The Real Winners Are the Kids
This year the United Against Bullying (UAB) Grant Program received just over one hundred applications, almost double from 2015. Could this mean an increase in anti-bullying programs and kindness initiatives? We believe it does. It most definitely means an increase in awareness about bullying and the many ways we can make a difference in a young person’s life.
2016 Grant Winners
We are pleased to announce the 2016 United Against Bullying Grant Program winners:
Anglophone South SD
Brainerd ISD
Connellsville Area SD
Crossroads Youth Center’s Unite Against Bullying ME Project
Duncan Public Schools
Florence ISD
Flowing Wells Unified SD #8
Fulton County Schools
Isle of Wight County Schools
KWRL Transportation Cooperative
Lafayette County SD
Leon County Schools
Lewiston-Porter CSD
Maryvale Union Free SD
Norristown Area SD
Palmer River Elementary School
Plum Borough SD
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Round Valley Schools USD #10
Shanksville-Stonycreek SD
Somerset Independent SD 536
St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division
Stafford Township SD
Stepping Stones Mental Health and Counseling Inc.
Three Village CSD
Weller Health Education Center
Grant applications were received from teachers, principals, councillors, school transportation departments, and non-profit organizations. Many proposals were well-detailed and very inspiring, making the selections challenging. They included the creation of new anti-bullying awareness and kindness projects, expansion of existing programs, positive behavior recognition in schools and school buses, character building, school bus driver training, and purchasing school bus equipment to help reduce bullying incidents.
Thank you to everyone who applied for a grant – for your time, your initiative, and your intention to make a difference for the youth in your community. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who applied. Even for those not awarded a grant this year, planting the seed of what is possible can be the beginning of change.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
The United Against Bullying Grant Program is ongoing. Over the next year, we will interview some of the grant winners to share their stories, advice, successes, lessons, and most importantly, the effects on the youth. We encourage everyone to start building their teams now and start thinking about how they can empower and motivate kids in their community to be kind and happy.
The body of research on the mental and physical benefits of kindness and gratitude is impressive. Not only do they feel good, these two simple practices can help protect and boost your immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, buffer against depression, strengthen self-control, and support healthy proactive behaviors. (excerpted huffingtonpost.com/want-to-be-happy)
Kids have the right to be safe and happy. By learning to have compassion and be kind, the ongoing ripples affect their lives, their families, their school, and the future of our world. We encourage everyone working with kids to submit a grant application next year. United by the cause we can create change in our society.
To read inspiring and insightful interviews and to learn about upcoming contests, events and news please subscribe to our bi-monthly e-newsletter, The Ripple Effects by ‘Joining the Community’ at unitedagainstbullying.net.
Teresa Lynne
United Against Bullying Program Coordinator
teresa.lynne@seon.com
