People from area communities, both young and old, descended on Graham Park in Carroll late last week take a stand against bullying while having some fun learning how to combat the problem. Members of the Kuemper and Carroll Cheerleading squad were on hand to lead the rallying cry.
Organizer Summer Parrott says after learning a local family’s garage door had been vandalized in early October with a spray-painted message targeting their son Charlie she had to act, and organized the “We Are All Charlie” event.
Parrot was joined in her efforts by local organizations and businesses [including both Carroll and Kuemper School Districts, the Carroll Public Library, Art Works Studio, Origin Brothers, Beyond Imagination, First United Methodist Church, Serendipity Acting Studios, and Round Kick Gym] who brought activities to the park geared towards educating not only kids about bullying, but also their parents.
Parrot was surprised, and very pleased, by the hundreds of people who showed up to support the cause.
Parrot says if a child is being bullied at school it is best to first talk with teachers, administrators and guidance counselors to address the bullying issue. Other resources include confidence building activities for a bullied child and also services provided by local churches. Parrot says she hopes to make the “We Are All Charlie” rally an annual event. To keep track of future activities visit the group’s Facebook page here.
