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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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A call to action to prevent bullying in our community
11/19/08
I am writing in an effort to mobilize the citizens of Red Deer.
Nov. 17 – 21, 2008 is National Bully Awareness week in Canada. We as citizens need to recognize that bullying effects everyone and something needs to be done.
Bullying goes on in schools, in homes, and out on the streets of our community everyday. Bullying even happens through text messaging and social networking sites. It does affect everyone. The cost is incalculable.
It is not enough for us as adults to tell our loved ones to ignore bullying. We need to build resilience in our youth so they can stand up to it.
We need to work with all young people to create opportunities which make them feel they are a valuable part of our community.
We need to build strong relationships with our young, give them the opportunityto grow and flourish, and develop self esteem.
Youth with strong self esteem can repel the negative effects of bullying like water off a duck’s back.
Youth Voice (YV) is a committee of nine youth aged 15 to 19 in Red Deer that is supported by the city’s Social Planning department. They work to give youth a voice and to make a difference through community projects.
Their first project was the creation of the bully bylaw in February 2007. They continue to promote the awareness of the bully bylaw and encourage kindness.
Youth Voice believes that what we focus on grows. By focusing on the positive and being kind to everyone our goal is to promote a kinder, more caring community.
Youth Voice believes being a friend is the opposite of being a bully, and that if we all work hard at being a friend we will reduce bullying. It is their vision for everyone to do random acts of kindness this week and to pay it forward.
On Nov. 17, Mayor Morris Flewwelling proclaimed Bully Awareness Week and challenged the citizens of Red Deer to “Be a Friend” during Bully Awareness week.
Red Deer is a great community. Let us reverse bullying by being a friend and doing something kind for someone.
Cpl. Kathe Deheer
Red Deer City RCMP
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INVITED |
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Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Red Deer Express, especially new contributors. We attempt
to publish a cross-section of public opinion. Preference is given to short letters of broad interest or concern.
Letters addressed to others are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length, taste, clarity and to
eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. |
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