NVEEE Press Kit

Transcription

NVEEE Press Kit

2012
PRESS KIT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jowharah Sanders
NVEEE Founder, Executive Director
954.561.2626
www.NVEEE.org
Lourdes Guerra
Agency Guerra
305-914-4464
www.agencyguerra.com
Anti-Bullying Organization Featured in ABC’s Hit TV Series “Secret Millionaire.” National Voices for Equality, Education and
Enlightenment (NVEEE), a Florida based Non-profit Organization, referred to by Secret Millionaire as unsung heroes.
NVEEE to Host a Red Carpet VIP Premiere Celebration and Fundraising Event
Miami, Fla. (August 1st, 2012) – National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), a Florida based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent bullying, violence and suicide among youth families and communities through direct
service, mentoring and prevention education, was selected to be featured in this season of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire”. The show will air
Sunday, August 5th at 8/7c PM.
“When I was approached to take part in a documentary about people helping others in the community, I would have never in a million years guessed it was for this amazing show.” said Jowharah Sanders, NVEEE’s Founder and Executive Director. “We are honored,
humbled, and thankful to ABC and the Secret Millionaire for their generosity and support,” said Sanders.
Bullying in South Florida has been documented in the media with two of the most highly profiled, horrific, and heart-breaking cases
about a 15 yr-old named Josie Lou Ratley, and 15 yr-old Michael Brewer. NVEEE provided long term services to Josie and her family to
aid in her recovery, while implementing strong educational campaigns in response to the ongoing crisis concerning bullying and youth
suicide.
NVEEE is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people and the their families. The organization, in conjunction with
their teen Peace Ambassadors, Joseph Zolobczuk, MS Ed., and other students from University of Miami’s School of Education & Human Development, Community and Social Change Master’s Program, created a program evaluation for NVEEE’s Not on My Watch
School-wide Bullying Prevention Program. The purpose of the Not On My Watch program is to reduce bullying incidents in elementary, middle and high schools, and to initiate a systemic prevention network within the school community.
“I am proud to be a part of such an influential program,” said Jaclyn Stapp, national spokeswoman for NVEEE, “As someone who grew
up being bullied, I want to express words of encouragement to others and send the message that bullying will no longer be tolerated.
With the help of NVEEE, its volunteers, mentors and teens, the new anti-bullying programs have a winning chance, especially with the
support of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire” TV show.”
Michelle Williams, Singer and Actress, is the newly appointed celebrity spokeswoman for NVEEE. “I know the feeling of being bullied!”
said Williams. “I was bullied in elementary school. I want to use my voice for those who have no one to speak up for them. I want to
empower them to stand up for themselves. No one should have to tolerate bullying.”
On Saturday, September 15, 2012, NVEEE will welcome entertainers, celebrities, business leaders and elected officials as they host their
2nd Annual Not On My Watch Red Carpet VIP Reception to celebrate the premiere of ABC’s Secret Millionaire. Special guests include
NVEEE’s national spokespersons Jaclyn Stapp, author of Wacky Jacky, Grammy-award winner and Broadway star Michelle Williams,
and other celebrity profiles.
NVEEE, Inc. PO BOX 23837 For t Lauderdale, FL 33307 | www.NVEEE.org
A private acoustic set will be performed by Grammy winner Scott Stapp, lead Singer of the multi-platinum band “CREED” and author
of his new memoir, “Sinner’s Creed”, will be a special highlight of the evening. A silent auction during the event will feature a private
jet trip courtesy of Sky Limo Air Charter. The event will be held at Highbar, atop the new Dream Hotel in South Beach. The fundraiser
will benefit the organization’s “Not On My Watch” School-wide Bullying Prevention Program and as a special surprise, will be hosted by
NVEEE’s Secret Millionaire.
“We are incredibly moved by the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and friends because without their dedication, selflessness, and
generous donations, NVEEE’s work would not be possible, added Sanders. “The event is our way of celebrating our growth and gratitude for our inclusion on Secret Millionaire.”
NVEEE gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions and support of sponsors: Dream South Beach, Kevin Tomlinson, South
Beach Group Hotels, Sky Limo Air Charter and PrinthouseUSA.
For donations, event information and tickets go to: www.NVEEE.org
About NVEEE
NVEEE is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in October 2009. Our mission is to prevent bullying, violence and
suicide among youth families and communities through direct service, mentoring and prevention education. We are a diverse team of
professional educators, business leaders, parents and students who took our concerns about student safety and well-being and put our
passion into action–moving from bystanders to community leaders.
NVEEE has reached nearly 10,000 teachers, students, parents, and community leaders through our Mentoring Program, Peace Ambassador Program, After School Program, and our signature Not On My Watch School-wide Bullying Prevention Programs. We were also
honored in Washington D.C. by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson with a Proclamation entered into the Library of Congress and the
Congressional Records of the United States for our work in providing children and families with support services, and being “agents of
change.”
Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, with offices in Miami, NVEEE directly impacts the South Florida community, and now our work is
expanding to communities in California, Georgia, New York, North, Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.
Visit www.NVEEE.org or call 1.855.2.BE.A.VOICE
Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/NVEEE
Follow us: http://twitter.com/NationalVoices
About Secret Millionaire
Some of America’s most successful self-made millionaires will spend a week in the country’s poorest areas and ultimately provide members of the community with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money. The show is based on the hit UK series of the same
name. Each episode of Secret Millionaire follows one of America’s most successful business people for a week as they leave their luxurious lifestyles behind. They’ll keep their true identities hidden and go live in some of the country’s poorest neighborhoods.
During this life changing experience these “secret millionaires” will attempt to remain undiscovered while coexisting with the most
generous and sacrificing “in need” individuals within the community. At the end, the secret millionaires reveal their true identity and
donate a portion of their own money to these local heroes.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/NVEEE/onSecretMillionaire/prweb9750482.htm
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For NVEEE Inquiries:
Jowharah Sanders
NVEEE Founder, Executive Director
954.561.2626
www.NVEEE.org
For Press/Media Inquiries:
Yvette Noel-Schure
973-794-3431
National Voices For Equality, Education And Enlightenment (Nveee) Appoints Singer And Actress Michelle Williams
As National Celebrity Spokesperson
Michelle Williams to speak out against Bullying at NVEEE’s 2nd Annual “Not On My Watch” Red Carpet VIP Reception and Secret Millionaire Premier Event Saturday, September 15, 2012
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – (JULY 31, 2012) – Singer and actress Michelle Williams was recently selected as a national celebrity spokesperson for National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), for her philanthropic efforts and commitment to
using her voice to show today’s youth that people care about the issues they are facing, including bullying, violence and youth suicide.
According to a study conducted by Consumer Reports magazine, 1 million children were harassed, threatened or subjected to other
forms of cyber bullying on Facebook during the past year. “I am excited to be part of an organization that address these issues,” said
Michelle. “Our youth deserve to learn in a safe environment and not be harassed because of race, appearance or sexual orientation. I
am excited to be a part of NVEEE’s movement.
Michelle will be attending NVEEE’s 2nd Annual “Not On My Watch” Red Carpet VIP Reception & ABC’s Secret Millionaire Premiere
Event on September 15, 2012 at Dream Hotel in Miami South Beach. This event benefits NVEEE’s School-Wide Bullying Prevention
Program.
