Speak the Truth - Resources for the Education and Prevention of Bullying

 

A Special Letter to the Children and Youth at First Church From Reverend Char Corbett, Associate Pastor

A few weeks ago I gave a sermon in worship that many adults and older youth heard, but you or your parents may not have. The sermon was about the need for us to use our voices to speak up against bullying.

 It’s my hope that you have never been bullied at school, during after-school activities, in town, at home or here at church.  I hope too that you have never been caught up in the pressures of bullying others, whether in person, through texting or while you are on Facebook or playing on-line interactive games.  I also hope that you have never been a silent bystander when bullying has occurred. 

But the truth is, I know that bullying happens a lot more than any of us adults would like to admit, and in fact, bullying often happens at times when adults aren’t even around.  I feel sad when I think about bullying and all the hurtful things that can happen because of it.  Bullying of any kind is wrong.  No one has the right to hurt anyone else physically or with words and so many of us are working hard so this kind of behavior ends.  

 I’m writing this special letter in our newsletter to tell you that I care about you.  Everyone here at First Church cares about you.  And we want you to know that here at First Church you have a place where you belong, where you are welcome and safe and where you can be exactly who you are meant to be, even if you haven’t quite figured that out yet. It doesn’t matter to us who you are or where you are on your life journey – you are unique and loved by God.  That makes you special to all of us.  You may think I hang out a lot with the adults (because that’s part of my work as a minister too) but I always have time for you and I’m also here for you. 

And if you are reading this letter (or an adult is reading it to you) and you are feeling hurt, scared, angry or sad, or you or a friend have been bullied (or have been doing the bullying) and you don’t know what to do, I hope you will come talk to me. I will be here, ready to listen and to care.  I promise: you are not alone.  ~

Pastor Char  

 

See Ellen DeGeneres’ Youtube message “An Important Message” about bullying on youtube. 

See the It Get’s Better Project, originally started with a simple video of support on Youtube by Dan Savage and his life partner shortly after Clementi’s death, intended  as a positive message for GLBT youth from the adult gay community.  More information at the "itgetsbetterproject."

The Trevor Project is a A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.  See "thetrevorproject" for more information.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.  A national organication for support, education and advocacy.  See "community.pflag" for more information.

The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.  For more information, go to "GLSEN."

True Colors is a non-profit organization that works with other social service agencies, schools, organizations, and within communities to ensure that the needs of sexual and gender minority youth are both recognized and competently met. The organization trains more than 2400 people annually, organizes the largest LGBT youth conference in the country and manages the state’s only LGBT mentoring program.  For more information go to "ourtruecolors." 

Matthew Shepard’s story and related resources and GLBT support can be found at the Matthew Shepard Foundation website at "matthewshepard."

The Anti-Bullying Website at "bullyingawarenessnetowrk."

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/ - Bullying information, resources and prevention tips from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Other important resources to note:

The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality: The Religious Institute is a multi-faith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society.  See "religiousinstitute." 

Windsor High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance: Advisor Holly Bebyn, 860-687-2020.

    • Family Resource Centers – every elementary school in Windsor has a Family Resource Center.  For more information, contact Kimberly Tynan at 860-687-200, ext. 284.
    • Both the Sage Park Middle School and Windsor High School have resources and student-led groups addressing issues of bullying and anti-gay bullying.  Don’t hesitate to contact the schools.
    • A list of books and other resources is available in our Church School library.

UCC Resources for bullying – "ucc/bullying." 

UCC Resources for GLBT ministries and support: "ucc/glbt."

Bullying isn't just an anti-gay issue.  If you have helpful resources to recommend about the issue of bullying, email the church office.  Thank you.