Say, It’s Not Okay 2

October brings with it the occasional last remnants of summer, and the onset of changing colors of leaves hearkening the coming of winter – It is also Bully Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The local recreational fields sport a different color with boys and girls donning pink socks as they play sports, and play a role in raising awareness of breast cancer.

For Bully Awareness Month, local 4th grade student Aly McCormick produced a video to raise awareness of bullying – and a call to action for both children and adults.

The local anti-bullying video features both school children, adults, and local community leaders saying …it’s not okay.

Participating in the project were Rec Commissioner Mike Guadagnino, Oakland Mayor Linda Schwager, and school principal Adam Silverstein. In addition to community leaders, other  residents from coaches, to parents to grandparents, joined with local children to say – “It’s Not Okay”.

Remember, October is a month dedicated to raising awareness on bullying, domestic violence, and breast cancer….So, remember to say, it’s not okay….

• It’s not okay that 1 in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in the United States.
• It’s not okay that 1 in every 8 men will experience domestic violence in the United States.

• It’s not okay that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in the United States.
• It’s not okay that over 40,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer this year.

• It’s not okay that 160,000 American students stay home on any given day because they’re afraid of bullies.
• It’s not okay that 85% of the time, neither an adult nor a peer will say – “It’s not okay”

This October – and throughout the year – say, it’s not okay.