Everywhere I look, I see promotions for back to school...

Everywhere I look, I see promotions for back to school. While I’m excited about this year’s fall tour, and all the amazing schools I’ll be visiting, helping students, teachers and parents become more aware about bullying and how to deal with it, I also know that it takes more than one determined activist to inspire sustainable change. It requires tapping into the inner-activist in all of us, finding that place inside our hearts that’s sick and tired of watching those around us get hurt, whether by overt acts of cruelty or chronic exclusion, and making the commitment to reach out and help.

As you begin getting ready for the new school year ahead, make a promise to yourself that you will assist those who need your support. If you’re the parent of a bullied child or a bully, reach out to another parent who may be going through the same thing and offer the benefit of your experience. If you’re an educator, be extra vigilant this year, pay closer attention than ever to the students who struggle to fit in, and be their ally. If you’re an adult survivor, find a way to share your story and let others who’ve endured similar pain know they’re not alone. No matter what your situation, if school bullying impacts your life, make the commitment to be an activist. Sometimes all it takes is a single invitation of friendship at just the right moment, and it ends up saving a life. And as always, please take a look at my tour dates at jodeeblanco.com and if I’m in a town near you, come out and see me!