UnifyAgainstBullying

Icelandic Performer Spreads the Pozzi Power At UnifyAgainstBullying Fashion Show

May 19, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Carlyle, Executive Director, Unify Against Bullying
[email protected] 413-318-4818
Edward Zemba, President, Unify Against Bullying
[email protected] 413-525-4265

European Celebrity Performs at

Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show

HOLYOKE, Mass. – Over 650 people gathered at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Mass. on May 16 to celebrate true diversity through fashion at a fundraiser for Unify Against Bullying. Students of all shapes, sizes, styles, ethnicity, sexual orientation and physical ability from 30 different schools in Mass. and Conn. strutted their stuff at the non-profit’s third annual Fashion Show, presented by Robert Charles Photography of East Longmeadow. “Through the show, our goal is to help students see that it’s important to celebrate our differences – rather than step back from them. What makes us each unique is ultimately what makes us stronger as a community.” says Edward Zemba, President of Unify Against Bullying. This year’s event raised over $56,000 towards their anti-bullying initiatives.

Greta Salóme, Icelandic performer, joined the students on stage for a moving performance which portrayed an example of dealing with bullying and what it takes to rise above it. During the skit, she performed her song, “Hear Them Calling,” which she sang in the finals of Eurovision in 2016. “The song is about listening to the positive voices within,” said Salóme. Having dealt with bullying in her own life, Salóme was inspired to join the Unify movement after hearing of the worldwide #UnifySelfieChallenge in 2016. The social media campaign began with a challenge to gain participation from 50 states and 50 countries within a 50-day time span, which the organization accomplished thanks to help from public figures like Greta.

Watch At Minute 55 as she steps in to share her magic!

While in the United States, Greta plans to visit local schools to speak on behalf of Unify Against Bullying. She hopes to use her experiences to help educate today’s children that our differences are what make us unique. Her message is aligned with the non-profit’s in that she wants to empower students to make smart choices and embrace diversity.

Also performing at the Fashion Show was local high school student, Kenny Roche, who uses his background in performance to create viral music videos about ending violence, accepting diversity and bringing an end to bullying. Kenny debuted a new song with a focus on anti-bullying that he created for the show. His original single, “Stop the Violence,” became a viral sensation earlier in 2017 with over 950k views on Facebook. Unify Against Bullying also celebrated its first national partner for this year’s Fashion Show, Paul Mitchell’s new hair care brand, NEON.

The mission of Unify Against Bullying is to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. Unify intends to accomplish this goal through providing grants to those who are in the best position to make a difference; children, parents, teachers and administrators. These are the unsung heroes who are on the front-lines of bullying each and every day. Through providing them with funding and resources, the children of the world will see; the days of ignoring bullying are over. Instead, we are in a new era where we celebrate our differences and come together as one community. That is why the Unify motto is; when we stand together, we stand as one.

For more information on Unify, or to make a donation, visit http://www.UnifyAgainstBullying.org.

A Pozzi Power Phenomenon is happening.

During the Friendeshans last visit to planet earth, they were happy to see the Pozzi Power being spread by their new friend #UnifyAgainstBullying. They have returned now to JOIN their UnifyAgainstBullying.org friends to help spread the news about their upcoming Fashion Show!

On March 13, 2017 the Friendeshans will join their friends at Unify as they hold their 2017 Unify Launch Party at Blake Commons at Bay Path University March 13 at 5:30 p.m. This invitation-only event will feature the official opening of ticket sales to their 2017 fashion show.

The fashion show is Unify’s number one event to raise funds for scholarship and grant monies to be awarded to individuals who make significant contributions in anti-bully and self-esteem awareness.

Friends. Fashion. Fun!

This year’s Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show is scheduled to take place on May 16. Get a sneak peek and check out the highlights from last year’s event.

Spreading Pozzi Power through scholarships.

Last year they awarded $1,000 grants to the following:

Mitchell Knowles, a Ludlow High School guidance counselor who is developing a program to educate bullies about the effects of their behavior on others.
Patrick Ireland, a Longmeadow educator who teaches classes focusing on building self-esteem, educational enhancement, and kindness through noncontact self-defense.
Matt Walting, a high school student from Wilbraham who is producing a film about a student who is a victim of bullying and abuse at home and at school.

Taylor White, a high school student from Westfield who was in the Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show last April, and Justin Comtois, an Agawam High School student who plans to make a short film on bullying both received $250 grants.

Friendeshans Talk About Bullying

February 12, 2017

If your kids are already talking about the FriendShip Friendesha keep the conversation going with some of these talking points!

The book gives children new ways to think and talk about social problems at school like bullies, problem students, or even teachers that may cause undue stress and tension.

After reading the story again, together, ask some questions.

Is there anyone at school that reminds you of an Oily Spoily?
Have you ever felt like an Oily Spoily squirted you?
Is there anyone at school that makes you feel mad, bad, or sad?
What do you think you should do to someone who acts like an Oily Spoily?
What are some reasons that someone might be acting that way?

Use the conversation as a way to get your child to feel comfortable talking about his or her problems with you. Gauge the level of distress being caused by classmates, and take action if need be, but remember: the Friendshans are all about giving children healthy, respectful, and positive ways to deal with negativity in their lives.

Empower them to fight negative energy with positive energy!

The book gives children new ways to think and talk about social problems at school like bullies, problem students, or even teachers that may cause undue stress and tension.

Sign up for our newsletter and blog updates for ongoing opportunities for learning about anti-bullying and the environment.