Two third graders in Haslet, TX have started a movement in their school to keep the anti-bully message alive. Isabella and Kennedy have led their fellow elementary students to recognize and support a "No Bully Friday" by wearing anti-bully gear that support their goals. The girls, along with other students and teachers, wear shirts, buttons and wristbands with positive messages and a No Bullies Allowed logo every Friday.
The No Bullies Allowed idea came when Isabella and Kennedy had gotten in trouble for bullying at the beginning of the school year. Their mothers, Tynea Valentine and Wendi Crites, were determined to understand what drove the girls to bully and how they could leverage their strong, leadership personalities to make a positive difference. Together, the four came up with an idea to spread positive reminders through fashionable designed t-shirts, trading buttons and wristbands. They called it No Bullies Allowed, and it was an instant success.
They now have 7 shirt designs, 20 trading button designs and a signature wristband all sporting the No Bullies Allowed message. The No Bullies Allowed gear and school initiative has been formalized with Getting Started Kits for education leaders to start the No Bullies Allowed campaign in their schools. Additionally, as part of the formalized No Bullies Allowed program, a portion of every sale will go back to the school to help fund their anti-bully initiatives. Interested schools can visit the No Bullies Allowed Facebook page at facebook.com/nobulliesallowed or by emailing nobulliesallowedonline@gmail.com.
In reading one of the No Bullies Allowed t-shirt, "It Starts With Me," we are reminded that it takes an unwavering commitment to make a positive difference; and it takes a leader to lead - no matter the age.
