Beginning next week, an anti-bullying troupe will be touring through several Victoria area schools to deliver presentations and educate the youth about the impacts of bullying.
No Time for That Anti-Bullying Society (NTFT) will be in these schools as a part of a western Canada tour, and they are bringing along with them Elsie Morden, a Toronto-based, award-winning singer-songwriter, who is also NTFT’s founder.
Morden and NTFT will give presentations to schools and community groups to spread education and awareness about bullying prevention.
This isn’t any ordinary assembly about bullying for the kids who will see the presentations though, as the 45 minute-long show includes live musical performances, activities, speaking from experts and resources.
NTFT says that the presenters will share their personal stories about bullying and its impacts, and will also be performing original songs in hopes that their message resonates with the students.
After the 45-minute presentation, students will be able to ask questions in a 15-minute Q&A period, and will have the opportunity to meet the touring crew.
Morden, NTFT founder and the leading musician on the tour, grew up between BC and Manitoba, and has earned numerous awards multiple Manitoba Country Music Association nominations, the Manitoba Premier’s Healthy Living Award, the Volunteer Manitoba Local Hero Award, and the CAMH 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health Difference Makers Award.
“Feeling seen, heard, and understood is important always, but especially when you are struggling,” said Morden.
“Being able to relate to someone’s experiences and see a part of yourself in an artist’s songs can be life changing. If they were able to overcome a situation like yours and stand up for themselves, then it’s possible for you too. Never give up.”
According to NTFT, every seven minutes, a child is bullied, and 85% of incidents involve bystanders.
In schools, around 71% of teens claimed to have experienced bullying last year. NTFT says that while 71% of teachers claim to intervene, only 25% of students agree, and most never report it.
Additionally, around 40% of Canadians claim to face workplace harassment weekly.
NTFT will be in the Victoria area from Monday, November 3rd, to Friday, November 7th as follows:
- Monday, November 3rd – Victoria and Sooke: Spencer Middle School and Sooke Elementary School
- Tuesday, November 4th – Victoria: École John Stubbs Memorial and École John Stubbs Memorial
- Wednesday, November 5th – Victoria: Dunsmuir Middle School and Wishart Elementary
- Thursday, November 6th – Victoria: Arts Calibre Academy
- Friday, November 7th – Victoria: Hans Helgesen Elementary School
