Author: Michael Shanahan

One 2012 study found that more than one third of adolescents who were harassed in school reported that it was motivated by bias. This week, we challenge you to push back against bias by being curious about what you don’t understand. Get informed by finding out about the culture or customs of one specific person this week. You could watch a documentary or spend just 15 minutes researching on Wikipedia. If there is a cuisine associated with the culture you research, you could even try that too! Remember to share what you learn with your friends and family so they can also get informed.

Giving a compliment is an easy way to let someone know that you’ve noticed their hard work, and genuine compliments always feel great. Give someone a genuine, thoughtful compliment each day this week to show that you value their contributions. If someone gives a presentation or makes an insightful comment in class, you can say something like, “Hey, I totally agree with what you said, great point!” or “You killed that presentation!” or “Hey, really good job with ___.” Just paying attention to someone can be really powerful. BONUS: It can be even more powerful if you give a compliment in front of others, so they can recognize the person’s positive qualities, too. If you have an opportunity to build someone up in a group, do it!

Have you ever met someone who is so confident in themself, they inspire you to be the same? This week is your chance to be that person for those around
you by embracing your differences in a bold and daring way. Need ideas? Maybe pick out that weird sweater you love but have always been hesitant
about and finally wear it to school. Or tell your friends about the comic book
collection you were too nervous to share—and do it proudly! Just remember
that your act of boldness is ultimately about you and the example you want
to set—not about the reactions you may or may not receive.

Michael Shanahan candidate profile: ongoing local election coverage

Published on Thursday, 09 August 2018 13:30

Michael Shanahan

Ojai Unified School District Board of Education

What is your background, particularly as it relates to this position?

Why are you seeking election to this position?

What goals would you like to accomplish during your term in office?

What are the biggest issues facing the organization?

Why should people vote for you?

According to a 2010 study, only 36% of students who were bullied reported
it.⁵ Let’s get that number higher! If you have a friend who is going through a
tough time and you aren’t sure what to do, try getting support from a guidance
counselor or another trusted adult this week to figure out the best way to
get them the help they need. You can try asking, “Can I talk to you for a
second? I need advice figuring out how to help my friend,” or “My friend is
going through a tough time and I don’t know what to do. Can you help me
out?”

Be someone’s support system. You can’t fix everything, but you can make things easier by lending an ear or a shoulder. If you have a friend who has been feeling down recently, pick one time this week to sit with them and offer your support. You can try phrases like, “I’m here for you,” or “I’m here if you want to talk, but you don’t have to share if you don’t feel like it.” Even if no words are exchanged, your gesture of support will help your friend know they’re not alone.

If you’re dealing with bullying, focusing on your future can be a great way to make it through. When thinking about who you want to be in the future, it can help to remember how far you’ve come. Find a photo of yourself from 10 years ago, 5 years ago, and now. Put them in a row and try to list all of the things that changed in your life and personality at each interval. What did you learn? When did you feel most triumphant? What did you struggle with? Now imagine yourself 5 years from now. What do you hope to accomplish? How do you hope to continue growing?

How often have you been doing group work in a class and noticed someone working alone? Working in groups can be exciting, but often we don’t realize that it’s not so easy for some people. This week, when a teacher asks you to pick a group, instead of jumping to work with a friend or your normal group, keep your eyes open and work with someone you haven’t partnered with before. You could say, “Hey, I noticed you don’t have a partner. Want to work with me?” or “We could really use some help with this. Want to join our group?” This simple act of inclusion could make a huge impact on that person, and you might even make a new friend. You won’t know unless you make the effort!

Hugs are a simple, quick way to lift someone’s mood.⁴ Give a hug to a different friend each day this week. It’s easy and can help them feel appreciated. You can try saying, “Hey, can I give you a hug? You look like you could use one,” or “Get in here!” Chances are, others will want to join the challenge, too.

According to one study, more than half of bullying situations stop when a peer intervenes on behalf of the student being bullied.³ While in some situations the best and safest way to help will be to find an adult to intervene, in others it may only take the smallest interruption to shift the focus from bullying to a different subject. This week, look for a safe opportunity to speak up when someone is being treated unkindly with a small comment like, “That’s not cool,” or “I don’t think he wants you to call him that,” or “This is silly, don’t we have something better to do?” We bet you’ll be surprised by the results.