As a national spokesperson for NVEEE, Michelle joins other notable celebrities, including Jaclyn Stapp, award-winning children’s book
author, model and philanthropist, in bringing NVEEE’s message to the world. Michelle has already begun to make a difference. During
an orientation session with the organization, she offered encouraging words to some of NVEEE’s Teen Spokespeople. “Always be true to
yourself. Love and embrace the person you are. It takes courage to tell a teacher or parent when you are being bullied or if you witness
someone else being bullied,” advised Williams.
Michelle will participate in the National “Not On My Watch” Public Service Announcement Campaign, and will be an integral part of
NVEEE’s Mentoring and Peace Ambassador Program. “I was bullied in school because of my appearance. I was afraid to walk home
from school out of fear for my life. I was ashamed of who I was. Words are very powerful. I want to use my voice for those who have
no one to speak for them and empower them to stand up for himself. No one should have to tolerate being bullied.”
In addition to recording music and acting, Williams is active in several charities and recently worked with the American Heart Association. This year she partnered with the AHA on their Power to End Stroke & Most Powerful Voices Singing competition, an education
and awareness campaign that unites people to help make an impact on the high incidence of strokes within their communities. She also
recently hosted and performed at the Million Meals concert for Lauren Bush Lauren’s charity FEED. Michelle will also be aiding in
fundraising campaigns for NVEEE’s “Not On My Watch” Bullying Prevention Program.
About NVEEE
Established in October 2009, NVEEE is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to prevent bullying, violence and
suicide among youth families and communities through direct service, mentoring and prevention education. NVEEE not only provides
direct services to families and communities affected by bullying, teen suicide and school violence, but also provides programming to
educational institutions through its staff and speakers bureau. For more information, visit www.NVEEE.org
About Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams is well known as one-third of record-breaking R&B and Pop sensation Destiny’s Child. She is also a multiple awardwinning international singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. She has appeared on Broadway to rave reviews in 2003 in “Aida”
and in 2007 joined the cast of hit “The Color Purple” for its national tour where she dazzled in the role of Shug Avery. In 2009, she
joined the London West End production of “Chicago” making history as the show’s first African American to play the lead role of Roxie
Hart. Williams later reprised her role in February 2010 on Broadway. Williams’ new album is scheduled to be released next year and a
new single will be at radio this fall.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/NVEEE/michellewilliams/prweb9755675.htm
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Fact Sheet
NATIONAL VOICES FOR EQUALITY EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
FACT SHEET
CONTACT INFORMATION
Corporate Office Address: Palmetto Bay Village Center
Mailing Address:
Attn: Jeffrey Rubinstein, NVEEEP.O Box 23837
18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 600
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157-6444
Website: www. NVEEE.org
Phone: t: 954.561.2626
Media Inquiries: Guerra Creative Agency
Lourdes Guerra
t: 305.914.4464
c: 305.527.3669
Jowharah Sanders
Executive Director:
t: 786.282.0035
Email: JowharahSanders@NVEEE.org
OVERVIEW
• National Voices for Equality Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), established in October 2009, is a community-based 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent bullying, violence, and suicide among youth, families and communities through
direct service, mentoring and prevention education.
• NVEEE has a proven track record of educating and empowering students, parents and teachers to learn and take preventative actions
on bullying, teen suicide, and violence among youth and young adults. Education is an essential component of how NVEEE engages
families and communities for social change.
• NVEEE’s success is clearly represented in the lives of the youths and families we have touched, inspired and empowered to live happy,
successful and productive lives. NVEEE’s programs can be taught anywhere, and through NVEEE can be replicated within the com
munity, regardless of the income level of the school or community.
• In South Florida, NVEEE has reached nearly 10,000 students, parents, educators, religious communities and community partners
through our signature “Not On My Watch” Bullying & Harassment Prevention Workshop Series. In January 2012, “Not On My Watch”
became available as a school-wide program accessible to educational institutions across the nation.
FACT SHEET cont’d
Nationally, NVEEE’s work has been recognized by:
• ABC Network’s “Secret Millionaire” non-profit awardee, air date August 5, 2012.
• Comcast “Newsmakers,” a platform to discuss issues and ideas important to the communities they serve, aired May 2011current.
• NBC News “Education Nation” initiative to engage the country in a solutions-focused conversation about the state of
education in America, aired September 28, 2010.
• CBS Network’s “The Talk” featured NVEEE on their website, October 2010.
• Al Jazeera English, the world’s first global English language news channel to be headquartered in the Middle East, aired
November 10, 2011
• Wells Fargo Community Partner Grant awarded August 2011.
• US House Rep. Fredericka Wilson (D) 17th District Florida, entered NVEEE into the 112th Congressional Record.
Locally in South Florida, NVEEE has created partnerships with:
• Broward County Public Schools
• 211 Broward
• NBC6 Neighbors for Neighbors, aired on September 16, 2011
• University of Miami School of Education
• Florida International University College of Law
• Barry University School of Nursing
• Nova Southeastern University
• Kids in Distress
• YES Institute
Founder & Executive Director
Principal Bio
Jowharah Sanders
Executive Director
“I have no other choice… I wish I
knew how to make this right, but I
don’t. The only thing left to do is
die. I don’t deserve to live.” Those
thoughts were followed by a bottle of
pills.
Jowharah Sanders is a woman who believes
in confronting hard realities, locating your
voice, having difficult conversations, and
taking control of your life.
A nightmare…
When she was 15-yrs-old, two men abducted
Jowharah from the steps of her high school.
For hours she was raped and tortured. The
brutality of her attackers created a stream of thoughts echoing in her mind… “I am going
to die.” Shortly after Jowharah discovered that a girl she was friends with had orchestrated the attack.
For Jowharah, the powerlessness she experienced surrounding this attack was at the root of two suicide attempts. “I have no other choice.
I’m sorry. I wish I knew how to make this right, but I don’t” is what she concluded. “The only thing left to do is die. I don’t deserve to live.”
Those thoughts were followed by a bottle of pills.
Education as a pivotal time…
Having been without the financial means for lessons or extra-curricular activities as a child, Jowharah took full advantage of pursuing all
her interests in college. University of Miami came to be a place where she called home, the place where the very foundation of becoming
an educator was made, the place where she learned of sisterhood and the meaning of Philanthropy. Unfortunately, it was also during this
time when male classmates who resembled her attackers from high school proved to be a distraction her.
A counselor presented Jowharah with the reality that, unless she chose differently, her life would always be defined by victimhood. “Life
is about choices,” the counselor told her. “You can either choose to live as a victim, or you can choose to be a survivor. No amount of selfpity or self-sabotage will ever change what happened.” From that moment on, she never referred to herself as a victim, only a survivor.
This is when she truly began living.
Realizing the mission…
Jowharah founded NVEEE because she could concentrate on nothing else. In film school, the importance of the content far exceeded
those of the mechanics. Instead of learning how to shoot films, Jowharah lead her classes in discussions about social issues like violence,
bullying, and suicide. Recognizing her vision and mission, her professors unanimously advised her to follow her purpose and use her
resources wisely. “As your professor and your ally, I will always be here to support you. Learn the mechanics later and follow your heart
now - full time.” This was the strict advice of a former Professor and now Film Advisor to NVEEE, Kevin Smith. Jowharah made the
choice to dedicate her life to mentoring children and families impacted by bullying and suicide.
