Tag Archives: National Bullying Prevention Month

The Scientology Network Shares Tools to Help Deal with Bullying

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property last year. Bullying can be traumatic to both victims and bystanders. Friends and families, aware of the problem, often feel powerless to help. But using human rights educational initiatives supported by the Church of Scientology, they can transform a culture of bullying and intimidation into one of mutual support and respect.

The urgency of taking effective action is highlighted by studies carried out by Yale University showing victims of bullying are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than nonvictims. Another study found that when bystanders to bullying intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57 percent of the time.

Parents, educators and community and religious leaders can cultivate a more humane and responsible environment by educating youth on their rights and responsibilities using the youth-friendly booklets and videos of United for Human Rights and its program for young people Youth for Human Rights. These materials are available free of charge to anyone wishing to use them.

The Scientology Network's original series Voices for Humanity documents the work of human rights advocates who use these programs to create meaningful change. A prime example is Rock for Human Rights (R4HR) lead singer Wil Seabrook.

When he launched his group's "30 Days-30 Rights" human rights school concert tour across America, Seabrook had no idea how pervasive bullying was or that what he was embarking on could save lives.

In a school auditorium filled with kids, he said, "Raise your hand if anybody's ever tried to bully you." Immediately, almost every hand in the audience shot up. "Everywhere I go and no matter the age of the audience, I've found that bullying is a universal problem," he says.

Seabrook's band performs music that promotes human rights and uses the Youth for Human Rights materials to introduce students to their rights and responsibilities.

In an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network, Seabrook speaks of how kids come up to the band after their concerts saying they're going to take more personal responsibility for creating a safe environment for their peers. "The simple, powerful information in these booklets and video PSAs changes lives daily, and is a much-needed tool in the effort to end the bullying epidemic," he says.

Voices for Humanity features episodes on human rights advocates from Guatemala to Taiwan, Colombia to South Africa, and from Pakistan to Morocco who share how they have used these initiatives to create meaningful change. And how simple it is to do so.

The Story of Human Rights, a brief documentary on the history of human rights and its state in the world today, also airs on the network.

The Scientology Network debuted in March 2018. Since launching, it has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about the Scientology religion and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://voicesforhumanity.tv

https://Scientology.tv/WSeabrook

MULTIMEDIA:

https://voicesforhumanity.tv

https://Scientology.tv/HumanRights

https://Scientology.tv/WSeabrook

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property last year. Bullying can be traumatic to both victims and bystanders. Friends and families, aware of the problem, often feel powerless to help. But using human rights educational initiatives supported by the Church of Scientology, they can transform a culture of bullying and intimidation into one of mutual support and respect.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Bullying Prevention Month: Tackling Bullying is a Matter of Life and Death

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bullying is a serious, often life-threatening issue. For Bullying Prevention Month, the Church of Scientology International shares the story of a humanitarian who found a simple way to change the culture of bullying to one of compassion.

When a rock and roll band called Rock for Human Rights (R4HR) launched its "30 Days-30 Rights" human rights school concert tour across America, they were hoping to create an impact. But they didn't expect they'd be saving lives.

R4HR founder and lead singer Wil Seabrook's idea for the tour was to help youth make a personal connection with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which lists out 30 rights everyone has by virtue of being human. They would use the booklets and videos of Youth for Human Rights International.

But the number one question on everyone's mind was "Why would a fifth-grader in Iowa care about human rights around the world? How do you make this subject real to that kid, and why should they care?"

Seabrook found the answer to that question at one of their first school concerts. In an auditorium filled with kids, he said, "Raise your hand if anybody's ever tried to bully you in your life." Immediately, almost every hand in the audience shot up.

"I've been fortunate enough to perform for tens of thousands of young people all over the world, sharing the vitally important information contained in the Youth For Human Rights materials," says Seabrook. "Everywhere I go and no matter the age of the audience, I've found that bullying is a universal problem."

This is all the more staggering when viewed through the lens of a CDC study that found suicide is the second leading cause of death among American youths age 14-18. What's more, a 2014 study found "a strong association" between bullying and suicide thoughts and attempts.

"Rock For Human Rights teaches young people that they have more power than they realize and that human rights begins in places closest to home," says Seabrook. "For students, this means the school environment they themselves create for each other. We receive success stories constantly after our performances from students saying they're going to take more personal responsibility for creating a safe and uplifting environment for their peers. The simple, powerful information in these booklets and video PSAs changes lives daily, and is a much-needed tool in the effort to end the bullying epidemic."

Youth for Human Rights International is the youth component of United for Human Rights. It is a global nonprofit organization founded in 2001 with the purpose to teach youth about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. The United for Human Rights e-Course is available free of charge in 18 languages.

The Church of Scientology and Scientologists support United for Human Rights, the world's largest nongovernmental human rights awareness campaign. Scientology Churches sponsor chapters of the group.

