FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Talking about bullying and learning how to handle it was the goal of the anti-bullying workshop, a joint project between Picerne Military Housing and Child, Youth and School Services.
Parents, children and counselors met at the Bowden Terrace Community Center Oct. 9 to talk about their experiences, issues and concerns and what should be done when faced with a bullying situation.
"Bullying of all types is having a devastating effect on our children and our society," Lisa Patrick, Picerne Military Housing Family Services Program manager, said. "We wanted to bring awareness to our community and address any concerns parents or children might have."
Patrick said the workshop also featured arts and crafts and a series of video clips that shared what to do when confronted with a bullying situation.
"We have a slogan contest going on that the children seem to be enjoying," she said. "We haven't set a time to announce a winner since we'll probably have another workshop in the near future. This first workshop is just the beginning."
The most important thing for parents and children to take away from the workshop is awareness, Patrick said.
"Once you have the awareness and the ability to come together as a community, you can really do a lot to help each other," she said. "We have a lot of information available to parents, children and teachers."
Col. Rick Crogan, Army Center Logistics Command commander, attended the workshop with his two sons, Trey and Jack. He said the event was "much needed."
"This is a great way to help children learn about bullying and how to handle it when and if it happens to them," he said. "This also helps us, as parents, know what kind of signs to look for if our children seem to be having a difficult time."
Crogan went on to say how pleased he was with the organization of the CYSS and Picerne event.
"I'm very appreciative of Picerne, CYSS and the garrison for setting this up," he said. "There's a lot of great information and I hope they do more of these workshops soon."
For more information on this and future workshops, call 255-2958.
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