nobullies: Conserve school

Hey I just got back from speaking at a great private boarding school in beautiful northern Wisconsin. The Conserve school is a boarding school which is about 4 years old. The facilities are wonderful as is the scenery. Snow, animals and trees surround lakes, streams and students. As beautiful as this facility is they still have a bullying issue there.

It almost stands to reason that at a boarding school there would be the same issues as there would be at home with your siblings. The school houses an international student body and it is similar to living with an extended family. Not everyone is going to get along with everyone else at all times. This is understandable, however, when one person or several persons feel picked on relentlessly, called names and "diss'd" continually, that is where bullying becomes an issue.

I had the opportunity to address the entire school on the issue of bullying then did 3 breakout sessions with smaller groups to further discuss bullying. I found these students to be very mature, social and outgoing as well as intelligent, yet bullying was still an issue. As I explained to them it is not a socio-economic issue, bullying is found in all strata.

I did my best to empower them with the knowledge that they have the power to put an end to bullying by not allowing it to continue. When we make it not cool to bully, we will be well on our way to putting a stop to the pain!

I had a great visit, it was a long ride, but well worth the trip. I look forward to returning again to the picturesque northern tip of Wisconsin. Meanwhile visit www.youbigbully.com and take the bully survey, sign the guestbook and let me know what you think about this blog... Til next time. PEACE