In October of 2009, Ms. Sanders founded National Voices for Equality Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), whose mission is to
prevent bullying, violence, and suicide among youth, families, and communities through direct service, mentoring, and prevention education. NVEEE’s first clients were the children of her friends whom Jowharah was already considered a mentor.
Principal Bio cont’d
“The race to ‘stop bullying’ is played
out on the front page of every media source in the world, yet kids are
continuing to commit suicide. Why?
Because bullying is not the problem.
“Bullying is a symptom of unresolved
challenges, and bullying prevention
will only succeed when we transcend
the root causes. This needs to be our
focus.”
Building Bridges…
To know Jowharah is to know why kids confide in her. Her approach is open and sincere,
allowing them to call on her when they need help even in the most mundane of times:
homework, a chaperone at a concert, shopping at a mall, and even when they need someone to “run interference” with their parents. Being available to help the kids through their
everyday moments of challenge builds a foundation of trust to where these same teenagers
will call her without hesitation in their darkest moments of crisis. “Jowharah has the perfect
combination of traits necessary to combat these life and death issues: her history and compassion makes it easy for others to relate to her; a person with less experience might confuse
things; a person with less curiosity could miss things; and a person with less understanding
wouldn’t “get it” at the level she does. Her message is, “You are not alone – even when you
feel the most disempowered. Together, let’s make a difference.”
Purpose Driven…
Jowharah knows her purpose and refuses attempts to divert her from that path. She has reJowharah’s driving force is perfectly
fused invitations that are good for the publicity of her organization but not in the best interclear: “Our purpose is to save lives,
est of the kids it serves. Despite advice to the contrary, she chose to keep her programs out
and my kids come first.”
of schools until they were fully developed, evaluated, and tested. NVEEE’s board members
are selected by their commitment to furthering its mission and not the prestige they can
lend with social stature. Jowharah’s driving force is perfectly clear: “Our purpose is to save lives, and my kids come first.” In April 2012,
NVEEE developed a school-wide bullying prevention program entitled “Not On My Watch.” This program uses evidence-based practices
whose innovative model of change empowers students take a direct role in reducing and preventing bullying at their schools, using an
Evaluation Plan created by students in University of Miami School of Education Community and Social Change Master’s Program. As
Executive Director, she also continues to foster and grow NVEEE’s Mentoring and Peace Ambassador programs.
Press Releases
Press Contact: Michelle Soudry
The Gab Group
(561) 750‐3500
msoudry@thegabgroup.com
NVEEE
Jowharah Sanders
JowharahSanders@NVEEE.org
(954) 561‐2626
CELEBRITY CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE JACLYN STAPP APPOINTED FIRST NATIONAL CELEBRITY
SPOKESPERSON FOR ‘NATIONAL VOICES FOR EQUALITY, EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT’
Jaclyn will be hosting and officially announced as NVEEE’s national celebrity spokesperson at their
“Voices of Leadership” VIP Reception and Award Ceremony Monday, April 9, 2012
BOCA RATON, FL – (February 2012) –Public speaker, philanthropist, model, and first‐time children’s book author Jaclyn Stapp was
recently selected as the national celebrity spokesperson for NVEEE, National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment, for her
social consciousness, philanthropic efforts and ongoing involvement in anti‐bullying campaigns. The official public announcement will
take place Monday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Bongos Cuban Café at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where other notable members of the community will be honored such as, Congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, City
Commissioner Julie Carson, and the legendary Liza Minnelli, who will be receiving NVEEE’s 2012 Lifetime Service Award. NVEEE has
recently produced a National PSA campaign, which will be revealed to the public for the first time during this VIP event.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as a national celebrity spokesperson for NVEEE, an organization that envisions equality for
the many youths affected by bullying,” says Jaclyn. “It has been a lifelong mission of mine to stand up for children and those affected by
discrimination, and I look forward to continue spreading awareness of anti‐bullying via my
association with NVEEE.”
As the national spokesperson for NVEEE, Jaclyn will sit on NVEEE’s Advisory Board, participate in their first National PSA campaign,
and will be an integral part of NVEEE’s Mentoring and Peace Ambassador Program. An award winning children’s book author, Jaclyn
shares her own struggles with bullying in her first children’s book, Wacky Jacky: The True Story of An Unlikely Beauty Queen, rated
among the best in family‐friendly media, products and services by 2011 Mom’s Choice Awards®. Jaclyn recently took a trip Japan with
her husband Grammy Award Winner, Scott Stapp, singer, songwriter and voice of Creed, to share her book, visit with the children and
victims in hopes to raise awareness one year after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
A portion of book proceeds benefit Jaclyn’s national outreach foundation, CHARM (Children Are Magical), a non‐profit organization
which aims to heighten awareness of children’s issues, empower young women and enrich the lives of underprivileged youth by providing them the tools for a fulfilling future.
About NVEEE Established in October 2009, NVEEE is a national 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization with a mission to prevent bullying, violence and suicide among youth families and communities through direct service, mentoring and prevention education. NVEEE
not only provides direct services to families and communities affected by bullying, teen suicide and school violence, but also provides
programming to educational institutions through its staff and speakers bureau. For more information, visit www.NVEEE.org.
About Jaclyn Stapp Jaclyn Nesheiwat Stapp is an accomplished philanthropist, model, mentor, and spokesperson. This loving wife and
mother of three is a Stetson graduate who has appeared on magazine covers, national ad campaigns and has won many titles, including
Miss New York USA 2004, Mrs. Florida America 2008 and Mrs. America First Runner Up 2008. Today, Jaclyn is a public speaker who
travels around the world empowering at‐risk youth and championing for women’s rights through her charity, CHARM(Children Are
Magical). Jaclyn is married to Grammy Award winner Scott Stapp, singer, songwriter and voice of Creed. They reside in South Florida
with their three children, Jagger, Milan and Daniel. To learn more about Jaclyn, visit www.JaclynStapp.com
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Contact Information
Charles Jones
CJones & Associates Public Relations
(786) 454-9835
Jowharah Sanders
National Voices for Equality, Education & Enlightenment
(954) 561-2626
Congressional Leaders and Celebrities to Help Raise Awareness and Funds for
Nveee’s National “Not On My Watch” Anti-Bullying Campaign June 5
Two U.S Congresswomen will Present Two Separate Proclamations to National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment
(NVEEE). Special Guests Include Television and Screen Actor Omari Hardwick of the A-Team Movie and for Colored Girls, and NFL
Player Visanthe Shiancoe of the Minnesota Vikings
Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 02, 2011 -- National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE) will welcome entertainment and sports celebrities, elected officials, business leaders, educators, to kick off its National Not On My Watch Anti-Bullying
Campaign with “The Art of Liberation” Fundraiser + Art Auction at the W Washington DC on June 5. The event is hosted by Kevin E.
Hooks, Executive Vice President of Weber Shandwick Integrated Media.
“At Weber Shandwick we believe in advocacy as a powerful tool to help people,” said Hooks. “We are proud to add our strength at
building advocates to NVEEE’s fight against bullying.”
Representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., and Yvette Clarke, D-NY, will present NVEEE with a joint
resolution honoring the organization for its work within the community and its national “Not On My Watch” anti-bullying campaign,
which features workshops led by NVEEE’s Teen Mentors and Peace Ambassadors. This campaign increases awareness of the violence
surrounding youth and young adults, and empowers students and communities to take action by refusing to be bystanders. Proceeds
from the reception will help the successful initiative reach more students and parents who are coping with bullying on multiple levels,
including physical, emotional, verbal, and cyber bullying, which is a major cause for increasing levels of suicide.
“I firmly believe bullying does not discriminate,” said Danielle Mazzuchi, a 17-year-old student from West Springfield High School
in Virginia. “From cheerleaders to quarterbacks, NO ONE is immune. As an NVEEE Peace Ambassador, I am committed to taking a
stand in honor of my peers who are mistreated, isolated, or worse, left behind. Each of us have a responsibility to embrace equality, to
be comfortable in our own skin, and too understand that we are responsible for drawing the line of “too much.”
“NVEEE is proud to be a part of the solution,” said Jowharah Sanders, NVEEE’s Founder and Executive Director. “We are honored
and thankful to our sponsors and countless volunteers because without their dedication, generous donations and unwavering support,
NVEEE’s work would not be possible. This reception is about honoring the community and paying tribute to the families we servefamilies of extraordinary teens like: Jamia Barber, Danielle Mazzuchi, Kaylyn Schubert, Brianna Spencer, Ruth Sanders, Megan Braun,
and a very special family who I personally hold dear to my heart, Hilda Gotay the mother of Josie Lou Ratley.”
To honor NVEEE and their teens, internationally recognized artist John Holyfield will unveil a commissioned painting dedicated to the
organization.
“I am so honored to be involved with NVEEE,” said Holyfield. “I’m extremely gratified knowing that my art will help raise awareness of
those who have been bullied, ridiculed, or shunned. Every life is a valuable gift, and organizations, such as NVEEE, are there for them
to ‘come as they are.’”
Special guests will include television and screen actor Omari Hardwick of the A-Team Movie and For Colored Girls, and NFL Player
Visanthe Shiancoe of the Minnesota Vikings, with music by celebrated jazz recording artist Art Sherrod, Jr.
“God gave the child hands to lift up his/her fellow angel... Not to destroy or beat down the wings with which He gave them to soar,” said
Hardwick.
Other special guests include:
• Zeric Seymor-Armenteros, Model from BET’s Model City
• B.J. Coleman, Fashion Publicist
Generous sponsors for “The Art of Liberation” reception include Comcast, W Hotel Washington D.C., and Weber Shandwick Integrated Media. Guests will enjoy fine wine and butlered hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or to make a financial
donation, please visit www.NVEEE.org or call 954.561.2626.
About NVEEE
NVEEE was established to empower communities and facilitate open communication surrounding increasing levels of bullying,
violence, and suicide among students of all ages, ethnicities, and identities. Our mission is to provide support services to youths and
families affected by bullying, violence, and suicide, through preventative education and communication. For more information, visit
www.NVEEE.org or call 954.561.2626.
###
For More Information Contact:
Jowharah Sanders
954.561.2626
-orCharles Jones
cjones@cjonespr.com
786-454-9835
First Lady Michelle Obama Inspires National Voices for Equality, Education, and
Enlightenment to Raise Consciousness of the Obstacles Facing Military Personnel
SOUTH FLORIDA MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT FAMILIES TO RECEIVE A HELPING HAND DURING
“PAY IT FORWARD FOR HEROES PROJECT”
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – March 15, 2011 – Answering the challenge to address the critical needs of struggling military families set
by First Lady Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE) will provide
essential supplies to hundreds of South Florida military and government families during its “Pay It Forward for Heroes Project.” It will
kick off with the “Dollar Dash Sale” on April 10 at the Soref Jewish Community Center in Plantation, Fla. where NVEEE organizers
plan to overflow an entire gymnasium with donations targeting children such as furniture, strollers, clothing, shoes, toys and school
supplies.
“This is a unique fundraiser in which raising money is not our goal,” said Jowharah Sanders, Founder and Executive Director of
NVEEE. “These families are often forced to stretch their dollars, so want to make it easier on them by selling all of the available items
for $1.00 each. We want to make a difference in our community by giving local military families access to critically needed supplies for
their children.”
NVEEE is partnering with Lolliposh Consignment Sale & Bazaar to obtain the items for the Dollar Dash Sale. The organization plans
to take its commitment to the Heroes Project to the next level by adopting two military families as suggested by Obama and Oprah
Winfrey. NVEEE plans to solicit private donations from companies and individuals.
Sanders said she has taken a personal pledge to safeguard the success of this initiative. “My grand father served in World War II, and
my father who served in Vietnam is now a disabled veteran,” said Sanders. “My uncles served. My aunts served. My cousins are serving at this very moment. Although I serve my country in a different way, not a day goes by that I am not grateful for their tremendous
sacrifice that allows all of us to have freedom. I thank First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and NBC’s Tom Brokaw for awakening in me a fire to act - and act now.”
Sanders added that undoubtedly there are thousands of children coping with isolation, missing their parents, but standing brave in the
middle of it all. These families can now count on the services of NVEEE to offer their children mentoring and other means of support.
“They have done so much for us, so the least I can do is help cut the grass, help their kids with homework, take them to the park, go
grocery shopping, or maybe even babysit,” said Jamiah Barber, a 13-year-old participant in NVEEE’s peer-to-peer mentoring program.
“There has to be something even someone my age can do to pay it forward. My mentor always tells me to pay it forward. Finally, I understand what she means.” More details about the Dollar Dash Sale:
When:
April 10, 2011
9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Where:
The Levin Gymnasium
The Soref JCC
6501 West Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, FL
Participant Registration:
Free. To register your agency or get more details, please visit NVEEE.org/DollarDash
About NVEEE
NVEEE’s mission is to provide support services to youths and families affected by bullying, violence, and suicide, through preventative
education and communication. For more information, visit www.nveee.org
###
Jowharah Sanders
954.561.2626
-orCharles Jones
cjones@cjonespr.com
786-454-9835
Anti-Bullying Organization National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE)
Responds to Comments made by Arkansas School Board Member, and asks for Resignation
FLORIDA – October 28, 2010 – National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE) responds to comments made by
an Arkansas school board member suggesting that gay teens commit suicide, and asks for his resignation.
While families, organizations and schools across the country are taking action against bullying and suicide, Clint McCance, a board
member of an Arkansas school district, is using his Facebook page to encourage “queers” and “fags” to kill themselves. “We tell them
to hold on because things will get better” said Jowharah Sanders, Founder and Executive Director of NVEEE. “How can we promise
them that things are going to get better when the very ones we entrust our children to publicly wish them dead? I am deeply saddened
and appalled by his comments and can only hope that none of our children take their lives due to his lack of humanity and compassion.
This was inhumane. This was disgusting. This was cyber-bullying. This needs to stop.”
McCance is a school board member for the Midland School District in Independence County in Western Arkansas. Using Facebook, a
common tool for cyberbullying, McCance wrote the following message on his Facebook page: “Seriously they want me to wear purple
because five queers killed themselves. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this
world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE.”
More disturbing is that when his comments were initially posted, six people “liked” McCance’s message. In response to challenges
from other Facebook users, McCance further stated “being a fag doesn’t give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. If you get easily
offended by being called a fag then dont tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I dont care how people decide to live their
lives. They dont bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them.” He
later added that he “liked the fact that fags can’t procreate [and] I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other AIDS and die.”
