Chris Sakelarios - The Spectrum Magazine

More documents

Recommendations

Info

RWC Youth Hold Rally to Halt Bullying Curbing bullying can start by simply reaching out — a message local teens emphasized during an anti-bullying rally and concert at the Fox Theatre. Started last year, the Young Dreamer Network is a youth development program run by the Redwood City–based nonprofit Dream Volunteers. Working with local teens, the program focuses on volunteer and leadership opportunities. Its first big event will focus on a topic chosen by the teens: bullying. Teen members of the Young Dreamer Network hosted a concert and rally on Oct. 24 for about 800 local middle school students to launch an anti-bullying campaign. “Bullying is very important in our lives right now,” said 16-year-old Angelina Laus, a junior at Summit Preparatory High School in Redwood City. Laus added that all the teens in the Young Dreamer Network could relate to having seen bullying or being bullied. The event’s goal is to stress the importance of sharing instances of bullying with others, she said. Sean Story, a 16-year-old sophomore at Everest Public High School in Redwood City, added that the group decided to focus on middle school students since kids are often finding themselves and their friends at that time. In addition, Story thought it was an impressionable age during which, with the right influences, negative habits could be changed. Making a change, Story said, comes through communication. Many programs separate the bully and the person being bullied. Story believes the two should work together to solve the problem. “The rally is to bring about awareness and to join forces,” said Story, who wanted middle school kids to be empowered and feel good about themselves. The event presentation included a challenge to those in attendance to befriend those who may be getting bullied. Bystanders, the teens explained, are important. They have the power to befriend those going through a difficult time or explain to another why their actions are wrong. While smaller efforts have been taken on by the group, this is its first big event. “Dream Volunteers empowers youths to be difference makers,” said Dream Volunteers Executive Director Brian Burtz. The group meets weekly after school and began “Dream Volunteers empowers youths to be difference makers” to brainstorm for an idea in the spring. Students worked hard on the content while adults helped with logistics. Getting the content led to partnerships like working with a local company to make documentary and public service announcement– style videos that can be shown, said Burtz. Sam Sobell, a 16-year-old junior from Summit, described the concert as the beginning. The group hopes to do more things to curb bullying in the future. While there are no plans set, Sobell mentioned training groups of students at different schools with tools to deal with the problem. In addition, Sobell encouraged parents to talk with their kids about bullying. “For kids, it can be hard to start the conversation,” he said. “If parents start it, it could be easier.” For more information about the Young Dreamer Network, visit www.youngdreamernetwork.org. Editor’s note: This article, written by Heather Murtagh, appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper. www.SpectrumMagazine.net
6 5 0 368-2660 Corrin Rankin 234 Marshall Street #100 • Redwood City, CA 94063 Se Habla Español CA Insurance Lic. #1842835 The Spectrum 21
Page 1 and 2: Chris Sakelarios A “do-gooder”
Page 3 and 4: The Spectrum.NOV.2011 Table of Cont
Page 5 and 6: RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood
Page 7 and 8: Nonprofits in the News Redwood City
Page 9 and 10: SKATING TIS THE SEASON The Spectrum
Page 11 and 12: during their quest for a safe place
Page 13 and 14: P.S. The People Speak: Letters to t
Page 15 and 16: Community Interest Sequoia Hospital
Page 17 and 18: The Spectrum 17
Page 19: imbalances and causes of pain just
Page 23 and 24: Insurance Tips: Six Ways to Save Mo
Page 25 and 26: City Announces Winners of Mayor’s
Page 27 and 28: Gift cards available NOW! Presents
Page 29 and 30: ! Neighborhoood Toy Store Day Satur
Page 31 and 32: Real Estate: Michelle Glaubert at C
Page 33 and 34: As I Was Saying… (Continued from
Page 35 and 36: The Spectrum 35

Chris Sakelarios - The Spectrum Magazine

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?