GIRL SCOUTS ADDRESS BULLYING, CYBERBULLING AND VIOLENCE
Garden City, NY June 7, 2010 – According to the National Education Association, throughout the United States approximately 160,000 students miss school each day for fear of being bullied. Across Long Island, bullying is beginning at a younger age and becoming more prevalent among middle and high school children.
On June 14, 2010, Girl Scouts of Nassau County will shine a spotlight on this critical issue by bringing together girls, parents, volunteers and community stakeholders in a Call to Action: Taking on Bullies, Cyberbullies and Peer to Peer Aggression meeting from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Service Center located at 110 Ring Road West in Garden City.
“Girl Scouts has always advocated for the physical, social and emotional well-being of girls,” says Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director and CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “We hope this event will unite Girl Scouts, their families, and their communities across Nassau County against bullying. We are committed to creating a safe space for every child in cyberspace, in school, and in the community.”
The event will feature author and educator Jessie Klein, assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at Adelphi University. Ms. Klein is author of the book, “The Bully”, not yet released, and a past administrator, social worker and conflict resolution coordinator of New York City Schools. Dr. Klein holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Master’s Degree in Sociology and Education.
Joining Dr. Klein on the panel will be Nassau County Police Officer John Dockswell. Officer Dockswell is a former teacher who became a police officer in 1994. PO Dockswell has delivered more than 300 talks on cyberbullying and sexting across Long Island in both public and private schools since September 2009. According to PO Dockswell cyberbullying and sexting is a problem in every school district on Long Island.
NYS Senator Kemp Hannon will be represented by his aide, Lauren Brookmeyer, at the event. Senator Hannon is currently proposing legislation making it a misdemeanor for failing to report hazing; prohibits bullying or cyber-bullying on school property; requires instruction to discourage bullying in schools and establishes a statewide central register for receipt of bullying, cyber-bullying and hazing complaints.
For more information on the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Call to Action: Taking on Bullies, Cyberbullies and Peer to Peer Aggression event visit www.gnc.org/criticalissues.events. To reserve your seat contact Carole Aksak at aksakc@gsnc.org.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County builds girls of courage, confidence and character. Girl Scouting in Nassau County creates an accepting and nurturing environment, which gives girls a chance to build character and receive skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. With more than 22,000 girl and 7,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has become the preeminent organization and leading authority for girls. The organization, now in its 98th year, continues to make the world a better place one girl at a time.
For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Nassau County call 516-741-2250 or visit www.gsnc.org.
