Over
30 Representatives are currently members of the Caucus. Chaired by Congressman Mike Honda
(D-CA), the CABC will be a premier forum for
individuals and advocates from private sector organizations and non-profit
agencies to proactively respond to issues of bullying—both offline and online.
This bipartisan caucus aims to provide educators, students, and everyday
individuals, along with Members of Congress, with the tools and knowledge to
not only address incidents of bullying effectively but to prevent them from
occurring in the first place.
The round table discussion will consist of three panels. The
first, moderated by PFLAG National’s very own Executive Director, Jody
Huckaby, will provide an overview on
bullying behavior and power dynamics. The second, moderated by Eliza Byard,
Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN),
will discuss the roles and responsibilities of adults in preventing bullying.
And finally, the third panel, moderated by Rep. Mike Honda himself, will look towards
the future with the hope of finding tangible ways to eradicate bullying once
and for all. The round table will then be followed by an evening reception and
a screening of the film Bully, which profiles the lives of several young teenagers and
their families as well as their intimate experiences with bullying.
The
importance of hosting such a caucus can be seen in the Chairman’s
Message on the Caucus’ website. Here, Rep. Honda discusses
how: “Every year, millions of Americans are
physically or psychologically attacked on the basis of their skin color,
ethnicity, physical or mental abilities, sexual orientation, sex, gender
identity, religion, or age. Addressing the bullying epidemic—in our schools, in
the workplace, in assisted-living facilities—is a concern very close to my
heart. It is our responsibility as human beings to empower the individuals who
are discriminated against, scapegoated, and silenced by society.”
Take Action: As PFLAGers, we all agree with Rep. Honda that bullying is a
concern very close to our hearts. Here are steps that you can take:
- Contact your Elected Officials and urge them to support legislation that ensures all youths grow up in a safe and loving environment. This legislation includes the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act.
- Learn more about the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus’ Launch Event by visiting the event’s website. The first step in eradicating bullying is to be informed about the issue. Download a copy of the CABC Launch Packet and help Congress create safe and supportive communities for everyone in the PFLAG family.
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