GLASS invites our members and community supporters to participate in this important event on anti-bullying. The event is open to the public, however RSVPs are required for both the roundtable in the House and the film screening at the Department of Education. The following letter and invitation is from the Office of Congressman Mike Honda.

Invitation:

Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus Launch

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Please RSVP to fayzan.gowani@mail.house.gov

Dear Friend:
I hope you will join us on June 28, 2012, for the launch of the newly formed Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus. 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. In 2012, at least thirteen million children will be teased, taunted, and physically assaulted by their peers, making bullying the most common form of violence our nation’s youth experience this year. We also recognize that bullying is not confined within classroom walls. As more retirees move into assisted living facilities, experiences with bullying among our elderly communities are also on the rise. This disturbing trend, coupled with a lack of comprehensive federal protections on the issue, underscores the significant role the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus will play in addressing the issue of bullying nationwide.

The Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus will be a premier forum for individuals and advocates from private sector organizations and non-profit agencies, educators, students, and everyday individuals, along with Members of Congress, to proactively respond to issues of bullying – both online and offline. This includes providing a safe environment to hear from individuals who have been involved in different aspects of bullying and also recognizing the importance of addressing external issues that lead to bullying behavior. We all share the responsibility of creating welcoming and inclusive environments to foster a more vibrant, educated, and respectful society. The Caucus will generate positive solutions — starting with an inclusive, focused dialogue.

Roundtable Session

Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: 2237 Rayburn House Office Building

Panel One: Overview on bullying behavior and power dynamics

Moderator: Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Speakers:

Lara Schwartz, VP of External Affairs, American Association of People with Disabilities

Dr. Joe Wright, Legislative Assistant Department of Federal Affairs, American Academy of Pediatrics

Michael Lieberman, Counsel, Anti-Defamation League

American Association of Retired Persons

Panel Two: Adult Roles and Responsibilities

Moderator: Eliza Byard, Executive Director,Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

Speakers:

Robert Gebbia, Executive Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Lily Eskelsen, Vice President, National Education Association

Lee Hirsch, director of the film Bully

Panel Three: Moving Forward: Efforts to Eradicate Bullying

Moderator: Congressman Mike Honda

Speakers:

Russlyn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education

Brooke Oberwetter, Associate Manager – Policy Communications, Facebook

Lee Cutler, Vice-President, American Federation of Teachers

Katy Butler, teen activist

Evening Reception and Screening of Bully

Bully profiles the lives of several young teens and their families and their intimate experiences with bullying

Reception: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Film: 5:15 pm – 6:45 pm

Panel: 6:45 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: Barnard Auditorium

Department of Education

400 Maryland Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20202

An evening reception and screening of Lee Hirsch’s landmark documentary Bully will follow the roundtable session.

Once again, on behalf of the members of the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus, I cordially invite you to attend our Caucus launch. We look forward to the insights and experiences you will bring to crafting proactive solutions to bullying on June 28, 2012. Should you have any questions, would like to inquire about joining the Caucus, or would like to RSVP for the panel and/or film screening, please contact Fayzan Gowani by phone at (202) 225-2631 or by email at Fayzan.Gowani@mail.house.gov. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

H

Mike Honda

Chair, Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus