The ABCs of Bullying Prevention stands for Addressing Bullying in Community Settings. With the passage of Public Act 241 on December 6, 2011, Michigan became the 48th state to require schools to develop and enforce policies to protect students from harassment, intimidation and physical violence. This act, known as the “Matt’s Safe School Law,” requires that all school district boards (including the boards of local districts, intermediate districts, and charter schools) adopt and implement a policy no later than six months after the passage of this legislation.
Providing adults with opportunities to explore and connect around these issues is the focus of a workshop currently offered through Michigan State University Extension titled ABCs of Bullying Prevention. This half day workshop is designed for adults who live with, care about and work with young people, including parents, caregivers and those who work in schools, youth and family agencies, youth organizations (such as 4-H, Scouts, and Boys and Girls Clubs), juvenile justice, faith-based communities, recreation departments and other community groups.
The workshops will be facilitated by MSU Extension program leaders Janet Olsen and Karen Pace, who have spent the last decade providing community education connecting issues of bullying prevention, social justice and youth development.
During the ABC’s of Bullying Prevention workshop, participants will:
· Share perspectives on the prevalence and types of bullying behaviors affecting their communities and then explore how these perspectives connect with recent research.
· Examine bullying, bias and harassment through the lens of differences.
· Explore key strategies for addressing these complex issues at the personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels.
· Learn about programs and resources that can be used in community settings, including a new MSU Extension initiative title Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments.
· This workshop will be held March 23rd from9:00 to noon at the Dearth Center at the Branch County Fairgrounds in Coldwater, Michigan. There is a small registration cost and the registration deadline is March 19th. Contact Suzi Pish, MSU Extension Educator, at 517-279-4311 or pishs@anr.msu.edu
