Community Corner
Free Local Anti-Bullying Workshops Attract Crowds
Only one of three area programs is still open for registration
Two local anti-bullying workshops have been filled to capacity, but interested parents and educators can attend a third one in late April.
Warren Township Library's free seminar," Bullying, Teasing, Name-Calling, Rejection - It's Rough Being a Kid!" scheduled for March 28 is not only full, there is a wait list of more than 30 people.
"This filled up quicker than any other workshop we've offered," said Antonette D'Orazio, Head of Youth Services at the library. She added that the library hopes to offer a similar workshop in the future due to this one's popularity.
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The same program is being offered by the Somerset County Library in Bridgewater on April 7 and it also is full. Both libraries have been referring people to "The Bullying Dilemma...Join in the Conversation" on April 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville.
The Superior Court Vicinage 13 Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties Advisory Committee on Minority Concerns and the Somerset County Bar Foundation are sponsoring the free Community Education Program that still has openings.
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The seminar will provide an overview of bullying, its psychological aspect, prevention methods and the impact of bullying on students, parents, teachers and the community. Featured panelists include: Nadia S. Ansary, PhD, Rider University; Paul Boxer, PhD, Rutgers University; Stuart Green, PhD, Chairman of Bullying Commission; J. Frank Vespa-Papaleo, Esq., Head of Division on Civil Rights under Governor Corzine, and Anthony Kearns, III, Hunterdon County Prosecutor.
"We really wanted to provide something to the public that would be of interest," said Linnette Higley, from the ombudsman office for Superior Court Vicinage 13 Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. "It's a very big topic, especially now with the anti-bullying law."
Assembly Bill 3466, also known as the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights,” is the new legislation passed by the state Senate and Assembly last November. The bill includes provisions requiring training for most public school employees on how to spot bullying and deal with bullying, harassment and intimidation. The law also requires school districts to create bullying prevention programs and public colleges and universities must include a policy on harassment, intimidation, or bullying as part of their student code of conduct.
The "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights," which will be discussed during the April 28 program, gained popular support after Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi committed suicide after his roommate tried to broadcast an intimate encounter between him and another man over the internet.
Those interested in attending the "The Bullying Dilemma...Join in the Conversation" on April 28 can register via email at SOMOmbudsman@judiciary.state.nj.us. The event qualifies for CLE credits or three hours of Professional Development for Educators. For CLE credits, contact Ann Winder at 908-685-2323.
