Kids & Teens Stand Up to Bullying in Chesaning Michigan

Yesterday we presented our Abuse Bites Anti-Bullying Program to nearly 500 Students in the Chesaning Michigan Middle School. This was just half of the crowd! And it was an awesome time! These students learned how to stand up to bullying.

(Faces are blurred due to FERPA laws)

This is Snickers (below), our 13 year old Fox Terrier/Jack Russel who was a formerly abused/runaway that I rescued 12 years ago. He's the mascot of our program (AKA "The Bully Buster") and an award-winning certified pet therapy dog. Together we've raised over $20,000 for needy/abused people and pets of our community! When I shared his motivating story, the crowd went wild!  Kids loved on him the whole time we were there. (below) Sadly, he is barely getting around these days due to cancerous tumors, but perked up when he knew he was going to an event. 

Kids were very anxious to volunteer for all of our interactive games and demonstrations. My volunteer Amber had a tough job choosing. But everyone had a great time! (below)

We talked about accepting those who are different (gay, obese, those with disabilities). Giving them the freedom to make their own choices and accepting them for who they are. That we don't have to agree with them, but we should never bully them. The fact is, we are more alike than different, if we would really take a close look! The biggest factor is that we all have the same VALUE! (below)

These five boys helped me to put on a bullying skit. The two to my far left were joking/teasing the little guy in the orange, while the boy to my right kind of smirked and watched, while the other boy to my far right simply walked away. Proving that BYSTANDERS can be bullies too if they don't do something to help. (below)

We talked about REPORTING BULLYING versus tattling. Tattling is when you are trying to get someone in trouble, Reporting is when you are trying to get someone out of trouble! And also the four choices you have when bullied. Will you fight back, call 9-1-1 (report it), ask the audience (bystanders/friends for help), or take the 50/50 and run away. (below)

Kids Cheered & Clapped as students raised each card. But I think "Fight Back" won. Although we do fight back, I shared that it is not physically, but it is by standing up for yourself and others, and reporting so you can get the help needed. 80% of students don't report bullying, so therefore nothing is ever done to stop it. (below) 

The students cheered even more, after my son, Jeremiah sang his original song "Just A Shadow". Jeremiah was nearly bullied to death in high school, now he writes and sings songs to help others. (below)

This is Baby Ruth (below), AKA "The Bully" in our program. She was the WORST DOG we ever had, but with love, discipline, and training, she is so much better! We share her story of PAWS FOR CHANGE and how anyone (even the bully) can change with the right help! After all bullying is a behavior, not who a person is!

This is another hilarious game/demonstration we do with kids. Our Dime Game is very popular and shows kids that "pranking someone" can be bullying too. We also share that sometimes those bullying don't realize it's bullying, that's why they have to be told their behavior is wrong. (below)

We try to make our workshops fun, interactive, and educational for everyone--even those we use for our bullying demonstrations! (below)

We talk about good versus bad choices. Here I have a bottle of "dirty water" and a bottle of "clean water". We ask which the kids would drink from. Of course they choose the "clean water". We explain how if something appears to be a little wrong, it's wrong and we shouldn't do it. But if we do make bad choices we will have to drink the consequences. (below)

I use Snickers and his love for GARBAGE as a demonstration. I tell them how many times he's ran away and has gotten into the garbage and comes home later so sick he nearly dies. Then I ask, "Why do we go back to the same garbage friendships and relationships that are bringing us down?"

