What does it mean to use a good mind, and how would our struggles surrounding bullying and lateral violence be affected if we governed ourselves by this simple concept in our day-to-day interactions? This is one of the many questions we asked ourselves at the beginning of the “Good Minds Stand Up” campaign, and we searched our hearts, as well as the hearts of the community, to answer this question throughout the month of October.
Together with the Dreamcatcher Foundation, we brought you personal stories and resources in our weekly publication, delivered our newspapers to area schools, and gave away free t-shirts to community members to stimulate a discussion about how Good Minds Stand Up to bullying.
As our posters lined the hallways of schools we delivered to, as educators utilized activities from the paper to encourage anti-bullying awareness in their students, and as Two Row Times staff received requests for further programming, it quickly became clear to us that this discussion was long overdue. What we discovered is that the question of how to respond to bullying can be answered simply, though it is a question that we should never stop asking. Every single day, we should ask ourselves if we are utilizing our Good Minds: are we transforming our thoughts and actions to be truly powerful, infusing them with loving and kind intent instead of harmful ones? Research shows that when bystanders intervene that most incidents stop within 10 seconds, so it is essential for Good Minds to stand up by speaking against bullying when it happens.
Ask yourself if you are using a Good Mind, and ask the people around you if they are, too.
Our anti-bullying campaign ends with this issue, but that doesn’t mean the conversation about bullying needs to end in your workplaces, schools and homes. You can find further resources and information through the following websites and organizations:
- www.prevnet.ca
- www.kidshelpphone.ca
- www.stopabully.ca
- www.pinkshirtday.ca
- www.bullyingcanada.ca
And remember, if you’re being bullied: it gets better. There are places you can turn to for help if you are struggling with issues at school and home. The Kids Help Phone is open 24/7 and is free, anonymous, confidential and professional. You can reach them at 1-800-668-6868.
