For National Bullying Prevention Month, Girls Inc. inspires girls to champion kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in our communities. Initiated by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, this month-long observance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering safe environments where everyone feels respected and valued. Girls Inc. Brand Ambassadors share what National Bullying Prevention Month means to them, reflecting on their commitment to promoting empathy and building safe spaces for others. 

Ashlyn is an alumnae of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta who has used her Girls Inc. Experience to speak out against bullying. 

Speaking out against bullying is an important moment that changes the way we see community and friendship. I recall one instance where a fellow student experienced physical harassment. She was shy and often kept to herself. One day, the teasing became unbearable, and I knew I had to step in. The confidence I gained from participating in Girls Inc. programming gave me the courage to intervene.

Through a variety of programs and events, Girls Inc. instilled in me the value of being strong, smart, and bold. For instance, I gained knowledge of both the necessity of defending oneself and others as well as practical self-defense tactics. Additionally, my choice to act was further supported by Girls Inc.’s leadership programs, which placed a strong emphasis on empathy and the importance of mutual support.

Through this experience, I gained the confidence to defend the rights of others, and a deeper awareness of what friendship really means. I learned the value of kindness and the power that comes from a strong sense of community by standing up for my classmate. Girls Inc. has played a significant role in motivating us to create a community built on empathy and solidarity by fostering a culture where everyone feels appreciated and respected. Because of their leadership, I feel more comfortable advocating for a culture of compassion and encouragement and living up to the values of being strong, smart, and bold.

Jessica is an alumnae of Girls Inc. of San Diego demonstrates her inner strength by not letting bullies affect her.

Girls Inc. taught me that being strong, smart, and bold can come from small actions. During one of my classes, there were students that tried to upset me with their words, but instead of giving them the reaction they sought I simply ignored them. I didn’t let their comments bother me. It had been some time since I had been made fun of, but my refusal to engage seemed to put an end to their mean remarks. Since I gave them no reaction or response, they stopped, knowing that I would not entertain or put up with their bullying.

Danie is a participant of Girls Inc. of Long Island who is advocating against bullying for those who are unable to speak up for themselves.

Girls Inc. has strengthened my passion to help others. One day at school, I realized that in my French class, a student was being made fun of for her accent. She had recently come to America and was not proficient in English. I stood up for her and told the students to stop because she deserves respect like everyone else. That day, I stood up for myself and others who didn’t have a voice. Attending the Girls Inc. LeadHERship Summit helped me understand that solving your problems may be easy, but for someone else it can be difficult. Talking with other girls made me realize we are not all the same. You never know someone’s living situations, circumstances, or what they’ve been through in the past, physically or mentally. Girls Inc. is my safe space, so I’ve learned to bring the safe space to those who don’t have one.

Mackenzie  from Girls Inc. of Houston who has leveraged her Girls Inc. Experience to champion kindness and support her friends against bullying. 

In middle school, I saw a friend being teased for not fitting in with the “popular” crowd. I had felt helpless in similar situations before, but this time, something was different. Thanks to the confidence I gained through Girls Inc., I found the courage to speak up. Girls Inc. activities helped me recognize my own strength and taught me that standing up for others is part of creating a positive community. Through workshops and events focused on building confidence and resilience, I learned what it means to be strong, smart, and bold. I stood up to those bullies, not just for my friend but to remind others that kindness matters. This moment taught me that true friendship means supporting one another, and Girls Inc. has inspired me to create a culture where everyone feels safe and valued.

Liana from Girls Inc. of Metro Denver felt supported by Girls Inc. during times of bullying.

When I was in middle school, I experienced a lot of bullying. I never stood up for myself because I didn’t feel strong enough to do so. Then, I joined the five-year Eureka! Program at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, which provided me with a group of lifelong friends, valuable lessons, and the strength to stand up for myself.

Bullying can take  a toll on one’s mental health, and Girls Inc. is a community that truly helps with that. Not only can I talk with the other girls, but also with the supportive staff.  Each month, we get together and explore different topics, one of which was mental health and bullying. We talked about  what to do in certain situations and how to support ourselves and others.

Thank you to our Brand Ambassadors for being advocates for kindness and sharing what National Bullying Prevention Month means to you. Your voices, resilience, and dedication to fostering safe spaces and understanding inspire us all. As you raise awareness about the impact of bullying in your communities and beyond, we know you will be catalysts for positive change.