This is our most popular game. Our hot dog game gets the whole crowd laughing, but it also gives them a visual about PEER PRESSURE, that it's like the blind feeding the blind. I ask them what they should say to Peer Pressure and they all shout "NO!" (below)

We captured these students in the front row! That's what I like the most, if the kids are in, we win! It's all about keeping their attention throughout the entire program. I don't like boring and don't want to do boring. (below)

I know, I'm having way too much fun! This is supposed to be work, right? Love working with kids and interacting in a way that is fun for everyone. (below)

This is just one section of the crowd--even the teachers are laughing hysterically! (below)

Our telephone game is also a lot of fun, while teaching the importance of our words. Words can hurt or heal, so think before you speak! We also talk about SOCIAL BULLYING and how friends spread rumors to ruin other friends or x-friends reputations. (below)

This young man got the first part right "Zip Your Lips". That's pretty good compared to what we usually get. That's how gossip is, you forget what someone told you so you make up your own juicy story to go with it, then others do the same, until its so distorted there isn't much truth in it.

These students came forward and turned their back to the crowd and were labeled with negative words. That's what people often do, put labels on us. We tell them no matter who they are, they are unique, wonderful individuals and there is no one like them. So they removed the labels and everyone cheered! (below)

Nearly all 500 Students made their way to the Gym Floor for our "Change Challenge". We empower targets, bystanders, and bullies to make a change and Be The Change, to stop bullying for themselves and others. (below)

1 out of 7 kids bully others. In our game of Tug O War, our bully stands alone, while 6 other kids are on the other end ready to pull her to her defeat. This teen volunteered to be the bully. When I asked her if she thought she'd win, she said, "NO!" She was right! (Below)

But we don't teach the kids to pull on the rope, we tell them to simply stand together and let go, then the problem will be defeated. Too many times, like her, the victims are singled out. Stand with others to defeat bullying!

Can you imagine if the 160,000 kids that missed school every day for fear of bullying actually stood together against their bully? It would be the biggest CHANGE CHALLENGE YET!

Below is Mr. Jerry Ciarlino, Counselor at the school, ushered the event in. He's such a great guy! It's been a pleasure working with him and all the faculty at Chesaning Middle School! Thanks Jerry!

We'd love to come to your school, church, work place or community to defeat bullying too. Please include us when planning your next event. :) 

Written by: Lisa Freeman, Michigan Anti-Bullying Expert, Advocate & Survivor

CEO of Abuse Bites, Healing Projects Specialist Bully Police USA

Email/Contact Lisa Freeman

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Youth Anti-Bullying Rally Jackson, Missouri

We had an amazing time in Jackson, Missouri this week at the the Rock International Ministries Church! Thank you Pastor Derrick Beasley for inviting us to come. I had my "I Love Being Me" shirt on that I found at Penney's right before the trip--it was an amazing message on top of everything else!

We started the program off with a Youtube video of Jeremiah singing, since he was still in the hospital and couldn't be with us. 

Jeremiah is battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression related to bullying. Bullying is tragic, and can have tragic results. That's why we are passionate about going wherever the door opens to educate and bring about the safety and prevention that is needed to change hearts and save lives.

As you can see above, a nice group of kids and adults came out to the Anti-Bullying Rally. There was a conflicting event going on in the community for back to school, so sadly many kids missed out because they had to attend this other event or they would not have gotten the school supplies they needed. Still we had a great time!

We had so much fun interacting, playing games, and doing demonstrations. Below we are playing our peer pressure and self abuse games. Pastor Derrick is assisting in the first game. My hubby, John, was assisting in the second one.

But we also got serious--down to business--and watched a big CHANGE take place! This beautiful little girl that was labeled the bullying in one of our demonstrations, kept the tag on and labeled herself the "bully".

But at the end of the program she crumpled up the bully label and threw it away! 

I said, "What, you don't want to be a bully no more?" She said, "No!"

Nearly everyone came forward when we had our CHANGE CHALLENGE, only about 4-5 kids stayed in their seats. All the others wanted to make a change in their own lives and hearts so they could go out and be the change for others and stop abuse, bullying and violence!

Another great thing that happened, this was our SIGNING of the Memory Quilt. I'm so thrilled and honored that the FIRST HEART was signed by Pastor Derrick Beasley, a young man that grew up in our neighborhood, who has always been like a son to me, and now is a Youth Pastor at Rock International Ministries and is a fine preacher and teacher! He has such a love and passion for kids and is raising three children that aren't even his own, right now! I couldn't be more proud!

