March 10, 2011

>GLSEN Delegation Reflects on White House Conference on Bullying Prevention

>Several GLSEN representatives who attended the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention checked in after the event to share their experiences.

David Aponte, who is the adult coordinator for GLSEN’s Northern Virginia Jump-Start Student Leadership Team, reflected on his day at the White House.

“My biggest moment was this morning when the President and First Lady spoke. The sincere passion that they showed when they spoke was just incredible. Having been bullied in the past and to see how much the current administration cares means so much to me,” David said.

GLSEN Student Ambassador Joey Kemmerling and his mother Joyce Mundy, an educator herself, who have had to transfer Joey to multiple schools over the course of the year due to severe harassment and bullying, had this to say.

“Bullying is a national priority, and addressing the problem is a key to our kids’ success,” Joyce said.

Joey has had the opportunity to speak on the Hill in support of the Safe School Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act, making him a knowledgeable advocate for change in federal government policy.

“GLSEN has given me the power to use my voice. The conference gave me the ability to use that power to help other activists. We are no longer victims; we are activists and ambassadors for change. Change that will make all kids feel safe,” Joey said.

GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard summed up the day’s events. “Today’s events firmly established the needs of LGBT youth as a central part of the bullying crisis. Our work is to ensure that we now see action that will support the well-being of all youth, including LGBT youth and those being targeted with anti-LGBT behavior.”

For more information on the conference itself, or to learn more about the bullying initiative the White House is undertaking, visit the links below:

Background on the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention

StopBullying.gov

   

About Elizabeth Free

       

Elizabeth Free is the communications manager at GLSEN--the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Elizabeth joined GLSEN in 2009 to make schools safer for all students and says one of the best parts of her job is working with GLSEN's Student Ambassadors. She is originally from Texas and has a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Houston.