October is National Bullying Prevention and Awareness month and we must use this time to raise awareness about what happens all year long—every year—in our schools.  Asher Brown and Phoebe Prince lost their lives to bullying. Because of the increased frequency of this type of tragic outcome, the official term is bullycide: when a person commits suicide because of bullying.

WAKE UP!
I’m sure Asher and Phoebe are not the only youth to die within the past year, but their stories were covered by national media. So in a sense, they are the “faces” of a growing epidemic in our country. And their deaths beg the question: How many children have to die before we take bullying seriously?

Bullying is defined as: to hurt, frighten, browbeat, and or to tyrannize over someone. Bullying is a way to dominate another person through behavior. It is usually defined as ongoing physical or verbal harassment between two people that have an imbalance of power. Those who bully use physical, verbal, and emotional or psychological methods to humiliate, embarrass, or overpower someone.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice report, “Bullying in Schools” by Rana Sampson:

Bullying is widespread and perhaps the most underreported safety problem on American school campuses… Once thought of as simply a rite of passage or relatively harmless behavior that helps build young people’s character, bullying is now known to have long-lasting harmful effects, for both the victim and the bully…  In two-thirds of the recent school shootings (for which the shooter was still alive to report), the attackers had previously been bullied. In those cases, the experience of bullying appeared to play a major role in motivating the attacker.

The type of bullying that happens today is very different from my experiences as a kid.

REALITY CHECK
This is a crisis that our kids are facing (seemingly alone), and here are five things I know:

1. No child or teen should EVER feel that bullycide is the only way out of a negative situation. They need to know that other alternatives, resources and help are available.

2. Our response to bullying, as parents, educators and community leaders can no longer be merely a reactive one. We need to find ways to get “in front” of this instead of finding ourselves behind trying to catch up.

3. Kids aren’t always going to tell adults about bullying issues. They fear retribution from the bully and/or a lack of genuine help from adults. We need to press the issue with them to be sure that we are aware of any situations that need to be addressed.

4. If we do nothing, then nothing changes. We can no longer be bystanders. We can’t think, “It’s not my problem” or “It’s not my child.” As much as we like to isolate ourselves from others and from danger, the fact is that we are all connected. We are a community. We must get involved and be a part of the solution.

5. Making a positive impact in the lives of the bullied as well as the bully is paramount. There are always reasons behind the actions of both—family trauma, low self-esteem, anger issues, a general disregard for life, learning difficulties, etc—and we must get at those reasons in order to provide remedies.

SOLUTION BASED THINKING
The contextual intricacies of the situation are complex and answers may not be easily available.  I remember reading somewhere that if you want to change a person, you have to change the structure in which they operate. One such structural change would be to focus on developing the gifts, talents and dreams of ALL our young people: the bully, bullied and bystanders. When they have a sense of who they are, what they can do and where they are going in life—the possibilities that are available and the ways for them to overcome their obstacles—they won’t have a desire to bully, nor the patience to stand by and allow it to happen.

-Allen Paul Weaver III-
Author, Speedsuit Powers
www.speedsuitpowers.com

Here is the first Speedsuit Powers “Back to School” public service announcement video. It’s called “Back to School Bullies”. Bully prevention and conflict resolution are two themes that are addressed in this epic urban adventure story.

AN UNEXPECTED CALL

It was a pleasant surprise when my publisher, Iuniverse, contacted me and said they wanted to do an interview about my book, Speedsuit Powers. It turns out they noticed sales for my teen-fiction novel have been going well and they wanted me to share my experiences - as a way of providing encouragement for new and aspiring authors.  This was the first time that the publisher has offered me this opportunity, so needless to say I was excited and humbled.  You can read their writeup below.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

But before you do that I would like to ask you to help make Speedsuit Powers a growing phenomenon. If you don’t already know, bullying is a growing epidemic in America. In 2010 alone, there have been several tragic accounts in the media where school bullying has resulted in suicide.  Unfortunately people often wait until after a tragedy happens before they act. But we need better preventive measures to help those being bullied as well as those who bully.

