Continue support for Challenge Day

‘Got your back.’ Challenge Day’s Notice Choose Act Network 

In his commentary in today’s Lake County Record-Bee, Clear Lake High School senior Nate Bauman shares his experience with Challenge Day.

I second Bauman’s request to “Please continue to support Challenge Day so we can be the change we want to see in the world.”

I was among adult volunteers during Challenge Day in 2010 at Lower Lake High School. As someone who endured bullying and rejection during my time at school, it was -- and is -- vitally important to me that students at Lake County schools enjoy a climate of acceptance.

Challenge Day uses an “iceberg” metaphor, emphasizing that only 10 percent of what a person is, is visible on the surface. “Crossing the line” illustrates similarities among people who may superficially appear have little in common. The Challenge Day presenter recites various experiences and invites people to cross the line if this applies to them.

Adult volunteers and students alike take part in all activities.

Challenge Day and presentations like it are important to me as part of an ongoing commitment to promote zero tolerance for bullying. With it should come follow up: “Be the Change” clubs and “Next Step” workshops.

This commitment must involve the entire school community. The majority of students -- neither bullies nor victims -- must withhold from bullies the passive compliance that allows bullying to take place.

Remember too, schools provide the atmosphere where bullying can flourish or be suppressed. Teachers and, really, anyone who comes in contact with students, this is part of the job that you signed up to do.

Schools must have strong policies in place and consistently enforce those policies. Adults must examine their own practices and attitudes that allow bullying to take place.

For more information about Challenge Day, visit www.challengeday.org/.

Published Jan. 22, 2013 in the Lake County Record-Bee.