The Fifth Annual Kidsbridge WALK2STOPBULLYING / STANDUP4DIVERSITY, a free community event and 1-mile walk will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 18 at Educational Testing Service, 660 Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ (use Carter Rd. entrance). Rain or shine!
This year’s theme is “How I Include & Respect Others.” Participants can WALK TOGETHER and STAND TOGETHER to raise awareness of bullying/cyberbullying and diversity/tolerance problems.
Anyone is welcome to participate — children, teens, parents, educators, local dignitaries, corporate and government representatives. Babies in strollers and “socialized” pets on leashes are welcome! The event is wheelchair accessible.
Event Program Includes:
- STANDUP4DIVERSITY Art /Essay/Video PSA Exhibit~featuring the winners of this year’s statewide competition for youth
- STANDUP4DIVERSITY Community Unity Activities ~ forming a human chain to celebrate diversity and inclusion; taking ‘selfies’ at our STANDUP4 DIVERSITY kiosk; adding personal stories and statements to a giant banner reflecting this year’s theme: “How We Include& Respect Others.”
- Resource Table for Parents and Educators ~ including the latest in bullying prevention techniques and diversity appreciation activities
- Calm & Confident YOGA~ stretching for mindfulness and self-awareness
- Music &Entertainment ~ DJ Mike Galvin/MG Entertainment; a live performance of her anti-bullying anthem by Substance
- Family-Friendly Activities ~ Face painting, kids’ games
- Refreshments ~Water, fruit and healthy snacks
- Fundraisers~ $25 donation earns a Walk T-Shirt. Other prizes available for those who raise more.
Why is “STANDUP4 DIVERSITY” important now? Kidsbridge has heard from New Jersey educators that the 2016 presidential campaign is challenging them in ways they have never encountered before. Teachers who normally look forward to election season for “teaching moments” are aghast, observing the inflammatory intolerance, bias, prejudice and stereotypes that have characterized many of this year’s debates, media and campaign ads. As a community, we need to take a stand.
Why is a “WALK2STOP BULLYING” important now? Our increasingly technological world, particularly for youth who spend so much time online and communicating with one another electronically, brings with it challenges when interacting with other human beings. A lack of empathy is a by-product of -growing insensitivity toward people and their feelings. Statistics still show that too many suffer as targets of bullying and cyberbullying. More still has to be done, and Kidsbridge offers the programs to make a positive difference.
KIDSBRIDGE hosts the only youth-focused tolerance center in the U.S. We offerdevelopmentally appropriate programs for preschool/Kindergarten, elementary and middle school. Empathy, empowerment, social-emotional skills and diversity education programs are offered either at the Tolerance Centeror mobile to your school/camp. Youth participate in ‘evidence-based’ small group discussions/interactive activitiesled by trained facilitators. Topics include: bias & stereotype awareness; bullying/teasing prevention; creationof a support team; disability & LGBT issues; diversity appreciation & respect; empathy, UPstander behavior & empowerment; genocide & the Holocaust; and media literacy. Located in the Ewing Senior & Community Center inEwing, NJ, more than 2500 students and 200 educators visit the Tolerance Center each year. Visit www.kidsbridgecenter.org for more information.
