I Am an Upstander Because...

  • “I have never known a life without being made fun of. Every day, someone does something to tease me, mock me, make fun of me, etc. I have never known what self esteem feels like, because I cant remember ever having it. I have been clinically depressed for four years (since eighth grade). My life has been controlled by bullies, whether they are conscious about it or not. Every aspect of my life has been affected by them. Last year I remember our counselor telling us to make a list of what's good about ourselves in class. I couldn't. This is what bullying does to people. Please stop it before they end up like me, constantly contemplating self harm or (occasionally), even suicide?”

    —Patricia Lorraine Winchester, Hollywood, Maryland, USA

  • “I have been bullied my whole life, the only thing that got me through is thinking about the future. To all the people that are still being bullied, just try to ignore them or tell someone. You'll achive more this way then the people that bully you will ever achive in a lifetime.”

    —Inez, Belgium

  • “There is a bond that exists between us, an unseen link that unites and satisfies us in ways nothing else can. In the end, what we're seeking isn't the riches of the world, but the richness of our Souls; and this can only come from realizing that we are connected and whole. Simply put: we are One.”

    —Eileen, Fredericksburg USA

  • “We can be the difference! If we just think about what we do we can change things, some bullying is thoughtless and we do it mindlessly! The fact is we have all bullied someone in our lives and maybe it was unintentional but we have to face the facts! Only when we have realized our mistakes can we fix them. I hope that together we can realize our mistakes, fix them, and then promise never to make them again!”

    —Reagan Herzog, Stockton, CA

  • “I am an upstander because at our school there was a really mean bully and everyone was afraid to say something to him or anybody. So one day I saw him picking on a kid and i told him what he was doing was not right in front of all his friends and the school. After that I was elected as the President for showing great character and as for the bully...he's now one of my best friends. Surprising huh? I don't think so.”

    —Shane Eliot, San Deigo, California

  • “I stop untrue and hurtful messages from spreading online and in school.”

    —Jessica, California, USA

  • “Bullying is disgusting. No one should be judged based up on their choices, their skin, their background, their sexual orientation. We are all unique, beautiful. We have the ability to change the world, every single one of us. Why let a bully take you down, when you can bring so much good into the world...you are strong - stay that way.”

    —Kacey , New York, New York

  • “I am an upstander because a girl in my dance class was saying that I wasn't normal because I did something different. I told her that no one is normal. Normal is just a setting on the dryer!”

    —Sophie, Seymour,TN

  • “Let's all defy gravity and stop bullying. For good.”

    —Meaghan, New York

  • “There is this girl and everyone talks stuff about her even I did.When some kids ganged up on her and she ran off I went looking for her.I found her behind a tree crying I felt sorry for her and told the teacher.After that I stand up for her when kids talk about her.”

    —Tresor, New Mexico

  • “When Demi Lovato's story aired on 20/20, it absolutely broke my heart that she wanted to die because of being bullied! It inspired me to learn the facts.. And help inform my friends and people at school! I realized that if everyone would pull together and raise awareness... We can change the world!”

    —Kate, Asheville, NC

  • “The only way to stop bullying is if we all acknowledge that it is hurtful, wrong, and vow to stand up for what is right.”

    —Gabriela, Bronx, New York

  • “I AM AN UPSTANDER becaus I get bullied all the time well not all the time,but sometimes.My friends also do because of stupid reasons.Our teacher does nothing he actually befriends some bullies.I think bullying should stop because kids start having no self esteem an stop believing in there self.”

    —Remi,

  • “I have been bullied so i know what it feels like. My school is horrible about teasing others. I stand up aginst it even though my school dosent”

    —Chela, Elkins

  • “The truth is: You are fabulous, fantastic and a wonderful human being (something the bully does not possess!) NEVER lose sight of this. Bully's don't bully because you lack some quality but because you shine! Keep on shining xoxo”

    —Tana Wright, Louisville, KY