Community-wide anti-bullying programs kicks off

The "Decorah Scarf Project," a community-wide anti-bullying effort, is now officially underway.

100 rainbow-colored knitted scarves are being given out to Decorah community members who pledge to do something to curb bullying.  The project combines awareness and education and is a visible sign that people support anti-bullying efforts.
 
Thursday night's Scarf Project kick-off also included a presentation by speaker Brian Juchems, a staffer GSAFE, a Madison, Wisconsin-based organization that campaigns for LGBTQ Issues,

In an interview Thursday with decorahnews.com, Juchems said the Scarf Project is "a very visible project" that helps to build a community by telling people "I see you."

Juchems says it's the subtle things we do or say that unintentionally give permission to others to bully.  Bullying also isolates the targets, which is why some people might consider suicide.

He says he has been spending more of his time trying to train people to learn to notice their biases and stereotypes.  Juchems says we receive years of subtle training--and that often makes internalized biases.  He says the secret to stopping bullying is to tell yourself, "Let it begin with me."

The Scarf Project is jointly sponsored by the Friends of Decorah Public Library and the Decorah Human Rights Commission, with support from area churches, the Blue Heron Knittery and the Luther College Social Work Department.

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