CM Executive Director Delivers Keynote Address at Bullying Prevention Conference in BostonJun 15 2010by Jennifer O’Donnell, Senior Program and Media Coordinator In the wake of the suicide of Phoebe Prince and the new anti-bullying legislation it sparked, the Massachusetts Coalition of School-based Health Centers sponsored a conference focused on presenting solutions to the problem of bullying. The conference, held June 8, included nearly 400 community-based organizations, educators, health professional, parents, and policy makers. As the Keynote Speaker, Community Matters Executive Director, Rick Phillips, shared with the audience that building a safer school climate is a complex process that requires a balance between attending to security as well as relationships. Too often schools have disproportionately focused on school safety from the “outside-in,” which focuses on security, is adult-driven and relies on rules and policies. Rick instead presented a complementary “inside-out” approach, which harnesses the power that students have to change things from within and puts them at the center of the solution. Following Rick’s presentation and the various bullying and violence prevention conference workshops and panels, audience members were asked to write down one personal and professional action that they would take to be the change that they wish to see in the world. Click here if you would like to download a power point from the Keynote presentation. 
Recent PostsHot news from the White HouseArne Duncan’s Opening Remarks at the 1st Annual Bullying Summit held in August 2010: “The Myths About Bullying: Secretary Arne Duncan’s Remarks at the Bullying Prevention Summit.” Fifth Grader Takes Action Against BullyingZiainey Stokes, a young student from West Philadelphia certainly provides timely evidence that schools are in critical need of programs such as Safe School Ambassadors to prevent violence and bullying in schools. CM Executive Director Delivers Keynote Address at Bullying Prevention Conference in BostonAs the Keynote Speaker, Community Matters Executive Director, Rick Phillips, shared with the audience that building a safer school climate is a complex process that requires a balance between attending to security as well as relationships. The Cost and Benefits of Caring in Spite of Bullying and Violent TraumaWhen schools tap into the power of the students and take time to show that they care, especially students affected by trauma, students become empowered. Bullying, Stress and Health: A Crisis in the MakingHere are some facts we have collected (and there are hundreds more) about the short- and long-term health effects of bullying: |