Bullying is defined as treating others in an abusive, overbearing, or intimidating manner; or to affect change or make one’s way aggressively. Stopbullying.gov goes further, and defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior…that involves a real or perceived power inbalance…that is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated.
Bullying is everywhere – and has been for a long time. Some say that our society has gotten too sensitive. They say the term is overused and applied to situations where it doesn’t belong.
I personally don’t think bullying should be looked as “just part of growing up” or something that kids have to “learn to deal with.” There’s a difference between your friends poking fun at you because you’re a klutz during gym class (totally happened to me) and a group of girls seeking you out in the hall in between every class to berate you for having a physical problem (also totally happened to me).
The problem is that kids can’t always tell the difference. Yes, kids should learn how to defend themselves against bullying, and how to not let words affect them. But kids should also learn what bullying is, and why they shouldn’t do it to each other.
On Thursday, February 20, 2014, Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region and the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission present Community Conversation: Stop Bullying. A panel of local experts will respond to prepared and audience questions, giving attendees tools to combat bullying in their own environments.
The panel will be moderated by Robyn M. King, LMHC, Bullying & Civility Expert, Counselor at Schenectady County Community College, and Anti-Bullying Ambassador for Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region.
Ebony Belmar, Social Worker, Mont Pleasant Middle School
Shai Butler, Chief Diversity Officer, The College of Saint Rose
Tandra LaGrone, Executive Director, In Our Own Voices
Randy McGough, Retired Human Resource Director for the Office of Medicaid Inspector General Office
Rowie Taylor, Executive Director, YWCA Northeastern New York
The event will be held at Schenectady County Community College, in the Van Curler Room, on Thursday, February 20, 2014 from 7:30 am – 9:00 am. The $25 registration ($20 for students) includes a breakfast buffet served at 7:30. The program begins promptly at 8:00 am.
Click here to register.