We were blessed so much with not only really nice hotel accommodations, but also took up a love offering, and even took us out for a delicious lunch. We met Pastor White and his lovely first lady. We were able to share our heart and our mission, and they are hoping to bring us back to do a community wide event with some schools! YAY!

Day One: Walk n Talk Across Michigan to Stop Bullying n Abuse

Our Kick off at the Capitol went well, despite everything coming against us. There was unpredicted rain throughout the morning, but thankfully it was light and not a total wash out. My hubby, John, even pointed out a beautiful rainbow that morning before we left. Thanks honey :)

I had two phone interviews before we even left the house. We ended up getting a late start and even getting turned around due to construction. And since it was after 9 a.m. when I finished my interview with TV 6 News, I thought everything was set up and we could get started. My son, Jeremiah, opened the event with a song called "Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North. He did an amazing job, I was so proud!

Then we had an opening prayer, followed by a moment of silence for the victims, then we were supposed to play "Tears in Heaven" but little did I know, John was still setting everything up. Our Emcee, Ron Hoshal, did a good job though and saved John from a most embarrassing situation as he went on to the next thing on the schedule. He also shared about how he and I raised over $10,000 for abused/needy pets for the local Humane Society.

One of our speakers, Kevin Epling, Co-Chair of Bully Police USA, later pointed out that even though our song couldn't play, with the rain coming down, we had literal "tears from heaven". He spoke on how we all needed to work together to bring about the change our kids need in the schools to protect them, through educating, raising awareness, and giving them the tools and prevention methods they need. I couldn't agree more!

I spoke on Change as well. About how we need to love and accept others, forgive our bullies, help our bullies, pray for our bullies, and that will bring about the healing and change that is needed.

There were a few quirks, like no video coverage, because no one set the camcorder up, and being physically attacked with my hip and leg giving me so much pain I could barely walk, let alone hobble that morning, but the message was powerful!

Still, I was a little disappointed by the turn out, as only a handful of people and a couple of news guys were there. It hurt me to think that we made all those calls to politicians, sent out hundreds of press releases, and yet, only a few people came that morning to listen and show their support, and we only sold three t-shirts.

But as we were getting ready for this event, John was pressing out the event t-shirts and trying to find the center of the logo for the back, and it came to my attention that the word "GO" was right in the center.

It was a message saying "GO". It doesn't matter who shows up, how many t-shirts we sell, how we feel, or who supports us. We're to be faithful to go, and let God do the rest.

And because we were faithful to go that morning, despite all the negative comments and lack of support, and low t-shirt sales, after the event, we had the chance to minister and pray with a young woman who came to us in tears who has been terribly abused. While we were praying with her, her two little girls were loving on Snickers. How awesome is that!

If we even touch one person, this Walk n Talk Across Michigan to Stop Abuse is well worth it.

Please show your support for this mission by lifting us up in prayer, considering a donation, and even getting an event t-shirt for you/your family, as all the money will go (for gas, food, lodging) to help us take this healing message to those who are abused and need it. We will be walking and talking through 15 major cities in Michigan over the next several weeks on the weekends offering one day healing events.

For more information on cities, dates, donation, sponsorship, etc, please log onto http://www.abusebites.com

Or write to: Abuse Bites, Walk n Talk, PO Box 1582, Owosso, MI  48867

Thank you for your continued support!

http://www.abusebites.com

Help for Bullying in Michigan Walk n Talk to Stop Abuse of People & Pets

Have you been bullied or abused?

Maybe you're the bully or abuser?

Maybe you're just the innocent bystander, caught in the middle?

GOOD NEWS--There's help for everyone!!! Whether you're the victim, bystander, bully, or even a family member of someone who's struggling with these issues, you can conquer these bullying behaviors and be set free!

