Sitka,Alaska's Anti-Bullying Campaign

I worked with SYLC youth in May, 2012 an an amazing organization dedicated to building bridges and creating positive change amongst youth in Sitka and across Alaska. Born out of LeadOn!, an annual statewide youth leadership conference, the Sitka Youth Leadership Committee provides a space for youth to constructively express themselves, be positive leaders and role models, and to feel a part of the community.

The above video is a PSA I completed with Sitka Youth Leadership Committee. I spent an entire semester with  Mt Edgecumbe students (an esteemed Alaska Native boarding school)  in Sitka talking about media literacy. The students, along with their SYCL mentor  Julia Smith, hatched an amazing sticker bombing campaign to address issues of bullying in our local community.  

Much of the group led discussions were in response to the high rates of domestic violence in Alaska. In fact 59% of Alaskan women will experience domestic violence or sexual violence in their lifetime (Alaska Victimization Survey, 2010), and the high rates of bullying in Sitka, twice the national average (Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, Blatchley Middle School Report, 2010), youth in Sitka are mobilizing to build stronger communities and stronger individuals by promoting respect, peace, and equality across the state.

After sticker-bombing the town of Sitka, our group documented the community's response.
We will be making a film about it in the fall. To be continued.

safv.org /youth-leadership.html
standupspeakupalaska.org
facebook@LeadOn! For peace and equality in Alaska

facebook@SitkaYouthLeadershipCommittee