What is Disruption?
The traditional way of dealing with bullying in American public schools isn't working. Despite the best efforts and protections of the federal government, state legislatures, school administrators, teachers, and parents, we still don't have it right yet.
The bully-cycle phenomenon is a social condition that, while it plays itself out in the schoolyard and on social media, ultimately cannot be solved at the district level, or exclusively through law enforcement and courtrooms. By the time situations escalate to that point, the damage has already been done.
Instead, we must rely upon our own resources to effect change. And that means, whether you are a parent, student, friend, educator, school administrator, police officer, or community leader, the time has come to use your power for the greater good. Disrupt the system. Become an UPSTANDER against bullying.
Join the Disruption.
UPSTANDER's have the power to influence their peers. They take the time to learn about the kind of behaviors that constitute bullying and identify bullying when it occurs.
UPSTANDER's don't just go along to get along. They resist the bully-tribe by not engaging in third party conversations or mean-spirited gossip.
UPSTANDER's help others who are being bullied by letting the aggressor know their behavior is NOT okay. They are not afraid to get help and let the victim know they are not alone.
UPSTANDER's get their friends involved and stop untrue or harmful messages from spreading online or in person.
UPSTANDER's are not afraid to make friends outside of their circle, are welcoming to new students, and respect others' differences.
UPSTANDER's are honest, open-minded communicators and risk-takers who stand up for their own beliefs and are not afraid to do what is right, even if it means they are alone.
UPSTANDER's encourage direct communication over subterfuge and violence to solve problems.
UPSTANDER's are parents, educators, school administrators, members of law enforcement, and community leaders who take the time to learn about bullying, refuse to participate in or tolerate bullyish behavior, and promote bullying awareness in their homes and within their communities.
UPSTANDER's refuse to be bystanders.
UPSTANDER's are cool. Not cruel.
An UPSTANDER is the opposite of a bystander. A bystander is someone who does nothing to help when they see something wrong, while an UPSTANDER stands up and speaks out when someone is being hurt or wronged.
What is an UPSTANDER?
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CAMPAIGN
Are you ready to
change the world?