“Families are losing their children because of school bullying and here is a high level school official openly refusing to acknowledge
their deaths” said Jessica Saiontz, Director of Operations. “It is a time of mourning for the teens who felt hopeless and couldn’t see the
light at the end of the tunnel, and as a result, their lives came to a crashing halt. Spirit Day was a day to celebrate the lives of those we’ve
lost due to bullying. My only wish is that McCance would have refrained from cyber-bullying on a national day of remembrance.”
Parents are outraged by his comments, lack of sensitivity and blatant disregard for human life. “Its disgusting that a person, and parent,
who believes that any child should commit suicide has a position of power within a school district” said Melissa Woodfall. “He should
strongly consider taking a sensitivity course, and finding a new line of work, because it is obvious that the safety of all children is not
his priority.” Woodfall’s daughter also participates in NVEEEs teen-to-teen mentoring program. “We are not asking for an apology” said
Sanders. “We are asking for a resignation.”
NVEEE recently launched its National ‘Not on My Watch’ Anti-Bullying Campaign. Developed by NVEEE and its teen mentors, the
‘Not on My Watch’ Campaign and pledge is a part of the organization’s ongoing ‘Peace for a Day’ Campaign asking communities
students, teachers, community leaders, and politicians nationwide to get involved in the efforts to end school violence by not being a
bystander. The campaign features a t-shirt contest open to all South Florida students. The public service announcement and logo design
contests are open to all students nationwide.
NVEEE is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people and their families. The organization has developed several
anti-bullying workshops and challenges in schools nationwide, established youth and support groups, grew its mentoring program, and
established partnerships with local and national organizations with similar missions.
To learn more about NVEEE, please visit our website: www.nveee.org.
###
JOIN THE FIGHT FOR PEACE AND CHANGE IN SCHOOLS
Donate School Supplies for Survivors of School Violence
Amazon Wish List: www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/F1RIC6XY73FF
Donate via PayPal
www.NVEEE.org/donate
Become a Volunteer, Mentor, or Intern
NVEEE.org/howyoucanhelp/volunteer
NVEEE.org/howyoucanhelp/internship
NVEEE.org/howyoucanhelp/mentor
Media Connections:
Facebook.com/NVEEE
Twitter.com/NationalVoices
Jowharah Sanders
954.561.2626
Teenager Nearly Beaten To Death At School To Get Help From Nonviolence Organization
National Voices of Equality, Education, and Enlightenment To Act As Family Spokesperson, Lead
Community Fundraiser, and Raise Awareness
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 19, 2010)- The mother of the Broward County teenager who was nearly beaten to death at Deerfield
Beach Middle School officially thanked supporters from across the nation and announced that the family will be working with the National Voices of Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), a nonprofit organization taking a stand against school bullying and
violence. 15-year-old Josie Lou Ratley suffered brain damage and spent more than a month at Broward General Medical Center after
the brutal attack on school grounds March 17.
“Josie is recovering, however, it doesn’t remove the heartache we feel while watching her suffer in pain and see what has happened to
her,” said NVEEE Founder/President Jowharah Sanders. “This situation, Josie’s story, like so many other stories are the reasons why
NVEEE was formed. Our mission is to inspire and educate young adults in an effort to encourage them to become productive members of society, and to prevent and respond to victims of bullying, hate crimes and other heinous acts of violence.”
Ratley’s mother, Hilda Gotay, read the following statement during the May 19 media conference at Gallery 101 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.:
“I want to thank you for coming out today to hear an update of my daughter’s health status. Josie is recovering, but she has a long road
ahead of her. She is re-learning how to read, write and recognize colors, letters, numbers, and shapes all over again. She cannot use the
bathroom, take a shower or brush her teeth on her own. Although it is heartbreaking to see what has happened to her, it is comforting to know that so many of you care about her progress and have shown your love and support. Josie has received many letters, cards,
gifts, teddy bears, banners, and monetary donations from all over the U.S. Again, I would personally like to thank each of you who have
reached out to us during our time of need.”
“Also, I would like to take this time to acknowledge Jowharah Sanders and the National Voices of Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), organization for reaching out to my family and showing their support during this delicate time. As a result of their
expressed kindness, our family has requested NVEEE to be our official spokesperson. From this point on NVEEE and our attorneys
will be handling our support efforts so that we can focus more on Josie’s recovery. Again thank you to everyone for your continued support. Please do keep Josie and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Along with serving as the family spokesperson, NVEEE has launched a community drive to secure donations and funds to assist Ratley
in her recovery and rehabilitation. Her family desperately needs basic medical supplies, educational items, and a new home that gives
them more space for a child whose primary forms of transportation are now a wheelchair and walker. Anyone who would like to donate items, money, or time can contact ENVEEE at 954.561.2626 or via the website www.nveee.org.
The following is the current list of drop off locations:
Gallery 101
501 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 103
Fache Arts
750 NE 124 Street, Suite 2
North Miami, FL 33161
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
1799 S.E. 17th Street,
“Josie is a talented young artist who no matter the circumstances did not deserve to be bullied or
victimized,” said Sanders. As this story began to unfold, NVEEE made a choice to act, to reach
out and be of service to this family. We now ask our fellow citizens to take a stand against the bullying and bystanderism.”
In the attack against Ratley, investigators have charged 15-year-old Wayne Treacy with first-degree attempted murder, while 13-year-old
Kayla Manson has been charged as an accomplice.
“The American Justice Department reports that 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month, meaning a
child is bullied every seven minutes,” said Sanders. “What’s more even more disturbing is the report shows that 85% of the time there is
no intervention by either an adult or a peer. We can no longer blame it on the bystander effect. It is time to take responsibility for our
actions.”
About NVEEE
Founded in October of 2009, NVEEE was conceived as a response to the increasing levels of bullying, violence, and suicide among
middle and high school students. We are composed of a team of individuals dedicated to restoring order within the community, and
bringing awareness to hate crimes and heinous acts being committed by and against school-aged children on a daily basis. We aim to
eliminate bullying and victimization, whether it is by peer-on-peer ignorance, bystanderism, or institutional intolerance.
To learn more about the organization, please visit our website: www.nveee.org. For more about the effort to help Josie Lou Ratley contact:
Jowharah Sanders
NVEEE Founder/President
786-282-0035
jowharahsanders@nveee.org
###
Print & Online Articles
Omari Hardwick, Morris Chestnut Power
Anti-Bullying Event, Fundraiser
Monday, June 6, 2011 Terry Shropshire
Like
43
8
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Morris Chestnut, Jowharah Sanders, Arthur
Johnson and Omari Hardwick,
Omari Hardwick’s mouth was agape with shock. And Morris Chestnut simply lowered his eyes
and shook his head as Jowharah Sanders detailed how she somehow found beauty in the
aftermath of absolute horror and heartbreak.
