AIR DATE OCTOBER 21, 2021
Title: Bullying Prevention
In this episode of Emily Tells All, we talk about the damage that bullying does to our society and what we can do to try to discourage it in our schools, and our workplace! We talk to children’s advocates in the community to share what they are doing to stop bullying.
Guests and Locations
Amrak Bullying, Founder – Sean Roberts
Ru Camp, Youth MMA Coach – Ruben Saldaña
Bullying Prevention
Did you know that one out of five students report being bullied? Bullying is a vicious cycle that often starts at home, and left unchecked, perpetuates to other more visible environments. Join me as I talk with Sean Roberts (Amrak Bullying, Founder) and Ruben Saldaña (Ru Camp, Youth MMA Coach). These community members take a stand against bullying by finding its source and reversing the trend.
Addressing the Negative Impacts of Bullying
Amrak is an anti-bullying organization in Orange County. They create films with individuals who have been bullied and reverse the effects of that situation into something positive.
Bullying occurs for many reasons, but it all leads to one fact: hurt people hurt other people. Amrak focuses on helping individuals to live better and be better.
Sean explains, “We do that by focusing on their talents and the abilities that they have, and so what I do is I say, ‘Okay, well, you know what? You like to sing, dance, and act. Let me produce a music video. Let me produce a film with you involved in it.’ And what it does, in turn, it changes the mindset of the individual that has been bullied, and it empowers the individual.”
Amrak is currently working on a film project, “My New Family,” that highlights the power we have as individuals to guide our own lives. You can find all of Amrak’s films and projects via Roku TV or their website.
“The Roku channel is Creative Network Motions. And then the second one, we just got an agreement with them, is called Gliss TV. And we’re going to have our new film on those platforms as well as on our website, which is amrakantibully.org,” says Sean. Go watch one of their films or browse their website to learn more and feel inspired.
Self-Defense at Rucamp
Positive mindset shifts are incredibly important. But when paired with self-defense and self-discipline skills, a greater positive impact is made. Rucamp is a program that works with youth to teach all of the above.
“We have the only Youth Crime Prevention Program, based right here in Orlando, Florida, in the world; That trains kids for free, outside, and mixed martial arts, and they compete at the highest levels,” says Ruben.
He explains their mission, “So, what we do is we utilize non-traditional arts to keep the kids out of the prison cages, prevention before detention to keep them away from crime. And so, we utilize mixed martial arts, boxing, skateboarding, Afro dance, break dancing, and a variety of other arts that you normally won’t find in YMCAs or afterschool programs.”
It’s much more than self-defense, though. They aim to instill confidence in young adults, empowering them to know it’s okay to defend themselves.
Rucamp is a non-profit that relies on community resources for funding. So, community involvement is huge for this organization. Reach out to Rucamp to learn more, donate to the cause, and even help your child learn proper self-defense.