The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center in Los Angeles, California, produces and ships out human rights booklets, DVDs and education packages free of charge to parents, educators, law enforcement, community groups and nonprofits.

The Church's support is inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's conviction that "It is vital that all thinking men urge upon their governments sweeping reforms in the field of human rights."

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org/

https://www.rockforhumanrights.org/

MULTIMEDIA

VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ubIm660SPs

Bullying is a serious, often life-threatening issue. For Bullying Prevention Month, the Church of Scientology International shares the story of a humanitarian who found a simple way to change the culture of bullying to one of compassion. Rock for Human Rights (R4HR) launched its "30 Days-30 Rights" human rights school concert tour across America.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Dallas Teen Publishes Award Winning Children’s Book Promoting Disability Representation

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Just in time for National Bullying Prevention Month, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" (ISBN: 978-1612543154) by Natalie Gonchar, is a new book scheduled to release on September 24, 2019.

The book has already won the Gold Mom's Choice Award - a national award honoring excellence in family-friendly media, and it's currently being reviewed for the Schneider Family Book award by the American Library Association (ALA).

Dr. Joan K. Blaska, a retired professor at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and author of "Using Children's Literature to Learn about Disabilities and Illness," praised the book as a positive example of inclusionary literature.

"We need more inclusionary books where a character who has a disability is included, but the story is not about the disability," Blaska says. "The main character of this book is a girl who happens to have a disability. The topic is bullying, which is a problem in all of our schools. We've needed a book for children to foster conversations about bullying."

The book's main character, Lisa, along with her friends, work to confront bullies, Billy and Joe, who take allowances, steal snacks and generally, push people around. Lisa has a run-in with one of the boys and her wheelchair breaks, but her kind neighbor, Mr. Gringle, gives her a new one. This one is colorfully painted and according to Mr. Gringle, "brims with magic." Lisa is skeptical at first, but quickly realizes something is definitely different. She has a new-found power; she can now face these bullies and inspires other kids to do the same.

The book is available for online purchase through Barnes & Noble's website. All proceeds benefit charity.

For more information, visit: https://www.nataliegonchar.com/

Follow on social at:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrgringlesmagicalwheelchair/
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mr_gringles_magical_wheelchair/

About the Author:

Natalie Gonchar is 17. She is a journalist contributing articles to local and international newspapers and is an active advocate for disability representation. She is the President of the junior board of Big Dreams Children's Foundation. In both 2018 and 2019 Natalie received The President's Volunteer Service Award.

Image links for media:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0905s2p-mrg-magical-wheelchr-300dpi.jpg
Photo Caption: Cover, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair."

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0905s2p-Natalie-Gonchar-300dpi.jpg
Photo Caption: Natalie Gonchar, author, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair"

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9iXYIyc0wT0

Just in time for National Bullying Prevention Month, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" (ISBN: 978-1612543154) by Natalie Gonchar, is a new book scheduled to release on September 24, 2019. The book has already won the Gold Mom's Choice Award.

Related link: https://www.nataliegonchar.com/

Stars of Indie Film ‘A Boy Called Po’ Activate their Voices for Autism during National Bullying Prevention Month

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Geek Club Books for Autism today announced that actors Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder, lead characters in the award-winning indie film, "A Boy Called Po" joined the #Activate4Autism movement, a public awareness campaign as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. People on the autism spectrum are often misunderstood, marginalized, undervalued and 3 times more likely to be victims of bullying.

The campaign brings together voice, stage and film actors, children's authors, comic artists and autistic advocates who activate their voices for autism, speaking out for acceptance and inclusion. Videos are viewable, educational comics are downloadable, and action steps for activating change are accessible via the nonprofit website, geekclubbooks.com.

"'A Boy Called Po' is about a young boy living with autism and his relationship with his recently widowed dad," said Christopher Gorham who plays Po's father and is best known for his roles on "Ugly Betty" and "Covert Affairs." "Our film and the #Activate4Autism movement are about inclusiveness and acceptance for those who are different."

Playing the role of Po, Julian Feder gained insights into the intolerance, fear and bullying so many children with autism face every day. "I'm activating my voice for autism we need to call attention to the bullying and remember to give people with autism a chance, because everyone has something special to offer."

"We took part in Geek Club Books #Activate4Autism because, like the film, this nonprofit helps autistic individuals to tell their stories so people can make a deeper connection to this marginalized population and the challenges they face," said John Asher, Director of "A Boy Called Po."

Asher adds, "There's so much hatred out there in the world and Po is about really about acceptance. We don't need to make people with autism fit into society. We need to learn how to fit into their world."

"A Boy Called Po" was in theaters this summer and is now available on-demand everywhere including iTunes and Amazon. The filmmakers are working to get the film distributed to educational institutions to bring better awareness and acceptance into schools.

