We’ve seen great success through the Anti-Bullying program offered by Community Services, guided by the Anti-Bullying Committee since 2004. 

Initially, the program had a school and community focus, which, as it evolved became much bigger in scope, bringing in ‘big name’ speakers and events, hosting a school division-wide youth forum, providing funding for other organizations’ staff to attend anti-bullying workshops and conferences and becoming engaged in anti-bullying consortiums outside the community. 

When the program experienced a one year reduction in funding in 2008-09, the program needed to scale back to its original focus.  School Action Plans were developed with most schools’ administrations (all but one school) which were comprised of a combination of workshops, educational sessions, and programs that would be offered at the school by the Anti-Bullying Coordinator as well as activities and events planned in conjunction with the Anti-Bullying Committee members.

When full funding was restored in 2009-10, the program was renamed “Create a Wave of Change”, where the focus was on building youth leadership to address bullying.  Instead of adults planning on behalf of youth and offering the services and programs, youth themselves were to take the lead role in planning and implementing anti-bullying strategies. 

10 youth were selected to become leaders and were able to grow in their leadership skills through their participation in a number of exceptional training opportunities such as:   the Eva Olsson Holocaust Survivor presentation, U of Calgary Diversity conference “That’s so Hate”, Discover Diversity Tour and Teaching Leaders to Lead as well as locally peer led initiatives like Bully Awareness Week, Pink Shirt Day, Peace Walk, Diversity Week, B a Hero Youth Forum, and the Just 4U Summer program.  Through these and other experiences the “Create a Wave of Change” leadership team built resiliency, individual and team responsibility while increasing school and community awareness of bullying and violence. 

Throughout this year, the Anti-Bullying Coordinator’s primary role was in the leadership development of the community Anti-Bullying team, however remained a support to the schools. Anti-Bullying teams were formed at the following schools:  CHS, Rainbow Creek, CLMS, St. Gabriel the Archangel, and Langdon. The increased focus on building capacity rather than direct program and service provision could not have had more optimal timing, as the province has discontinued CIF funding. 

We will continue to seek funding and partnership opportunities that will support these and other anti-bullying initiatives as well as offer consultation to support schools in coordinating their Anti-Bullying teams.  I will provide an Anti-Bullying resource package mid September, along with a guide that highlights the “Create a Wave of Change” leadership/peer mentoring program that will allow staff to continue Anti-Bullying teams within their schools.  Additionally, 4 of the 9 Heroes in the Hood have joined our newly recruited YELL Town Council and YELL has incorporated Anti-Bullying into their mandate. 

On behalf of Community Services, and myself, I wish to thank each and every one of you for your time, commitment and passion towards making a difference in your schools and community as it relates to bullying.  It is through your efforts and support to carry the programs in your schools that the South East Rocky View Anti-Bullying Program has experienced such success and progression over the years!  Thank you for your dedication!

Anti-Bullying