John Holyfield painted this piece for NVEEE's
Art of Liberation event
Sanders’ terrifyingly brutal victimization from bullying led her to found the National Voices for
Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE). On Sunday, Kevin E. Hooks hosted the Weber
http://rollingout.com/cities-events/extra-extra/omari-hardwick-morris-chestnut-power-anti-bullying-event-fundraiser/
Page 1 of 5
Omari Hardwick, Morris Chestnut Power Anti-Bullying Event, Fundraiser | rolling out
6/14/11 11:55 AM
Shandwick-sponsored gala, “Art of Libe
Jowharah Sanders, founder of NVEEE, speaks
at art auction gala.
ration Fundraiser and Art Auction” at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. Comcast and the W
Hotel also served as partners of the event where representatives from Congress and the White
House made appearances.
As part of the upscale soiree, Hooks commissioned the breathtaking artwork of John Holyfield to
raise money for NVEEE’s campaign, while a saxophonist ministered to hurt souls with his
rendition of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
Kevin E. Hooks hosted the Art of Liberation
gala
“This [NVEEE] organization is the first line of defense against bullying,” said Hooks. “We are
holding this event today to raise money to continue this fight.”
Sanders chilled her crowd to the core with the tale of how inhumane bullies changed her life
forever. One day, she was kidnapped by a group of boys, taken to a home, and raped repeatedly.
She somehow escaped and ran through the neighborhood naked, frantic for help, yet no one came
to her aid.
Page 2 of 5
Omari Hardwick, Morris Chestnut Power Anti-Bullying Event, Fundraiser | rolling out
6/14/11 11:55 AM
Josie Lou Ratley
survived a bully's
life-threatening
beating.
But now Sanders has a powerful platform to come to others’ aid, particularly for teenage girls
like Josie Lou Ratley. In a story that riveted the entire nation, Josie was pummeled with barbaric
ferocity by a boy who wore steel-toe shoes and repeatedly stomped her head as teachers and
classmates watched. It was so brutal that many children who were watching got blood splattered
on them. After coming within inches of death and enduring permanent brain injuries, Josie has
now emerged back to semi-regular routine in life after many months in intensive care.
Hooks provided statistics that prove that instances of bullying has intensified and has gotten
much more sinister in the new millennium:
Seventy percent of all kids report being bullied;
Nine out of 10 homosexual boys and girls are bullied;
Kids who are bullied are four times more likely to commit suicide;
One-hundred thousand kids carry guns to school every day in America, many do so for protection
against rampant and unchecked bullying from their peers.
As you can clearly see, if bullying is not addressed honestly in America’s schools, another
teenage bloodbath may revisit America. The toxic ingredients for another Columbine massacre is
brewing with the potential to ruin many lives and families. That’s why the “Art of Liberation”
fundraiser and auction meant so much to Sanders as well as Hooks, Hardwick and Chestnut and
the rest of the teen victims in attendance. The money raised will help arm the NVEEE with the
tools to go to war against rampant bullying — and win.
“Oh my God. I can’t even express how much it means so much to me,” says Sanders, her eyes
damp and red from the flow of joyful tears. “The celebs, the sponsors and the kids who all came
out — because it’s all about the kids. I am overwhelmed with joy about tonight’s event.”
–terry shropshire
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4
Jowharah Sanders, Jacob Carpenter and 41 others recommend this.
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Organization, Victims Speak
Out Against Bullying
Advertisement
Updated: Monday, 06 Jun 2011, 6:16 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 06 Jun 2011, 6:13 AM EDT
Audrey Barnes
FOX 5 Reporter
BY AUDREY BARNES/myfoxdc
WASHINGTON - Every seven minutes a teenager is
bullied. It's a problem that seems to be getting worse
instead of better.
An organization that's trying to reverse the trend
launched a national campaign against bullying in
Washington DC Sunday.
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Josie Ratley, the survivor of a brutal bullying incident in
Florida was here to focus attention on the problem. It's
been 14 months since police say 15 year old Wayne
Treacy put on steel toed boots, rode his bike to his local
middle school in Florida, and nearly stomped 15 year old
Ratley to death.
"I don't want them to stop because she's having a lot of
problems with her brain and her memory. We just don't
know how far she'll be able to learn," Gotay says.
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Sources say Treacy told police he was angry over text
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Gotay can still barely speak about the attack her
daughter Josie endured in March of 2010. She's still
recovering from the massive brain injuries she suffered
after being stomped and kicked in the head.
After three surgeries and countless hours of physical
therapy, Ratley still has a long way to go. She's
relearning how to talk and do every day things, but even
second grade school work is tough for her now .
Her mom wants people to keep praying for her.
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Some District of Columbia residents are so
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"I really believe that prayers are the reason my daughter
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Share This Story With Friends
Helping victims like Josie is the mission for the group
NVEEE, which started this anti bullying campaign.
NVEEE stands for National Voices for Equality,
Education, and Enlightenment.
"We provide resources for families, parents, teachers,
and students when something like this happesn, but what
we really want to do is prevent them from
happening,"NVEEE President Jowharah Sanders says.
Gotay has a message for parents which she hopes will
prevent some future bullying--make time for your kids.
"I understand there's parents out there with two jobs,
whatever, but give that hug or a kiss so that even if he's
upset about something when they go to school, they
won't take it out on another kid,"Gotay says.
Wayne Treacy has been charged as an adult and is now facing first degree attempted murder charges in connection with
Josie's attack.
If you would like more information about NVEEE's anti-bullying efforts, you can find it on their website,
http://nveee.org/.
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Mean Girls & Boys
Recognizing bullying as a form of abuse
Published in November/December, 2010 by Meghan Williams
Jowharah Sanders is a big believer in the adage "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." A survivor of
abuse herself, she started the year-old organization National Voices for Equality, Education, and
Enlightenment (NVEEE) to work with youth in their communities to fight bullying and school violence. "We
focus a lot on not being a bystander," Sanders says.
Her message to parents, schools, and communities is that the physical altercations, verbal harassment, and
emotional abuse of bullying is incredibly harmful in all its forms, and should not be seen as just another part of
growing up. "I don't even think the word bullying is a strong enough word for what is going on." She believes
that what doesn't kill you makes your stronger, she reiterates, "but it is killing them."
The 2004 film Mean Girls fictionalizes high school dynamics, as a new student infiltrates a popular clique
to spy on and prank "the Plastics" for past bullying. Trainer William Woodley uses clips from the film in
his presentations.
Several recent suicides of youth who were gay or perceived to be seem to underline Sanders's point. Tammy
Aaberg thought her 15-year-old son Justin had the perfect life, but after he hanged himself in July, his friends
explained that he'd been bullied. Billy Lucas, also 15, was perceived to be gay by taunting classmates; he
hanged himself during International Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in September. A Houston 13-yearold, Asher Brown, came out to his parents in the morning and shot himself in the afternoon. These are just a
few of more than half a dozen cases to hit the media in the last few months. While the details of each incident
vary, the theme is clear: bullying can have severe and long-lasting effects on young victims.
"You get layers and layers of trauma on top of your thought process," William Woodley explains. Woodley is
a senior trainer at Parsons Child & Family Center, part of the New York State Coalition for Children's Mental
Health Services, a CWLA member, and has frequently done presentations about bullying for health, mental
health, education, and social work audiences. He agrees that it's important to recognize bullying as abuse. He
says that youth who are bullied repeatedly--in many cases every day at school--can't help but start believing
the taunts and insults that are levied against them. "Their self-image is so poor, that they think [the bullies]
must be right," he says.
