I am shamelessly copying a Chambanamoms post (that is called syndication, right? 
). I have not really delved into this critical topic, but at some point I want to. Unfortunately, the first forum is tonight (in a mere 90 minutes).
http://www.chambanamoms.com/2012/02/20/local-group-plans-to-host-forum-series-about-bullying/
A regional non-profit group is hosting a forum this evening — and twice a month from here on out — about the forms and effects of bullying.
The TALK Foundation, Taking Action, Loving Kids, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the safety and well-being of children in the Champaign-Urbana area, says co-founder Kathy El Koury.
“While our current focus is bullying, we are interested in all issues that impact children, including sexual and physical abuse,” she tells chambanamoms.com.
The first free event is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., tonight, Monday, Feb. 20, in the Robeson Pavillion at the Champaign Public Library, and attendees can expect to be introduced to the organization, and then people will be offered the chance to share their thoughts and experiences about bullying.
El Koury, who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a therapist at Kevin Elliott Counseling, says that while bullying has been top of mind for many parents lately, especially after tragic incidents like the death of Ashlynn Conner, the fact is that bullies have been around since the beginning of time.
“It is true that bullying has occurred for many, many years,” she says. “However, that does not mean that it is acceptable. During the forum tonight, I will discuss recent studies that indicate that being bullied has long-lasting effects on children. Additionally, the children exhibiting the bullying behaviors also suffer long-term consequences as they continue such behaviors into adulthood.”
The TALK Foundation plans to host similar open forums every month in Champaign, every first and third Monday, at the library.
No child — whether they are the victim or the perpetrator — should suffer through bullying, says El Koury.
“The effects of bullying, on the victim and the child who is bullying, are not part of growing up,” she says.
20 February 2012 9:17 pm at 9:17 pm
So good to learn that this topic is now seeing the daylight.
20 February 2012 9:46 pm at 9:46 pm
The Carrie Busey PTA had a bullying awareness session with US Secret Service Special Agent Matt McWilliams and Assistant US Attorney Elly M. Peirson. I heard it went really well (I was unable to attend). They provided at least three documents which I have here:
http://champaignunit4.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/carrie-busey-handout.docx
http://champaignunit4.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/top-internet-acronyms-parents-need-to-know.pdf
http://champaignunit4.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/protecting_kids.pdf
The session tonight was dominated by School Resource Officer Jonathon Westfield. Not that this was a bad thing, for he had a lot of great things to share. But there was not much room for “open discussion”. One of the facilitators (Lanae Clarke) had quite a few questions for Mr. Westfield given his background and experiences as she shared her own observations and dealings with St. Matts.
Questions like “where does bullying come from” and “are adults ultimately responsible” were tossed out, and the basic idea is that adults do share responsibility when they do not exercise discipline (in themselves or children) and when they take the easy road by handing of their parentlng hats to the school district. The medium, whether it be a bathroom wall, facebook, tweets or scribbled pieces of paper are merely tools; however, the internet affords a significantly more pervasive level of anonimity behind which many people, kids as well as adults, let the monsters within come out. This is bad. Very bad.
I could not help but think of the Rose & Taylor community forum; what would happen if more adults become involved? Not only in children, but in this strange thing called “peer parenting”. Can we acknowledge that we have problems (even on an individual basis) with the goal and aim of erasing social ills? I know one of my problems is that I do not invest that much in face-to-face, real, high-quality relationships. I give a lot of lip service to it, and I may make it look like I am out meeting all sorts of people. But I tell you, I squander a lot of my time (ie, video games or otherwise holed up in my “palace”).
21 February 2012 5:54 am at 5:54 am
Here is the WCIA version:
http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=341852
I was impressed, both the reporter and the camera guy stayed around for the whole thing. I do not see that happening very often.
11 April 2012 4:25 pm at 4:25 pm
[...] the Superintendent” and will be holding another one May 3rd. The TALK Foundation has held one anti-bullying forum, as has Dr. Wiegand and the NAACP. And there are more. I am really excited about all that is [...]