We were proud to see students from Roy Herburger Elementary School and Edward Harris, Jr. Middle School actively participating at the October 19 Stand Up, Speak Out! Rally at the State Capitol. We also appreciate the dedication and commitment of EGUSD Board President Bobbie Singh-Allen as a key organizer for the event.
This is the fourth year local elementary and middle school students have come together to learn about the harmful effects of bullying, particularly through social media – and to be inspired to take action. The Elk Grove Unified Positive Youth Development hosted one of the booths with bullying prevention materials/giveaways.
At the Wall of Pledge booth, students were encouraged to add their own tips on bullying prevention.
An hour into the event, the students were asked to gather at the foot of the Capitol’s North Steps to listen to the speakers. Each speaker spoke passionately about the fact that bullying is preventable – but requires students to take the lead. At the close of the speeches, Bobbie Singh-Allen called on all students to Stand Up, Speak Out! against bullying by taking a pledge.
Edward Harris Middle School Principal Charles Amey summed up the event: “Bullying is a serious issue. Bringing students to the Stand Up, Speak Out! Rally confirms the importance of the topic and the need for students to take action at their own schools.”
The October Stand Up, Speak Out! Rally is hosted by the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Tolerance and is Sacramento’s contribution to National Bullying Prevention Month.
It was inspiring to hear our students speak to reporters (such as the above student from Roy Herburger), cameramen, and community members on the need to address bullying – not only in October, but every month of the year.