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Nikki Geiger, a family therapist at Children & Families of Iowa, another CWLA member agency, confirms
that low self-esteem is a big concern when she works with bullying victims. But, she adds, children respond
differently, so there is a range of reactions. "We see everything," she says, from mild depression or anxiety, to
physical responses like stomachaches or headaches, to severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms like
nightmares or suicidal ideation.
"Can it affect you as you move on to [being] an adult? Absolutely," Geiger asserts. While many people think
of bullying as schoolyard fights, it's often much more than that, and Geiger says the emotional scars are longer
lasting. "The physical injuries of bullying will heal a lot easier." She emphasizes that the way adults react to
children being bullied--or being bullies--can have a huge impact. Bullying victims may become timid adults
held back from reaching their full potential, while bullies may continue their aggressive behavior if not
checked early. In addition to the obvious ways bullying might hamper a student's school achievement, like
leading him or her to skip class, Woodley points to research that has shown bullying victims use a different
part of their brains than their peers sitting in class, as they create plans for steering clear of their bullies. "What
they learn is how to avoid, not math concepts," he says. "Victims are not going to be able to learn the
information they need to go on from school."
How Bullying Happens
Victims
"It's a problem for every community, for every kid, for every child," Sanders says. She explains that while
some organizations focus on one particular demographic group of students, NVEEE recognizes that violence
doesn't discriminate, so neither do they. Most studies conclude that between 15% and 25% of American
students are bullied regularly. Woodley says he's seen research with even higher numbers: "75% of students
are victims of severe bullying at least once." And it starts early--Geiger works with children as young as 3, and
bullying usually kicks in soon after that. "I've had kids who have experienced bullying and who have been
bullies as young as 4 and 5, just entering kindergarten," she reports. In these early cases, the bullies are usually
children who have not been to preschool or day care. "They don't know the social skills, they don't know how
to interact with their peers," Geiger explains.
In any given school environment, youth outside the norm are the most obvious targets. "It's the kids who have
differences," Geiger says. Youth get bullied "because of their weight, because of their height, because of their
sexual orientation, because of their parents' sexual orientation." Students who are new to a school can often be
bullied because they're new--youth in foster care, who may have to switch schools frequently, can be
susceptible to this. For foster youths' views on bullying, see the sidebar below labeled "Former Foster Youth
Speak Out About Bullying."
"Empress of Radio, Queen of Talk" Stephanie Miller visited The Trevor Project's Randy Stone West
Coast Call Center. Miller, who came out on the radio this year, is an advocate of The Trevor Project's
work and is a member of the organization's Vanguard Council.
More national attention has been given to youth who are gay or perceived to be, in light of a string of suicides
among that population. Dr. Jeffrey Fishberger is a board member and on-call psychiatrist for The Trevor
Project, a crisis management and suicide prevention organization that serves lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Trevor Project includes a telephone lifeline and several
online options for youth in crisis to connect to counselors. "A fair number of young people are dealing with
some type of bullying--not just physical but also emotional," Fishberger says. He works in New York City,
and from visiting schools in the tri-state area, he has seen that urban and suburban schools reveal the same
prejudice. He also notes that while prevailing opinion says that younger generations are more accepting of
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LGBTQ individuals, the facts don't back that up: "These young people who are being bullied are being
bullied by their peers."
Fishberger recalls a story he heard from one student, "one morning going from class to class, this person heard
50 homophobic remarks." He adds that there's another group of students indirectly affected by bullying-students who are not out about their sexual orientation. "They may not have experienced bullying yet, but the
bullying is affecting them. They're feeling like they're not safe in their own school. [They say,] 'I want to come
out in my school, but I'm really afraid, because I've seen the way other people ... have been treated,'"
Fishberger explains.
Perpetrators
Why do some children bully others? According to Geiger, many bullies have been bullied themselves at some
point. More often than not, bullies have suffered abuse at home, from parents or siblings. "They have no
control at home," Geiger explains, so once they get to school, "they seek out that con-trol, try to get that
power." Fishberger agrees that bullying often originates at home. "Children learn--they learn from either their
parents, or religious leaders, or political leaders." If they see their adult role models engaging in physical or
verbal abuse, children will do the same. "They think this is okay."
Geiger and Woodley note that both boys and girls can be bullies, but they use different tactics. "I've noticed
with girls it's a lot more verbal, it's a lot more of the drama and the arguments on Facebook. With boys it's
much more physical, they want to intimidate," Geiger explains. Woodley adds that girls who are part of gangs
can be just as physically violent as boys, but generally he thinks girls are "more devious," frequently not
engaging in direct confrontation themselves, but instead spreading rumors, inciting peers to act out, or forming
alliances between social groups. "They have this concept of spies," he explains. "They put a girl in a clique,
and that girl will watch and bring back information." He notes that portrayals of bullying in pop fiction, like
the 2004 film Mean Girls, are often accurate and a good way to show adults what may be going on in their
children's schools. He says he's used clips from Mean Girls in his presentations.
Cyberbullying
In the last five years, cyberbullying--repeated online harassment that reflects the power imbalance of traditional
bullying--and bullying via text messages or voicemails has been on the rise. While social networks can help
friends connect, they can also create another venue for emotional abuse. In 2006, 13-year-old Megan Maier
committed suicide after being bullied on MySpace. Geiger adds Facebook and myYearbook to the list of
social media sites to watch and Sanders says teens at NVEEE have cited Formspring as a bullying venue as
well. "Through text messages, through the internet, it has really taken it to another level," Sanders says. "I'm
very disappointed in the level of cyberbullying that is going on; that is a major problem."
Geiger says cyberbullying might make victims feel more overwhelmed. "I think it's harder for kids to cope
with, just because they don't have that safe place where they can get away." Woodley points out that another
complicating factor of cyberbullying is the fact that some online bullies are in-person victims. Because they
can take advantage of online anonymity, they feel confident in striking back at others who instigate or allow
bullying. Woodley calls them "proactive victims--they have been victimized, they use anonymity as a way to
get even with others in the school system."
Why Bullying Continues
Many complaints of bullying are dismissed with comments like "boys will be boys," or "it's just talk, they're
not hurting anyone." But experts warn that it can be incredibly harmful to treat bullying like a rite of passage
or a trivial incident. "Why should it be part of growing up? It's physically and mentally detrimental,"
Fishberger says.
Geiger shares a telling fact: "I don't have any kids who have come in for bullying." Families reach out for
treatment for the "side effects" of bullying, like depression and anxiety. Bullying victims learn to dismiss the
abuse they receive. "The teachers will say 'walk away,' or 'ignore it.' [Children] think that teachers or parents
don't take it seriously," Geiger explains. "If the kids feel like they can't trust you, and that you're not a safe
person to talk to, they're going to feel even more lost." And perhaps most importantly, victims don't want to
tell adults about being bullied. "Kids don't want to be honest," Geiger says. "They don't want to hurt mom and
dad's feelings, or they don't want mom and dad to be too involved."
Woodley confirms that getting adults involved is dicey territory for victims. They fear retaliation from the
bullies if adults don't handle the situation properly. "Victims fear that adults will confront the bully in such a
way that it [increases] the risk," he says. "Bullies survive by creating the myth [that] should their behavior be
reported, the retaliation will be swift and severe." He says victims think that whether or not their bully comes
after them again, the bully's compatriots will, and they simply can't be sure adults will act appropriately to
protect them. "Lack of trust will lead to helplessness among victims and increased power among bullies," he
explains.