To join the activator heroes-the actors, authors and advocates-who are speaking out against bullying and activating change, go to https://geekclubbooks.com/activate4autism/

About Geek Club Books:

Using storytelling, Geek Club Books nonprofit's mission is changing perceptions and putting an end to the stigma surrounding autism, replacing fear with wonder. The nonprofit produces interactive children's comics, curriculum, assemblies, public awareness campaigns, online resources, and educational videos for acceptance in classrooms, on playgrounds and in communities. They mentor and empower autistic individuals to be the storytellers, inspiring empathy, inclusion and acceptance for those who are different. Learn more: https://geekclubbooks.com/.

About A Boy Called Po:

Inspired by true events, "A Boy Called Po" tells the story of a recently widowed father (Christopher Gorham) struggling to raise his son (Julian Feder) who is on the autism spectrum. The pressures of work, school and coping with loss push the two nearly to the point of breaking. John Asher directed the film from a script by Colin Goldman who shares story credit with Steve C. Roberts.

TWITTER: #Activate4Autism @geekclubbooks

*IMAGES for Media:
(1) Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1101s2p-activate-autism-300dpi.jpg
(2) Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1101s2p-christopher-gorham-300dpi.jpg
(3) Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1101s2p-julian-feder-300dpi.jpg

*VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/ZZfOntUgMN8

Geek Club Books for Autism today announced that actors Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder, lead characters in the award-winning indie film, "A Boy Called Po" joined the #Activate4Autism movement, a public awareness campaign as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. People on the autism spectrum are often misunderstood, marginalized, undervalued and 3 times more likely to be victims of bullying.

Related link: http://geekclubbooks.com/

Actors, Authors, Artists and Advocates Activate their Voices for Autism during National Bullying Prevention Month

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Geek Club Books, Inc., an autism nonprofit, today launched #Activate4Autism movement, a public awareness campaign as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. The autistic are often misunderstood, marginalized, undervalued and 3 times more likely to be victims of bullying. The campaign brings together voice, stage and film actors, children's authors, comic artists and autistic advocates who activate their voices for autism, speaking out for acceptance and inclusion.

Videos are viewable, educational comics are downloadable, and action steps for activating change are accessible via Geek Club Books website.

"I'm activating my voice for autism during National Bullying Prevention Month to remind people that each and every one of us is unique and special," said Dave Fennoy, 'THE VOICE' of video games (80+ including "The Walking Dead," "Warcraft," "Starcraft 2"), animation ("Star Wars," "Archer," "Kim Possible") and television promos (8+ including Hulu, Showtime, Fox). "And no one deserves to be bullied."

"We need to shape a better place for ourselves in this world," said Robert Watkins, autistic advocate and founder of autistic.ly. "We need to stand up for who we are and how we are. Stand up and join us in activating our voices for autism."

Companies and organizations committed to diversity and inclusion joined the movement to stand in solidarity with its mission: Universal FanCon, Electronic Arts, Bluebee Pals, MrsP.com, Happy Hands Toys, Independence Day Clothing Company, The Innovation Press, and Chase 'N Yur Face.

"We partnered with Geek Club Books because, like #Activate4Autism, Universal FanCon is part of the counter narrative to a world story of ignorance and hate," said Chaucey Robinson, Universal FanCon co-founder and Director of Communications. "Through our differences, we are united and an example of positivity, diversity and hope."

To join the activator heroes, speak out against bullying and activate change, go to https://geekclubbooks.com/activate4autism/

About Geek Club Books:

Using storytelling, Geek Club Books nonprofit's mission is changing perceptions and putting an end to the stigma surrounding autism, replacing fear with wonder. The nonprofit produces interactive children's comics, curriculum, assemblies, public awareness campaigns, online resources, and educational videos for acceptance in classrooms, on playgrounds and in communities. They mentor and empower autistic individuals to be the storytellers, inspiring empathy, inclusion and acceptance for those who are different.

Learn more: https://geekclubbooks.com/activate4autism

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeekClubBooks

About Universal Fan Con:

Geek is universal. Universal FanCon is dedicated to being the first ever multi-fandom con dedicated to inclusion, highlighting woman, LGBTQ, disabled people, autistic community, and persons of color. The inaugural con will take place April 27-29 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Learn more: https://www.universalfancon.com/

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1005s2p-Dave-Fennoy-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Preeminent voice actor Dave Fennoy is one of the actors, authors, artists and advocates who is part of the #Activate4Autism movement to speak up for acceptance and speak out against bullying.

*VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/YQ5z8XfRN3g

Geek Club Books, Inc., an autism nonprofit, today launched #Activate4Autism movement, a public awareness campaign as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. The autistic are often misunderstood, marginalized, undervalued and 3 times more likely to be victims of bullying. The campaign brings together voice, stage and film actors, children's authors, comic artists and autistic advocates who activate their voices for autism, speaking out for acceptance and inclusion.

Related link: http://geekclubbooks.com/