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 Why
we wear purple ribbons at events, seminars, CE courses and
conferences
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The idea of
wearing a purple ribbon to identify one another was started by
Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH. Here is why listers wear purple ribbons in their own words: The purple ribbon means that we hygienists have shared our hearts with one another about all kinds of issues in the dental office, outside the office, in our homes, with our families, and in our busy lives. We share a common bond which is of course our love for dental hygiene. We when received our purple stripe on our caps, (many eons ago for those of you who have never heard of a “Capping Ceremony”) that purple color is universal for the profession of dental hygiene. I realize that many won’t even know what the capping ceremony is all about. Hygienists haven’t worn caps in years, but that purple color, which is really a color for royalty, has been synonymous with dental hygiene for years and years. When I see a purple ribbon on a fellow hygienist, I know that she has cared enough about her profession to seek advice, or give advice to others who need it at one time or another. Those of us who wear the purple ribbons are dedicated to dental hygiene, and we want to learn from others who are as dedicated as we are about this profession that we love. The purple ribbon means that “we are available to answer questions” or “provide guidance” for another hygienist along her dental hygiene path. And, if WE do not know the answer to a question, we can find someone who DOES KNOW know the answer. That’s what binds us together, and that’s what makes us special as a group. We know where to go to get those answers to hard questions that come up in our practices, or in our homes, or in our private struggles in life. This purple ribbon is our “LIFE-LINE” to other hygienists all over the world. When you see another hygienist with a purple ribbon on, you can give him or her a hug, and you can know that you’ve found a friend. That beautiful purple ribbon stands for all of us who so willingly share our knowledge with others so that their journey might be a little easier, a little lighter, and a little brighter along the way. Wear that purple ribbon with pride and know that there are other hygienists who want to be your friend, and take your hand, and mentor you along that dental hygiene path. These hygienists are genuine, caring, and unselfish in their desire to help you along this path. Listen to their wisdom and heed their words. You will be so blessed to have them by your side. Sincerely,
Shirley A. Cross, RDH, BS
Dear
Amy and all: I have never worn a purple ribbon at UOR or any CE
gathering. However I've worn a purple ribbon...and I have the
picture to prove it...on a cap that I worked very hard for. That
purple ribbon meant more to me (and still does) than anything I'd
ever achieved in my life. (except my three kids) To me, it told the
world that I was a licensed healthcare professional who had begun to
pay her dues. It announced "Here is a woman dedicated to something
bigger than herself...something worthwhile, who will give part of
her life to help her fellow man." My career has been a rocky road (I
know you can all relate), but I'm proud of that purple ribbon and
will be till the day I die.
The
purple ribbon helps me to spot hygienists who share their thoughts
and lives with me via this list. I never hesitate to start a
conversation with a ribbon wearer because you feel like you already
know them. Early on in this list (I remember when the digest number
was 100), there was a posting by Anne Guigon that she was going to
be in Motown. I had never met her, but contacted her about her
speaking engagement here. Shortly before the event, she emailed me
that she had neglected to pack a glass Mason jar that she used in a
demonstration and could I please bring one with me. So I walked into
the meeting room carrying that jar wondering if she wanted me to
bring it so she could pick me out of the crowd. The answer was no,
but she knew immediately who I was. I think the purple ribbon is
much easier to display then carrying a Mason jar.
Wearing a purple ribbon means that you belong to a group of professionals who are a step above. It represents camaraderie and the sharing of ideas with other hygienists. Listers have a wide network from which to draw support and information. The ribbon identifies you as a part of this group whose members care enough to seek advice and knowledge or give the same. Susan, FL
Wearing
the purple ribbon is a badge of honor! It indicates membership in a
very special and elite group of wonderful people (mostly hygienists
with a few others mixed in) and I for one, am very proud to wear
that purple ribbon when I go to a seminar. It also helps to
identify other listers, where you can find an instant friend,
immediately knowing that you have something in common. So - even if
you don't know that person, or it is someone who doesn't post often,
you can see that ribbon and know there is someone of like mind there
to share ideas. Many of us also do our own thing with the ribbon,
so you can see our personalities shine thru! My ribbon is a
combination of a nice ribbon crossed over, pinned with my alma
mater's pin, and then I have a fun toothfairy pin with a curly
ribbon attached to that. Very chic and trashy! LOL
Shirley
Cross said it so well regarding the purple ribbon. The ribbon just
makes it so easy to look across the room and see another lister. Then
you can check out the name tag and figure out who they are. I love
putting the names with the faces and meeting the other listers.
Sometimes by the time we meet in person we already feel like we know
each other well. It has also stimulated conversation with non-listers
who want to know what the ribbon is for-and I'm able to encourage
them to check out the list.
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Copyright © 2004-2005 Amyrdh.com, Inc. | Amy M. Nieves, RDH |