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Fishberger believes there are some teachers, administrators, and parents who are oblivious. He's visited
schools that seem to have an open and accepting culture, but little things--graffiti on desks, jokes with
derogative terms--reveal fault lines. "There are probably schools that are successful, but a young person is
never free from homophobia," he says. Sanders thinks that the more challenging problem is adults or even
other youth who see bullying taking place, but don't say anything about it. She cites NVEEE's Not On My
Watch campaign as a way to reduce this "bystanderism."
Resources
CWLA helped develop the Stop Bullying Now! resources for adults and children published by the U.S.
Health Resources and Service Administration.The website has fact sheets and tips for parents, and webisodes
and games for children. Visit www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov.
National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment does community outreach and provides
mentoring services, but they're also behind two campaigns: Peace for a Day, which seeks to create peace in
schools, and Not On My Watch, which encourages bystanders to speak up against bullying. Learn more at
http://nveee.org.
The Trevor Project provides crisis management and suicide prevention counseling to lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and questioning youth over the phone and on the web. A partner project is the It Gets Better
video campaign. Learn more at www.thetrevorproject.org.
Massachusetts recently passed legislation that requires all schools to develop and adopt bullying prevention
and intervention plans. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created a model plan for
schools and districts to use as a blueprint. Download the model plan at www.doe.mass.edu/bullying/.
Bridging Refugee Youth & Children's Services has a list of resources that includes several available in foreign
languages, which may be helpful for work with immigrant families. Visit www.brycs.org/highlightedresources.cfm?schools&list=33 for the list.
The Cyberbullying Research Center collects and shares publications about the nature, extent, causes, and
consequences of cyberbullying and offers a chance to share stories about the problem. Visit
www.cyberbullying.us.
TrueCare offers a free trial of a social media monitoring tool for parents and recently published a free
electronic book of online and text abbreviations, available at www.truecare.net/idk.
How to Stop Bullying
"Something aggressive has to happen, because violence is aggressive," Sanders says. "We need to find a
peaceful way, but an aggressive way." In addition to their campaigns, NVEEE advises school districts and
works directly with students through mentoring. Sanders personally experienced school-related violence, and
she finds that her story allows her to relate to youth who are suffering. "I share more with teens and with my
mentees than I do necessarily with the parents," Sanders explains. "I become that 15-year-old again.... I almost
felt like I didn't want to share it in the beginning [because] this is not about me, [but] sharing my story was
actually helping them."
Fishberger would like to see ongoing education for students and faculty alike about what it means to go
through bullying. He says LGBTQ youth especially would benefit if peers reexamined their language
behavior. He's involved in many of The Trevor Project's programs, which include the telephone lifeline and
several online components: instant messaging with counselors (TrevorChat), a question-and-answer forum
(Dear Trevor), and a social networking hub (TrevorSpace). These are great options for LGBTQ youth, but
Fishberger encourages adults who work with youth to open up and talk to them if there's reason to be
concerned. "It's important for people who work with young people every day to be aware and mindful,"
Fishberger says. Look out for changes in behavior or appearance. "If they appear depressed, don't be afraid to
talk about depression or suicide. Suicide has a huge stigma in our society still--it's not going to go away by not
talking about it."
Geiger also emphasizes education for parents and children, and she recommends the Stop Bullying Now!
website, which has materials for both groups. There are games, webisodes, fact sheets, and links to more
resources like state laws and expert advice. CWLA was involved in the development of the Stop Bullying
Now! resources. Once parents have been able to establish open communication with their children, Geiger
adds, they need to be prepared to let the school know what's going on. "I know parents want their children to
be self-sufficient," she says, "but a lot of times, kids still need our help."
Former Foster Youth Speak Out About Bullying
FosterClub asked current and former foster youth to participate in an online survey about bullying for this
article. There were 61 responses from across the country; participants ranged in age from 15 to 31 and were
mostly women. Of the respondents:
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29 reported they had been bullied for being in care; of these, 7 thought being in care was the primary reason
they were bullied, and 17 said it was one of several reasons.
Several victims said bullying had happened at group homes or foster homes.
Many thought foster youth made "good targets" for bullying because peers noticed they weren't dressed in
brand-name clothes.
Many cited negative misperceptions of foster youth--perpetrated by movies or TV--as possible reasons for the
bullying.
Victims reported feeling sad or depressed, angry, afraid, or a combination of those emotions.
A few victims became bullies themselves.
Most thought bullying of kids in foster care was common; 34 said they had heard about other youth in care
being bullied.
Solutions were varied; some thought a foster child should have the right to share or hide his or her care status,
while others thought having more teachers and administrators know would help them keep a lookout for foster
children being bullied.
Tell us about your bullying story.
The following selected responses have been edited for spelling.
Mercedes, Colorado: Kids used to make fun of me and say that I was such a horrible person [that] my mom
would rather smoke than be my mom.
Perry, South Carolina: Children would pick on me because I was a foster child and tell me that nobody
wanted me, not even the people that I was staying with. They used to call me 'roach' because of my skin
complexion and they said that I was trash and that I came from trash and that that's what I would always be.
Brianna, Iowa: One time I was in gym class, and several of the boys in class were making fun of me for not
having parents, and having a mom that was in prison and not knowing who my family was. We were playing
a game, and one of the boys came up to me when I was running and yelled that 'people like you don't deserve
to be in my class' and shoved me into a brick wall where I hit my head and dislocated several of my fingers.
Mandy, Ohio: Someone spit on my artwork in art class, which was probably the most hurtful experience for
me. People would come to me one-on-one for advice and empathy for their problems or for help with
schoolwork because I am intelligent, but when they were with their other friends they would join in the
bullying. The worst bullying I experienced was from birth children of the foster parents. This usually ended
with suicide attempts and being moved to a hospital and then a new foster home.
What do you think should be done to help make sure young people aren't bullied because they are in
foster care?
Tawny, Tennessee: I think that one of the biggest things that can be done is keeping records confidential. It is
not fair that other students know you are in foster care if you haven't told them. I do believe that teachers need
to know, but it is not their concern to share that information with our peers or to use that information to treat us
differently.
Bryttani, Washington: Helping kids to deal with it, teaching how to respond, how to be their own person,
and how to always love others even when they are not nice to you. They need to know that lots of students
have bad family lives and are hurting emotionally also. They are not alone here, even the bullies can relate.
Mandy, Ohio: Teachers and parents should take it more seriously, not just tell the child to let it roll off your
back. Assertiveness is important for youth to learn and other children should be taught that their words and
actions can affect others for life.
Greta, Wisconsin: Creating policies that level the playing field for foster youth and promote development of
life skills is practical and realistic, especially surrounding the issue of clothing. When foster youth entered high
school, giving them a check for their clothing and holding them responsible for keeping track of their receipts
would promote budgeting and making their own decisions.
Krystal, California: The people in charge should be walking around and monitoring all kids. In fact, interact
with all the kids, talk to them, be sure no one is being bullied.
Meghan Williams is a contributing editor to Children's Voice.
To comment on this article, e-mail voice@cwla.org.
Related Articles
- Social Work Goes to School
- Behavior Is Communication - Yours, Mine, and Ours
- Breaking the Link Between Child Maltreatment and Juvenile Delinquency
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