The What, how and why of Beyond the b Word
What?
Beyond the B-Word is an anti bullying program that uses the arts to teach kids and adults alike the value of courage, empathy, compassion and kindness.
How?
My creative solution to the issue of bullying uses fun group activities including music, role playing, writing, and skits to promote the morals and values that are proven solutions and preventers to bullying. These lessons are engaging, energetic, and exciting! I make a point of incorporating different learning techniques for everyone, utilizing audio, hands on and visual techniques. From skits that teach courage, sharing monologues and singing songs that require empathy and compassion to using "love lights" and special lectures and group conversations to express kindness. I also take time to share my own personal bullying story, making sure that listeners understand that even beauty queens know what it is like, and that they are never alone. I also makes sure that each session/lecture/appearance is unique and age appropriate.
Why?
Bullying is in Vogue.. Students have been bombarded with anti-bully campaigns in their schools, celebrities have spoken out against bullying, and there are laws and policies in every state to prevent bullying. Yet each day about 160,000 students miss school because of bullying. So why is it that 83% of girls and 79% of boys report being bullied either in school or online? Simply put, kids are tired of hearing the “B” word. They roll their eyes as they enter the auditorium for another lecture. Todays anti-bullying programs focus on what kids are doing wrong, and blaming and shaming is never the answer. It has become clear that a broader approach needs to be employed to reverse the loss of empathy that has become so apparent.
I am also a victim of bullying and you can read all about it in my blog post "My Story: WARNING It's a Long One". Knowing the harsh and lasting effects of bullying, I understand the ins and outs of bullying and the importance kindness and compassion in today's society.
To schedule Delanie for a Beyond The B-Word workshop see the Contact page.