UGYE was started by Lorrie Sanchez in Cranford, NJ after she found out that a local boy in her town had been bullied repetitively at his high school. This drove her to start the grassroots organization and to dedicate her efforts towards eliminating bullying by developing research based products and professional tools for educators. Its official mission is: “To make a difference in the lives of children by growing caring, empathetic communities, learning and social environments. By providing the tools to raise awareness and educate we will rally the community against bullying, intolerance and social injustice” (LetsEndCyberBullying.com)
Speak Out Against Bullying is a Los Angeles based organization that strives to advocate for social and civic changes that inspire a call to action against bullying, cyber bullying and sexting. Started by Monica Harmon in 2013, SOAB relies on public awareness and education to help make a difference. Harmon has had vast experience with community organizing, and uses her experiences as a community organizer, community outreach specialist and community policy advocate to make a positive change. SOAB was honored by the LA Council and has been recognized by many other groups like the LAPD.
Positive Works is a grassroots organization that is parent-driven, with the mission to create positive change on bullying and other trending issues that cause concern for communities. The organization was created in 2010 when Trish Morille and Sarah Fisher were determined to make a difference after the near-death of a Houston 3rd grade student. The Positive Works organization stresses a two pronged process, where educators and parents are able to educate students on the importance of being aware of bullying. The message is to stay positive in the midst of negativity and to have students understand it from the home to the homeroom.
Based in Deltona, Florida Bully Armor is a non-profit organization and grassroots organization that looks to combat bullying using innovation strategies like bringing musicians and having car show events to help spread the message. The organization was started in 2010 by Nick Pizza and its programs on average reduce bullying up to 70% in student reports (BullyArmor.org). They are advocates of the Olweus Bully Prevention Program, which is a comprehensive website that has online programs and other resources that schools can use. It is however, not a free service and it roughly costs $5000 for all of the services and expenses (News-Journal Online).
SA Bully Free was initiated in response to the suicide of Isaac Bueno Yocom on August 2, 2015, a week after his 14th birthday. He had been bullied since kindergarten and though he changed schools, the problems continued. The SA Bully Free Campaign is directed towards addressing issues of bullying in public schools, community centers, etc. in the San Antonio community. According to the site, their mission is “to build a coordinated community support system city wide with a multifaceted approach using anti-bully signage and other resources to correct bully attacks and bully behavior” (I Will Be Nice, 2017). Another way the campaign seeks to get support is to have students commit to the cause by taking an oath.
Avoyelles Bully Busters is a Louisiana based group that has over 1,400 Facebook likes and looks to raise awareness and provide education to people about the bullying epidemic in the community. They want to discuss how it encompasses not only schools, but also playgrounds. It wants to bring in suicide prevention into the discourse and to help young people get the support they need. The organization began when a young man named John Jurreau committed suicide after being bullied.
End To Cyber Bullying is a NYC based organization that seeks to drive change from the community level. It is centered on educating people about cyber bullying and its negative effects. It looks to raise awareness with a lot of helpful information on the website and to give people resources like online counseling and local clubs to meet other victims. Funnily enough, one of the VP’s of the organization is a current Bowdoin student and one of the President’s is a friend I made during my days as a junior tennis player.
Interactions for Peace is an organization that challenges itself to make school environments a safe space where people can learn and grow without any fear of exclusion and judgment. Founded in San Diego by Eden Steele, the organization is heavily marketed as a grassroots organization seeking to get donations and support from the local community. They list five essential elements and philosophies: 1) Self awareness and confidence, 2) Cooperation, 3) Communication, 4) Conflict Resolution and Conflict Transformation, 5) Parent and Community Connections
Live Out Loud was founded by Sherrie Gearheart in Chicago, IL after losing her childhood friend to suicide. Since then, she has advocated for awareness on depression and suicide prevention, as well as how bullying can lead to these happening. The organization uses a host of different ways to advocate its mission. In the picture above, there was a fashion fundraiser that was held in 2016. LOL also go to schools to speak at schools.
Dignity & Respect Campaign was started in Pittsburgh in 2008. Under the “Who We Serve” tab, it states, “The Dignity & Respect Campaign is a grassroots initiative to support communities, organizations, youth programs, schools, and sports teams in making our world a better place for ALL to live—with ALL of our differences” (DignityAndRespect.org). It looks to give initiatives and established programs to workplaces or schools so that inclusive and environments where everyone feels welcome can be formed. There are more than 100 organizations and schools that are engaged with D&R.