We all experience bullying in some form or another. Advertising bombards us, store clerks ignore us, fellow travelers cut us off in traffic. Those are often behaviors learned a long time ago. That is why a program I could witness this week is so important.

The local organization Creative Action has combined art and drama with the anti-bullying/anti-discrimination message and created a most effective program for school children. In five one-hour segments two young actors create situations to which the children react with their own ideas of how to avoid or divert them. The children get totally involved and fully internalize the intended message. Their ideas are spot-on and creative. They realize that they can be a target or a bully themselves. The role they are learning is that of the bystander. But not the do-nothing bystander. They fully understand the transition from bystander to courageous bystander. And they are taught to be careful with their courage, and not jump in without considering their own safety.

the important driangle of actions

Creative Action has numerous in-school and after-school programs, which engage young people in responsible social behavior that leads them to become confident, creative adults who can become leaders in their own families and communities. Since many schools cannot teach these skills within their curriculum, Austin is fortunate to have Creative Action bringing these programs to schools in need.