Did you know that the city of Nashville is trying to implement a new policy about bullying in public parks? YES! This southern city wants the staff of Metro Parks and Recreation to report any acts considered bullying or harassment whether by co-workers or visitors to these public places. This could potentially be another stepping stool to a better environment for all of us. The more ways bullies can get caught, the less they will try.
This policy in Nashville's parks, community centers and Metro golf courses matches the school systems after-school, camp and other youth programs' policies already put in place. This idea has been talked about amongst the individuals involved with the Metro Department of Law for a number of years. Only recently, has a lawsuit come up against a transgender woman, Pamela DeSoto, who has been harassed by members of her fellow police officers. According to the Director of Metro Parks, Tommy Lynch, this policy isn't a result of this lawsuit. Regardless, this policy sounds like a step in the right direction not only for Nashville but for all of us. Maybe other towns and cities will follow their leading.
According to a new WalletHub study, Nashville currently ranks 6th worst for bullying. Arkansaw being the worst. Massachusetts being the best. Connecticut is somewhere in between, but that's no cause for celebration. We all have work to do and I hope as the months and years go by, we as a state and a country get better at controlling these bullies that have wreaked havoc on people's lives.
--Ruth Jackson
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
There's an App for that!
Believe it or not someone came up with an app that let's kids report bullying anonymously. YES! Now we can finally say there's an app for everything! Here is the article all about it.
The purpose behind this app, Stop!t is a great one and I can only hope schools across the country will see this as a valuable tool that will help kids growing in a more stable and healthy school environment. Telling someone is half the battle of getting these bullies to stop. The way the internet is progressing and technology booming, if we don't take measures to put an end to this, we will have more kids living in turmoil.
I love the fact that the founder, Todd Schobel, is already thinking about expanding upon his original idea and offering the same concept to the military and workplaces. This is definitely an app everyone should have! Can't wait to see this in action. I seriously hope that administrators and schools will take this app seriously and provide the funds so that they can experience kids' having a great time at school instead of dreading it.
Back in highschool, I still remember not wanting to go to school because I knew the people I had to face. There was always going to be a new name to call me or make fun of me for. I couldn't escape it. If I had the Stop!t App, I might have been able to record what these kids were doing. If cyberbullying were apart of my world growing up, I honestly have no idea how I'd stand it. At least when I went home, I was safe. Nowadays, no one is safe because we have social media everywhere. This app will definitely change things.
--Ruth Jackson
The purpose behind this app, Stop!t is a great one and I can only hope schools across the country will see this as a valuable tool that will help kids growing in a more stable and healthy school environment. Telling someone is half the battle of getting these bullies to stop. The way the internet is progressing and technology booming, if we don't take measures to put an end to this, we will have more kids living in turmoil.
I love the fact that the founder, Todd Schobel, is already thinking about expanding upon his original idea and offering the same concept to the military and workplaces. This is definitely an app everyone should have! Can't wait to see this in action. I seriously hope that administrators and schools will take this app seriously and provide the funds so that they can experience kids' having a great time at school instead of dreading it.
Back in highschool, I still remember not wanting to go to school because I knew the people I had to face. There was always going to be a new name to call me or make fun of me for. I couldn't escape it. If I had the Stop!t App, I might have been able to record what these kids were doing. If cyberbullying were apart of my world growing up, I honestly have no idea how I'd stand it. At least when I went home, I was safe. Nowadays, no one is safe because we have social media everywhere. This app will definitely change things.
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
A Belated Valentine's
In light of Valentine's Day, I thought I would write a post specifically about love. This day isn't just about a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife it's about showing love to those you care about as well as those who are around you. I can show love towards my co-workers, my family, my friends AND my boyfriend.
Bullies don't show love, instead they show contempt, hatred, jealousy and/or rage. They don't care about someone else's feelings. All they want is to make themselves look and feel good. If they have to break some bones or step on people to get there, that's what they will do. We should be the complete opposite. As part of being "nobul" we want to help others be comfortable being themselves, lift them up and include them. It doesn't matter what background they have or what language they speak; each person is unique. If the whole world was like me, life would be boring. Think about it.
Here's a challenge for you all. Take a look around your neighborhood or place of work. Is there anyone you don't know that well? Anyone that you've deemed "strange" because you simply don't understand them? Why not get to know them. Start with sharing some cookies you've made and ask them personally "Do you like them?" Or maybe just complimenting them on a shirt or tie. Sometimes the simplest gesture can mean the world to someone.
