Playworks is a national nonprofit organization that improves school climate, reduces bullying and increases student engagement in school through play and physical activity. They are the only organization in the country to send enthusiastic, trained adult program coordinators into low-income schools to focus on play as a learning opportunity. Playworks creates energetic, fun environments at recess and throughout the school day that encourage students to engage with their peers and teach them essential life skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, empathy and fair play.

When Playworks Coach Julia Sayles first met Esmerelda Hernandez, she was a shy and overweight fourth-grader who lacked the confidence to play with her peers at recess. Each day during recess, Coach Julia encouraged Esmerelda to get involved and helped her build the confidence to start playing again. After becoming more active at recess, Esmerelda decided to join the Playworks girls’ basketball and co-ed volleyball teams—the first sports teams she’d ever been on. A year later, upon entering the fifth grade, Esmerelda chose to become a Junior Coach. She now helps Coach Julia lead recess games for her peers and gives other kids the confidence they need to get in the game!

Playworks is working to stop bullying and improve learning and health in 32 schools serving 15,000 students daily during the 2012-13 school year. As a member of the Playworks Metro Boston Local Advisory Board I believe in the work they are doing to change schools across the region. Join me and my 10 other peers on the local advisory board as we aim to raise $3,000 each. $30,000 will give one school a Playworks Coach to help faciliatate this change. We need your help! Thank you and play on!