Program for Parents to Address School Bullying

Launching a New Program for Parents and Guardians To Address Bullying and Build A Positive School Climate

Contact: GroundSpark, Eileen Glaser, Education Coordinator

GroundSpark and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) launched a new initiative today to support parents and guardians in addressing bias-related name-calling and bullying in their children’s elementary and middle schools.

Through our Respect for All Project, we are partnering with HRCF’s Welcoming Schools program to provide all tools and materials needed to present a two-hour evening program for any PTA, PTO, or community group. The program is part of the national effort to address bullying through National Bullying Awareness Month.

This extensive program resources consist of:

• DVD copy and curriculum guide of our highly acclaimed half hour documentary, Let’s Get Real
• New short DVD produced by Welcoming Schools What We Can Do? Bias, Bullying and Bystanders
• Guide to help organizers facilitate a workshop that leads to action at their school
• Publicity tools, and other support

“We strongly believe that parents and guardians are the third leg of the stool that must be engaged in order to have a safe school learning environment,” says GroundSpark president and film director Debra Chasnoff. “This program and partnership with Welcoming Schools will help strengthen any school’s work with staff and students. We’ve made it very easy for any group of parents to turn their interest and concern into action.”

The films and structured activities will help families understand what kinds of bullying students are experiencing and observing and help communities take a serious look at how factors like race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, economic status, religion, country of origin, physical or learning disabilities are involved in many bullying situations.

“This partnership is designed to engage communities with strategies to help support “ally” behavior among students, said Kim Westheimer, director of Welcoming Schools. “The tools provide concrete resources to help adults and students create environments where diversity is respected and celebrated. “

To learn more about the program and to sign up for an event and purchase the kit, visit www.groundspark.org/welcomingschools.