This novel follows Curtis Powers, a new kid at a new school who’s dealing with some serious drama - namely the school bully, Treyshawn Jinkins.  The story deals with bullying, conflict resolution, mentoring, influence, faith, dreams & purpose, handling family tragedy and several other issues.  Readers agree that Speedsuit Powers is a “must read” and that it has the potential to initiate change and transformation in the lives of children, teens and adults.

TAKE ACTION!

If you haven’t read the book yet - please purchase a copy today and do so.  If you have already read the book - please tell everyone you know (especially parents and leaders of young people) that they  should experience the story. You can also purchase copies of Speedsuit Powers for young people who need to be inspired, motivated and educated towards significance.  Let’s put Speedsuit Powers on the Bestsellers List - not just because I need to support my wife and our firstborn on the way in October (smile), but also because this book is about making a positive impact in young peoples’ lives.

Speedsuit Powers is available on Amazon & for the Kindle, Barnes and Noble and Iuniverse Publishing.

Don’t forget that October is National Bully Prevention and Awareness month!

Here’s the Iuniverse interview.  Enjoy!

BACK TO SCHOOL…

The summer is coming to a close and it’s that time again… time to go back to school. Depending on who you are, either the summer was too long or two short. Maybe you went to a camp or were stuck at home. But most students I’ve spoken with are looking forward to school. It’s a chance to reconnect with friends and to rise to the challenge of taking new classes, try out for a sport or other extra-curricular activity and discovering new adventures. Going back to school also means seeing less of your parents (most kids tend to agree is a good thing).

But for some, returning to school isn’t fun: it means facing bullies who tormented them the previous school year. For some it means tackling a learning deficiency or attention deficit disorder. For some it means being laughed at because they can’t read on grade level. Others may be like the main character from my new book, Speedsuit Powers. Like ‘Curtis’, they may be anxious because they’re starting at a new school and they’ll be the new kid and will have to deal with new drama. The unknown is often scary and having to make new friends may not be easy.

However, going to school can be a growing experience. No matter where you are - whether in middle school, transitioning to high school, college or beyond - going back to school and its daily routine is important.

IMPORTANT STEPS…

Here are 7 things to help you as you return back to school:

1. The class you find hard is only hard because you don’t understand it. Almost everything we do is hard when we first try it. But the more we practice and work at it - the better we become. It’s that way with sports and with academics.

2. There are no stupid questions. If you truly don’t understand something in class, then ask. (If you’re concerned that your friends might think you’re dumb, wait till after class.) What’s really not smart is not getting the answer to your question.

3. Sit as close to the front of the class as possible. Not only is it easier to see the board and what the teacher is doing; it also helps cut down on distractions so you can concentrate.

4. Team Up! If you and your friends team up and encourage each other to do well… (like forming a study group) you’ll be more likely to succeed in class.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help (from your teachers, guidance counselor). We ALL need help with something. Your teachers and guidance counselor are there to help you gain the tools to be successful in life. In high school, when I was failing pre-calculus, my mother forced me to go to extra help. Working with my teacher after school helped me to understand math and I was able to pass the class. So if you need help… ask.

6. Find a quiet place to study and do your homework. I know you’re used to the noise of people talking, the television and the radio - but find a quiet place and you’ll be able to focus more. More Focus = More Understanding.

7. If you have problems with a bully, drugs or some other issue, talk with someone you can trust - like your guidance counselor or favorite teacher.

YOU CAN DO IT!

School doesn’t have to be boring. You can choose to make it interesting. Whether you’re at a school that has every supply you could imagine or your at a school that can barely afford textbooks, one thing is the same: teachers are looking for those students who want to learn and grow. And when they find them, they’ll do everything possible to help them succeed. It’s a new school year… you have what it takes to be successful. Go for it!

-Allen Paul Weaver III -

Alright! Speedsuit Powers is now available on Amazon Kindle!

This is exciting news! And if you have an ipad, the Kindle app allows you to upload books from Kindle - including… you guessed it - Speedsuit Powers!

Make sure you get your copy - in paperback, hardback, or Kindle - and read the book that’s starting a phenomenon! BUY IT HERE!