Rise Above - Week20 - BACK TO OUR ROOTS - (12-06-11)

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• published: 07 Dec 2011
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Support the cause and learn more at: http://www.riseabovelkw.com Stay up to date or find help and support at our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/251544821531779/ If you wish to contact RISE ABOVE or Shannon Mangon directly, please send all questions, concerns, comments, and complaints to RiseAboveLKW@gmail.com BACK TO OUR ROOTS We began this week's meeting by having everyone close their eyes and think of the real reason why they attend Rise Above. It seems we have lost our focus on why the group was formed and what we stand for. This week's meeting was a wake-up call to get back to our roots and rediscover our core values. First, we need to remember what truly constitutes "bullying". Bullying is not a one-time or even two-time instance. It is repeated abuse by the same offender without any remorse. It is a deliberate action to hurt and destroy and the bully enjoys doing it. Please do not accuse people of bullying if they were simply having a bad day and said something unkind to you. Secondly, we discussed that Rise Above should be a place of kindness, friendship, and support. Making fun of others at Rise Above is not tolerated!! This is a core value of our group; RESPECT others even if you don't agree with them. APOLOGIZE when you need to, and become aware that the way you treat others could be hurtful to them. Imagine if you were at Rise Above for the first time, not knowing anyone... please treat everyone who comes as a potential friend! There has been a lot of drama surrounding our group regarding "fake" people who attend. Please realize that this is not really the issue, it is other people (who don't come) justifying their bullying behavior by attacking others. This group stands for what is good and right. People who enjoy bullying do not like to have their behavior called out for what it is... it makes them uncomfortable. And what constitutes a "fake" person? Haven't we all been "fake" at one point in our lives? The ones who come to the meetings are the ones who are making a choice to change themselves for the better instead of ignoring the problem, covering it up, or pointing fingers at someone else. Being a part of Rise Above does not make you perfect; it means you are striving to improve yourself. We all fail at one time or another, but the "real" Rise Abovers are the ones who get up again and again, dust themselves off, and try harder next time. Some people have accused our group of having too much emphasis on religion. Although this is a LIFE LESSON group, not a Bible group, sometimes things from the Bible pertain to what we're discussing so I use them as examples. This is the way I've chosen to conduct the group and I believe the lessons are universal whether you believe in God or not. It is a choice to come, not a requirement. Come if you like, stay home if you don't, but there is no need to bash the group about it. We also decided that our Rise Above bracelets have new meaning. They are to remind US to RISE ABOVE, not others. We are not the "Rise Above Police". Each day you wear your bracelet, renew your commitment to this group and to working hard to be the person you want to become. Facing adversity needs to make us stronger. It needs to make us come together as a group and help each other, not tear us apart. Rise Above does not need any of us to defend it. Our ACTIONS (not our words) will defend the group on their own. Remember, LOVE IS LOUDER THAN HATE!!! Rise Above is open to everyone but is not FOR everyone. The ones who don't come will probably hate but that's OK. Ignore the hate and show kindness in return. This is our CORE VALUE that we should always remember. Let our haters be our motivators! WEEKLY CHALLENGE! - This week your challenge is to practice self-control in the area of Rise Above. We do not need to defend our group with words, we will prove who we are with our actions instead. - This week when someone bashes Rise Above, use self-control to refrain from saying anything at all. Let your actions speak louder than words! - If you do not face any opposition to Rise Above, then your challenge this week is to do one thing each day that will make a positive difference in someone else's life. It doesn't matter how big or small, find a way to make someone's day. USEFUL LINKS Take the Anderson Cooper Anti-Bullying Pledge! STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP! https://www.facebook.com/stopbullyingspeakup Stay up to date or find help and support at our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/251544821531779/ Check out the full NBC news story here: http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/aug/25/grieving-mom-forms-group-rise-above-bullying-envir-ar-704797/ RISE ABOVE BULLYING! http://img9.mediafire.com/8480ea167d805f33bbb13df3a79c564dc48f6edefd771fd59de4e951ce8aea3a6g.jpg All are welcome!