Diversity Focus, SourceMedia, PFLAG, Waypoint, Iowa Women’s Foundation, and many other local organizations are hosting a community discussion on Wednesday May 9th, 2012 at 7:00pm at Linn-Mar High School, 3111 North Tenth St, Marion, IA. The discussion will revolve around anit-bullying efforts as well as in part, the movie “Bully.
The movie “Bully” is now showing at the Carmike Wynnsong Theater everyday at 1:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. through Thursday, May 10th.
“Bully” is a raw documentary featuring 5 children facing various stages and forms of bullying across the nation. Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, offers an intimate look at how bullying has touched these children, their families, their school, and their communities. The movie documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole. “Bully” opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. To learn more and get information about the movie go to www.thebullyproject.com.
“This discussion will open lines of communication between youth, parents, and schools. Bridging the gap in sharing ownership and responsibility as a community in tackling the issue of bullying, “ says Anthony Brown, Diversity Focus’ Manager of Community Engagement & Development, “We have a responsibility as a community in keeping children safe and successful at school, on the bus, and at home. Diversity Focus is committed to the success of all students in the corridor.”
Moderators will facilitate the discussion on empowering youth, parents and the community to take a stand against bullying. There will be a short intro via Skype by the film director, Lee Hirsch. The panel will then respond to questions resulting from watching the film, talk about actions to stop bullying, and offer resources to those struggling with bullying in the community. After the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to engage face to face with the panelists and other resource organizations present.
