We’re hearing a lot about bullying lately.
Criminal charges against teens who bullied a classmate, suicides attributed to school-based violence and harassment, research that shows bullying affects brain chemistry, and a new state law that increases schools’ responsibility to keep young people safe.
Every year IMPACT serves between 1000 and 1500 children and teens. Many, like Josh, come to us because they don’t feel safe at school.
Josh is a 14-year-old boy whose mother found us after chronic bullying left him anxious and depressed. When we first met Josh he didn’t look people in the eye and spoke so softly we could barely hear him. Being in a group of supportive people and learning practical skills changed Josh. He left class with a new self-confidence. His mother called a week later to express her appreciation for the scholarship IMPACT gave their family. “He’s a new boy,” she told us. “I haven’t seen him smile this much in years.”
Giving Josh the tools to stand up for himself is important. So is helping teachers, parents, and student leaders create a school climate that promotes safety and respect.
Our Peer IMPACT program does just that. According to Elyse, a peer leader at her high school, “IMPACT taught me how to stay calm, communicate directly, and show people I mean what I say. I wouldn’t have had the courage to do something about bullying without it.”
If we teach people from an early age that they can do something about violence we make them less vulnerable. In 2010 we collaborated with 35 schools and youth groups. We also created customized programs for groups that experience disproportionately high rates of bulling: people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
In 2011 we want to do even more. More to prevent bullying and help young people heal from its devastating effects. More to help people from all walks of life create personal and social change.
Your generous support makes this possible. Whether your gift is $10 or $10,000, you play a crucial role in creating safety, healing and change. From all of us at IMPACT I wish you a safe and peaceful 2011.
Sincerely,
Meg Stone, Director
Click here to make a secure online donation to IMPACT.
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