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November 14, 2008
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Youth Voice encourages all Red Deer citizens to “be a friend” during this year’s bully awareness week from November 17 to 21.
“We want people to be active, not passive when dealing with bullying. Bullies will often stop when someone intervenes,” explains Damien Smith, Youth Voice member. “But we also feel part of the solution is to actively appreciate the good each of us does for others. By focusing on the positive and being kind in unexpected ways we hope to promote a kinder, more caring Red Deer.”
Youth Voice feels random acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the person performing the act, the person receiving the act and anyone who witnesses or hears about the act.
The City of Red Deer, Red Deer City RCMP and Youth Voice partnered to plan random acts of kindness throughout the week to raise awareness of bullying and encourage all citizens to be friendlier.
Local community groups have contacted Youth Voice to show support for “Be a Friend” and are also planning events.
“Help us stop bullying before it starts by being a friend to others,” says Smith. “Everyone can do something kind this week and every week to build a safer, healthier community.”
Community groups and members of the public who want to get involved but don’t know how can contact Linda Healing, Community Facilitator at 403-342-8342.
The City’s Social Planning department supports Youth Voice – a committee of nine youth aged 15 to 19. The committee works to give youth a voice and make a difference through community projects. The first project was to propose and help pass the bully section of The City’s Community Standards Bylaw.
The bylaw, passed in February 2007, gives RCMP the discretion to issue fines based on evidence for specific bullying cases.
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For more information see the attached Q&A Backgrounder.
For more information, please contact:
Damien Smith Salima Shariff Kathe DeHeer (Cpl.)
Youth Voice Youth Voice Royal Canadian Mounted Police
403-872-7648 403-346-1766 The City of Red Deer
403-341-2060
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