AbuseBites.com and our team of professionals want to help you. We were once victims too. But now we're survivors! We've been through all forms of abuse, (even our dogs) and we've come out on the other side.

So we're sharing our workshops, stories of survival, and offering healing completely FREE to all, in a family friendly environment, as we travel to various cities all over Michigan.

Aside from abuse awareness, education, safety and prevention methods, we offer an assortment of fun for the whole family with a few interactive games and an amazing trick presentation by our therapy dogs that's sure to captivate any crowd!

For more information on cities, dates, times, volunteering, or hosting an event, please log onto AbuseBites.com and click on our "Walk n Talk" link at the far right of the page.

Wear Purple to Stop Abuse & Bullying

Today, I, along with millions of people all over the world, will wear purple in memory/honor of those that have recently lost their lives to bullying and bullycide.

More importantly I will wear the acceptance, love, and an open heart to all who are different from me and accept them just the way they are. Because truly we are all different, unique and wonderful individuals. And chances are, what I can't do, you can. So we literally need each other and one another's gifts and talents to make the world a beautiful place.

So even though these beautiful children/teens/ and even adults have died, their voices live on, screaming out for help and justice for those who are still being bullied, abused, and shunned today. What are you doing to help? Or do you simply walk on by so as not to get involved when you see someone hurting another?

Did you know that if you do nothing, you become part of the problem? It's time to step up and do something. Even if you just wear purple today, it's a start. Let's band together and do something.

It has been reported that 85% of all playground bullying no one does anything, 11% that help are peers, and only 4% are teachers. Come on people, wake up! This could be your child or someone you love next time. Let's do something!

Maybe you can't break up a fight, but you can find someone who can help them. Please don't stand idly by, or walk away any more. We need to stop abuse, bullying and violence wherever we see it.

If you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for anything.

My entire family/dogs have been bullied and abused in some form. So we are fighting back to end the war on bullying. We work feverishly to educate kids, teens, parents, educators, workers, and whole communities on bullying, abuse, and violence and how to stay safe. Please support our cause through prayer, donations, or have us come to your community with our "Abuse Bites" breakout sessions, so you can have the power to break free from abusive behaviors and lifestyles too!

www.abusebites.com

Fun, Interactive Anti-Bullying & Pet Therapy Workshops for the whole family!

Email us today @ abusebites@gmail.com

Homeless Not Hopeless

In Honor Of National Homeless Awareness Month

With such trying times in the US, the crashing economy, and bullying & abuse at every avenue--there are probably more homeless people than many of us know.

I've been homeless at various times. Once by choice, as a teen when I ran away with an older boyfriend. For two years we hitchhiked all over the US with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I was starving, frozen, beaten, raped, kidnapped, and nearly killed. The only thing that saved me every time, was prayer and faith in God to set me free.

Later in life I was married to an abusive man who turned his porn addiction onto our three children. I was forced to leave my home, with just a suitcase and three small children. For over a month we stayed at a "safe house shelter" for victims of abuse.

Staying at shelters isn't easy. I totally agree. But it's better than putting you or yourself in harms way. It's totally better than being homeless. It's a roof over your head, a meal in your stomach, and a chance to sort things out while you decide what is best for you/ and or your children.

After two terribly abusive marriages, I got my life back together. I suffered years of panic attacks and fears, but have managed to become an award-winning author and speaker.

If I can do it, you can too. Today, I'm an abuse survivor. You don't have to be a victim, you can survive too. If you need help or to get out of an abusive situation, please get help. You can either log onto my website http://www.abusebites.com/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE.

Most Shelters Provide:

-A SAFE PLACE TO STAY
-Beds for you & your child
-Dresser for your clothes
-Food
-Clothes
-Baby Needs
-Hygiene Products
-Support & Counseling
-Assistance With Child Care

*So don't hesitate. If you're in an abusive situation GET OUT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!