I am an Anti-Bullying Advocate: Matt Shankles

[Sir Harvey]

Ok, I just love the community of people here at mod the sims, so i thought I'd show you what I've been up to the past couple of months.

It began with the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)'s Safe Schools Advocacy Summit, in which I lobbied for the Safe School's Improvement Act, which basically works to have bullying defined on a national level, and encourages staff development so that teachers and administrators know what to do, and know how to handle it.

Since then, I revealed myself as the "Anti-Gossip Girl(Boy)" twitter account in my high-school, and I received nation wide attention (I was even on Huff Post and CNN), for my work to counteract bullying through my secret twitter account @Linn_Mar_Love (Linn-Mar is the name of the school district).

Last Friday, I testified in front of a congressional committee, Senator Harkin's (D-Iowa) Health Education and Labor Pensions committee. Please do take the time to look at some links, they're great, and even if you don't support the bill I'm lobbying for, be nice.

If anything, check out the youtube video, and the huff post article+the WOI TV link.

PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN (Links :rofl: )
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2012/05/11/kaye-bullied-teen-fights-back.cnn
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/gay-iowa-teen-secret-identity-bullying_n_1472483.html
http://marion.patch.com/articles/class-act-linn-mar-student-advocates-for-anti-bullying-legislation-in-dc#photo-9732803
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NlANSAi8mA
http://www.woi-tv.com/story/18742455/three-iowa-students-testify-on-bullying

Oh, and "Like Me"
http://www.facebook.com/AdvocateShankles

Thanks!
-Matt

[BlakeS5678]

Aw, your story really touches my heart. Just keep doing what you're doing, and I'll help spread the word.

This world really would be a MUCH better place, if there was only a percent more of people like you.

[maxon]

Oh well done. That's impressive.

[annoainthere]

Very nice, it's great to see someone who's got some kudos to not just do what is needed but to do it on such a large scale!

Being a victim of bullying myself I wish I had stood up and done something like this instead of being afraid of what might of happened if I had tried.

[Sir Harvey]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[shoo_flee]

Inspirational :) keep it up, its people like you who help and inspire others, there needs to be more of them in the world! I love seeing things like this, really brightens up my day.

[SeeMyu]

That's awesome! You truly are inspiring :)

[malfoya]

Everyday stories like this makes me belive in the human being again! ^^

[Sir Harvey]

@Malfoya Wow! Thanks!

[BlakeS5678]

@Malfoya Wow! Thanks!

No need to thank us, after all you're a hero.

[Sir Harvey]

Thanks guys. I just got a website up too. http://www.shanklesadvocacy.com/

[AlexandraSpears]

I have my misgivings about anti-bullying campaigns, myself, even though I was bullied a LOT when I was a child.

Before you know it, merely having a difference of opinion will be considered "bullying" and here come the Thought Police.

So watch out for that slippery slope.

[Sir Harvey]

Alexandra, that's why we have a very clear definition of bullying written into the Safe Schools Improvement Act.

Besides, even if the campaigns are a flop we CAN'T ignore this. Students are DYING, in their homes and schools, and on top of that, they're dying by their own hands.

However; I am glad that you shared your opinion, it's always good to learn a little everyday, and different opinions help us do that. :)