Keller community comes together for bullying prevention message

July 18, 2013 – The Keller Community came together for a night of Bullying Prevention education, dinner and a movie. Reservation families came together to “Stomp Out Bullying.”

The evening began with a discussion about what bullying is, why people bully and how to prevent bullying. Three generations were represented as community members took turns sharing their experiences with bullying. Linda McLean, Extension Educator with WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County Extension, provided examples of types of bullying and how to recognize bullying. “Bullying is an intentional and repetitive act,” stated McLean. She went onto say “Bullying can be direct aggression, such as pushing/shoving, or indirect aggression, as in social isolation or spreading lies/rumors about someone.”

After the bullying prevention message, youth and adults were treated to a pizza dinner and a movie, entitled Crooked Arrows. The movie was about a Native American lacrosse team who overcame obstacles to win a championship. The message of the movie was: by working together, following rules, respecting one another and honoring traditions, communities can unite and support one another in their journeys.

Research shows that an estimated 160,000 students miss school every day due to fear of bullying or harassment. Bullying causes fear and creates a climate of disrespect in schools and it has a negative impact on student learning. One study showed 60% of those characterized as a bully in grades 6 – 9 had one or more criminal convictions by age 24.

This event was organized and hosted by the Keller Community Club, along with partners Colville Confederated Tribes Tribal Health program and WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County Extension. Funding for this event was made possible by Colville Tribal Community Network/Skilskin.

If you would like more information on this program or how 4-H can assist with bullying prevention, please contact Linda McLean, Colville Reservation-Ferry County Extension Educator, (509) 634-2305 or ljmclean@wsu.edu . Or you may contact Dan Fagerlie, Project Director, (509) 690-0009 / (509) 775-3087 or fagerlie@wsu.edu or Debra Hansen, Interim Ferry County Director, (509) 775-5225 ext. 1116 or the Okanogan County Extension office (509) 422-7245.