Be Nobul
--Ruth Jackson
Safe Schools Improvement Act
Today as I was figuring out what the next blog post should be about, I came across this article. This is relatively new and I hadn't yet heard about it in the news. I feel like I should be all for this new bill, but I am having concerns. Maybe you all can think for yourselves for a minute, would this improve things or make things worse? What would you change to make schools a better place?
In a nutshell, this Safe Schools Improvement Act basically forces educational leaders (who receive money from the government like public schools) to come up with a plan to help stop current and future bullying problems. On the one hand I agree with Senator Mark Kirk who talked about every child needing a safe place to learn. The other side of this issue is the fact that this will be "forced" upon these people who are already overworked and underpaid. Granted, integration was forced on the people of Little Rock, AK and look where we are now. Sometimes ideas need to be forced, but it's going to be a long hard road.
In my opinion, the idea is spot in that we desperately need a law in place that protects kids from being beaten up because of race, sex etc. To go even further, if/when this bill is passed, together we need to continue helping others see the negative consequences of bullying. So many schools have the tendency to ignore the problems their students face in fear of negative publicity or maybe just plain shame. It's time to take action and to let the principals and teachers of these schools know that they can and SHOULD do something to help.
I like how Ellen Khan describes the intent of this Act, "puts more teeth in taking action." This world definitely needs it. I can't wait to read more in the upcoming months on how this bill progress and if there will be additions or modifications to make this change easier.
What do you think about it all? Would you have suggestions for Congress? This very well be the much needed next step to encouraging our youth in the right direction.
--Ruth Jackson
In a nutshell, this Safe Schools Improvement Act basically forces educational leaders (who receive money from the government like public schools) to come up with a plan to help stop current and future bullying problems. On the one hand I agree with Senator Mark Kirk who talked about every child needing a safe place to learn. The other side of this issue is the fact that this will be "forced" upon these people who are already overworked and underpaid. Granted, integration was forced on the people of Little Rock, AK and look where we are now. Sometimes ideas need to be forced, but it's going to be a long hard road.
In my opinion, the idea is spot in that we desperately need a law in place that protects kids from being beaten up because of race, sex etc. To go even further, if/when this bill is passed, together we need to continue helping others see the negative consequences of bullying. So many schools have the tendency to ignore the problems their students face in fear of negative publicity or maybe just plain shame. It's time to take action and to let the principals and teachers of these schools know that they can and SHOULD do something to help.
I like how Ellen Khan describes the intent of this Act, "puts more teeth in taking action." This world definitely needs it. I can't wait to read more in the upcoming months on how this bill progress and if there will be additions or modifications to make this change easier.
What do you think about it all? Would you have suggestions for Congress? This very well be the much needed next step to encouraging our youth in the right direction.
--Ruth Jackson
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Never Say Never
Anthony Ianni, former MSU basketball player, should be considered a notable role model not only for those with disabilities, but those who have heard the words, "You can't." Here is an article about his recent speech.
I don't know about you but I hate hearing the words, "You can't." Doesn't that just make you bow your head in shame? Anthony's doctors told him he couldn't play sports and couldn't go to college. Guess What? He's a graduate from Michigan State University and he plays basketball. HA! I wonder how his parents felt.
In this speech he made on his "Relentless Tour" against bullying, he talks about making a difference "one person at a time." This is exactly what we at Nobul are striving to do for every one of you. Violence isn't the answer and Anthony knew that. Hope and inspiration are what got him through and what also got me through those tough times.
"Don't give up," is a motto I believe everyone should hold close to their hearts. In the words of one of my favorite characters in the movie Gifted Hands, "You can do anything anyone else can do, only you can do it better." Go after your dreams and don't let anyone else bring you down with the words, "You can't," because YOU CAN!
--Ruth Jackson
I don't know about you but I hate hearing the words, "You can't." Doesn't that just make you bow your head in shame? Anthony's doctors told him he couldn't play sports and couldn't go to college. Guess What? He's a graduate from Michigan State University and he plays basketball. HA! I wonder how his parents felt.
In this speech he made on his "Relentless Tour" against bullying, he talks about making a difference "one person at a time." This is exactly what we at Nobul are striving to do for every one of you. Violence isn't the answer and Anthony knew that. Hope and inspiration are what got him through and what also got me through those tough times.
"Don't give up," is a motto I believe everyone should hold close to their hearts. In the words of one of my favorite characters in the movie Gifted Hands, "You can do anything anyone else can do, only you can do it better." Go after your dreams and don't let anyone else bring you down with the words, "You can't," because YOU CAN!
