Local high school students representing the Orange County Human Relations Commission's BRIDGES program will describe their ideas on how to combat bullying on campuses throughout the city.
HBReads is sponsoring the free presentation, sponsored in part by the Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach, as part of its 2013 event-filled campaign based on the book, "Thirteen Reasons Why" by noted author Jay Asher. The campaign kick-off coincides with National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in October.
"Thirteen Reasons Why", which will be recommended reading in Huntington Beach schools, is the story of 16-year-old Hannah Baker who was bullied before she committed suicide. Included are the reactions of a high school classmate who listens to the teen's tape recordings that reveal 13 separate anecdotes about classmates whose actions the girl blames for her death.
The book was on The New York Times children's books best-seller list and has been published in 29 countries in different languages.
The presentation will also feature a videotape of a YouthSpeak winning speech by Elisa Rodriguez, a local student who wrote:
"We can stop bullying. If we let one lost voice be heard, thousands will be spoken for. So take a stand. A stand against bullies. A stand against low self-esteem. A stand for unity and peace. A stand for differences. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference, because then they're just a bully we need to prove wrong. I can change the world and together we can all stop bullying."
According to Fred Provencher, HBReads chair, "we encourage the entire community - adults, parents, educators and students -- to attend our kick-off event Oct. 10th to help battle this pervasive problem that can be prevented." He said refreshments will be provided.
About HBReads (hbreads.org)
Huntington Beach Reads One Book (HBReads) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2007 to invite readers in Huntington Beach - adults, students and families - to learn about the diversity of people, cultures and to discuss new perspectives. It introduces them to authors and sponsors a variety of programs that share the art, music, food and experiences of the story. Each year the group selects one book to be read and discussed at the same time by the entire community. HBReads is endorsed by the HB City Council, the Human Relations Task Force and the Huntington Beach Library board of trustees and its corporate sponsors include the Kiwanis International of Huntington Beach and Boeing Corporation. Address: 419 Main St., Ste. 38, Huntington Beach, Calif. Phone: (714) 497-3237. Website: www.hbreads.org.
About the Orange County Human Relations Commission:
The Orange County Human Relations Commission is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1991 to develop and implement proactive human relations programs in partnership with schools, corporations, cities, foundations and individuals. It provides an award-winning inter-group and violence prevention program in the schools, and conflict resolution programs and inter-group relations initiatives in the communities all over Orange County. Supported through grants, donations, fees and contracts, the council is governed by a board of directors consisting of diverse community leaders and guided by a community partners advisory board comprised bo executives from major corporations and institutions.
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