunity to partner, sponsor, donate, contribute and help roll out the Non-Discrimination School Programme.

Make a difference at schools today! And let your company or organisation make a positive change in the lives of learners.

To assist with the Non-Discrimination School Programme, request the document –Opportunities_NDSWorldFirst.pdf by emailing info@nondiscrimination.life

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Leverage the convergence and paradigm of Non-Discrimination… and let’s work together to make a positive difference in the lives of all who live in South Africa!


Contact Us | Get Involved

If you have any questions, please email: info@nondiscrimination.life