--Ruth Jackson
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The Nick Lowery Foundation
I going to come right out and say that this man's, Nick Lowery, stand on bullying is an excellent example to follow. Nick is a former NFL player and the founder of the Nick Lowery Foundation. His website here, has many videos and programs geared at the American youth in order to spread awareness of bullying.
I for one, love absolutely love his mission statement:
"We are dedicated to return America to greatness by refocusing Education and Youth Development on (A) unleashing each child's unique Creativity and (B) harnessing these creative new ideas with Leadership skills to transform them into new community assets and products."
Nick is inspiring kids to be leaders, to stand up for people when no one else is watching.
I'm not saying this is the ONLY way to help the current crisis but this is definitely a way to promote inclusion amongst our youngsters. The earlier they understand this powerful truth, the better off they will be as they get older and face other issues. Spreading awareness of bullying helps these kids not to become bullies themselves. Once these kids hold onto this, they can in turn help the younger generation follow the right path which is why Lowery's point B is to give them leadership skills. This is an important aspect of awareness. If the older generation doesn't teach the younger ones the right way, they will make the same mistakes we did.
Let's all be Champions Against Bullying and stand up for one another!
--Ruth Jackson
I for one, love absolutely love his mission statement:
"We are dedicated to return America to greatness by refocusing Education and Youth Development on (A) unleashing each child's unique Creativity and (B) harnessing these creative new ideas with Leadership skills to transform them into new community assets and products."
Nick is inspiring kids to be leaders, to stand up for people when no one else is watching.
I'm not saying this is the ONLY way to help the current crisis but this is definitely a way to promote inclusion amongst our youngsters. The earlier they understand this powerful truth, the better off they will be as they get older and face other issues. Spreading awareness of bullying helps these kids not to become bullies themselves. Once these kids hold onto this, they can in turn help the younger generation follow the right path which is why Lowery's point B is to give them leadership skills. This is an important aspect of awareness. If the older generation doesn't teach the younger ones the right way, they will make the same mistakes we did.
Let's all be Champions Against Bullying and stand up for one another!
--Ruth Jackson
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Bullies on the Big Screen
Boy is it COLD outside!!! I just want to snuggle underneath a blanket and watch a movie. Speaking of which, I've noticed many of the movies I have come to love and watch over and over again have a character that's a bully. Honestly, I didn't really think about it before. Bullies seem to appear in most movies set in a school or surround the life of a young person usually under 18. In High School Musical, there's Sharpay. In 17 Again, there's Stan. In 13 going on 30, there's Lucy. In Despicable Me, there's Gru, Miss Hattie and Despicable Me 2, you have El Macho. In Back to the Future there's Biff. Watching each character taunt, humiliate or utterly destroy someone's confidence/self esteem makes my heart just plummet.
I wanted to bring this to attention because there's a lesson to be learned. Now, I realize these are fiction films, but nevertheless these things happen in real life. I still remember watching the movie, Cyberbully, and having a million emotions go through me. What I went through was nothing compared to what Taylor was feeling. Regardless, no one has any right to treat someone else like dirt. Not a single person. I'm sure many of us have felt similar maybe even wished we weren't alive, but there is something to be said about staying strong and fighting the fight. The key for me to keep myself from falling into believing the lies fed to me from bullies is to remind myself daily that Ruth Jackson is in fact a one-of-a-kind human being and nothing can bring me down!
Here is a list of movies with bullies in them. Some of them I haven't seen yet, but I plan to! Think about what these characters are doing. If you realize you've been doing the same thing, make a change. If you see a classmate being cornered, be their "hero." Sometimes it's scary whether you are being bullied or standing up for someone else, but it's the right thing to do. Be the person others can look up to.
--Ruth Jackson
I wanted to bring this to attention because there's a lesson to be learned. Now, I realize these are fiction films, but nevertheless these things happen in real life. I still remember watching the movie, Cyberbully, and having a million emotions go through me. What I went through was nothing compared to what Taylor was feeling. Regardless, no one has any right to treat someone else like dirt. Not a single person. I'm sure many of us have felt similar maybe even wished we weren't alive, but there is something to be said about staying strong and fighting the fight. The key for me to keep myself from falling into believing the lies fed to me from bullies is to remind myself daily that Ruth Jackson is in fact a one-of-a-kind human being and nothing can bring me down!
Here is a list of movies with bullies in them. Some of them I haven't seen yet, but I plan to! Think about what these characters are doing. If you realize you've been doing the same thing, make a change. If you see a classmate being cornered, be their "hero." Sometimes it's scary whether you are being bullied or standing up for someone else, but it's the right thing to do. Be the person others can look up to.
--Ruth Jackson
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