Bullying continues to be a tragic problem across the country. In Kentucky alone, over the past year there have been numerous reports of bullying and suicides as a potential result of bullying. Luckily, there are many who are devoted to reduce and prevent bullying in middle and high schools. Lexington Fairness has committed its funding and programming to Project Speak Out, a bullying prevention program.
As part of this program, in August, nearly 30 community volunteers were certified by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to provide training to middle and high school staff regarding bullying prevention. In addition, Project Speak Out will be providing free GLSEN Safe Space Kits to schools in Central Kentucky, as well as working on the goal of making sure every middle and high school in Kentucky has a kit.
The month of October is important in the battle to prevent bullying among our youth. National Stop Bullying Week is October 7– 13, and National Bullying Bystanders Unite Week is October 14 – 20. Specifically, on Wednesday, October 10, wear orange to show your support of PACER’s Unity Day. The organization runs the National Bullying Prevention Center, working to end bullying in schools.
On Thursday, October 11, you can join Lexington Fairness at Soundbar for a fundraiser for Project Speak Out. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the night will be donated to the organization’s bullying prevention program. It is also National Coming Out Day, so the fundraiser at Soundbar is bound to be a fun-filled night!
It is past time for all of us to make the change to help prevent bullying. If there truly is something we want to see happen, we must first act ourselves. Now is the time to step up, support our children, and help them feel safe in school, while providing LGBT students with a safe and supportive community where they feel comfortable living.
Craig Cammack
Chairman
Lexington Fairness