United Way - [ Newsletter) A Society of Bullies

	United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce Counties
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	A Society of Bullies
	A Society of Bullies

Take A Stand Against Bullies!

My weekend began as it often does, with a trip to our local movie theater on Friday evening. This weekend my husband and daughter accompanied me to a showing of the documentary "Bully". Without spoiling anything for you, I will tell you it is definitely worth the time and money, but be sure to bring tissue. If you are anything like me, there will be tears.

We discussed the movie many times over the weekend, it kept creeping back into our conversations and really never left my mind for very long. Sunday afternoon I was not feeling well and spent some time on the sofa watching television. I chose to watch two episodes of America with Lisa Ling, one on teen prostitution and one on child beauty pageants. I then turned to some political programming and suddenly I realized what I had been watching. 150 minutes of bullying.

We hear examples of children being bullied into suicide. We are shocked and concerned. We ask "How can this happen?" and "Why isn't more being done?" We abhor the bullying behavior in children and accept it in adults and often reward and admire it in athletes, politicians and entertainers.

How many radio personalities use their air time to name call and fault find for our entertainment.

We watch television personalities use raised voices and interruption as a way of controlling a conversation. We watch "talk" shows and reality shows that survive on people embarrassing and shaming each other, even those they purport to love.

We all remember junior high or middle school as being difficult. At an age where your peers opinions matter more than your own, all you want is to be just like everyone else. High school improved minutely, but we continued to believe the world of the high school was all that mattered.

Things are different today. Kids who are bullied can't get away at the end of the school day. The taunting follows them home in text messages and on social media. Children as young as 11 years old are not seeing hope for the future and no escape except taking their own lives.

Go see the movie. Think about your behavior and the behavior in others that you have come to think of as acceptable. Only when we learn to recognize the behavior will we be able to change it.

Maureen Nelson



What they don't tell you.... They dont tell you that you cant be yourself or you will be made fun of. They don't tell you that you have to be a size 0 to be good enough. They don't tell you that girls that used to be your best friends turn into your worst enemies. They dont tell you that those people who have been with you for forever will walk out on you. They dont tell you that razors are not only what you shave with but also what you cut with. They dont tell you that you will be destroyed over the internet by groups of girls. They don't tell you about pressures to have sex, do drugs, and drink. They dont tell you that suicide is when you hate your life and want to die. They dont tell you that a smile on a girl is a lie. They dont tell you what its like to be a teenager, the pressures, insecurities, and the troubles. We grow up with positive mind sets on the world. thinking everything is wonderful. We grow up watching TV stars that seem perfect, we think thats how life is when youre a teenager. its not.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Children First

Planning has begun for this year's School Supply Collection Drive.Last year 9 local schools received over 300 school supplies. This year our goal is 500 items!

We need your help! Volunteer to collect supplies in your church, workplace or service organization.

Let us know if we can count on you by sending us an email.Click here.

Habitat 500 Bike Ride

Parker Quammen, Executive Director of Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity is training to participate in the 20th annual Habitat 500 Bike Ride to be held July 15 - 21, 2012 This year's 500-mile route will loop through scenic south central Minnesota (St. Louis Park - Hastings - New Prague - Hutchinson - New Ulm - Mayer - St. Louis Park). Along the way, they will celebrate the construction of the 2,000th Habitat home to be built in Minnesota (also known as the "bike home") located in Hutchinson and will also raise thousands of dollars in support of the construction of Habitat homes throughout Minnesota and beyond.

On this 20th anniversary year of the ride, they are celebrating a cumulative

1 million miles ridden by Habitat 500 riders who have raised a total of $4.5 million in support of simple, decent, affordable housing. Last year, Habitat 500 riders raised over $300,000 ($2,500 per rider), which was disbursed to over 60 Habitat for Humanity affiliates worldwide with over half going to Minnesota affiliates. Parker's personal goal this year is to raise $3,000 with the funds designated to Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity.

Due to the strong volunteer base and donations of food and other supplies, just 4 percent of the funds raised are used to cover the costs of the ride. Thus $0.96 of each $1.00 raised by Habitat 500 riders goes to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

To pledge your support, please contact Parker at (507-732-7761 or email parkerdq@gmail.com)

Wish List

Peanut Butter

and Jelly

No glass containers please

Upcoming Events

We have a lot of projects but still need volunteers. If you have a group that would like to volunteer for a couple hours, a half a day or a full day please call us.

This is a great opportunity for businesses to build comraderie and help the community.

Call Tonya at

651-388-6309

for more information!

Blandin Leadership Program

We are excited to announce that the Blandin Community Leadership Program will be offering another retreat for Red Wing. The leadership retreat is scheduled for November 5-9, 2012 at Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids, MN and the follow up workshops will be held on February 12-13, 2013 and May 7, 2013. If you are interested in applying for the Blandin Community Leadership program, contact the United Way office or visit the Blandin website at:

http://www.blandinfoundation.org/

Donate to HOPE Coalition without spending a dime!

HOPE Coalition has been selected by Thrivent Financial as one of 5 agencies to compete for $20,000 in funds as part of a pilot project. The amount we receive will be based on the percentage of votes we get. Visit the Thrivent Share the Vote website and vote for HOPE Coalition by June 22! We will use the funds to purchase much needed new mattresses and bedding for our 24-bed domestic violence shelter.

World Elder Abuse

Awareness Day

Please join the Elder Justice Network

as we honor those affected by abuse later in life

June 15th

11:30 -1:00

Fairview Red Wing Professional & Community Center

Cafeteria

1407 W. 4th St

Light refreshments provided

Breakfast on the Bluff!

Visit the Upper Quarry

Sat. June 16, 9-10:00 a.m.
Upper Quarry,

Memorial Park

*See quarry renovation plans
*Visit with the designer & give feedback
*See the new overlooks
*View historical photos
*Take an optional short hike
*Meet others who love the bluff

A light breakfast will be provided.
No RSVP required.

Save the Date

Russ Clevenger Memorial

Golf Tournament

Dinner &

Auction

Monday, August 13th

Cannon Golf Club

12:30pm

4 person scramble format

For more information or to reserve your spot:

Contact

By phone:

Greg Evans

Tournament Chair

507-263-7563

or by email

Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity

gchfh01@gmail.com

All Proceeds Support

Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity

United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce Counties reserves the right to print material it deems appropriate and of interest to our readers. We may promote fund raisers, benefits and promotions for non-profit organizations working with people in our service area. All submissions should be sent to maureen.nelson@uw-gwp.org for consideration. Editing for size may occur in articles chosen to be printed.

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