October 2024
Bullies undermine us feeling loved-both the bully and the victim are harmed. Bullying has to stop. ~Christine Martinello
Bullying comes in many forms and we want it to stop!
John’s powerful presentation offers an honest and heartfelt journey through his own struggles with bullying, anger, and isolation as a teen. He recounts how these painful experiences led him to make poor choices, eventually spiraling into addiction. Through his story, John emphasizes the importance of seeking help, making better decisions, and breaking the cycle of negativity that can result from being bullied. With a focus on both in-person and cyberbullying, John provides real-world strategies for overcoming adversity, fostering self-worth, and finding hope, even in the darkest of times.
The heart of John’s message lies in three essential "lifehacks":
- Relying on the power of community (#strongertogether),
- Understanding the importance of making good choices (#powertochoose), and
- Striving to rise above difficulties (#BExtraordinary).
He also shares how the memory of his late daughter inspired him to make lasting changes, both in his life and in the lives of others. With this emotional and relatable presentation, John connects with teens and their parents, inspiring them to take a stand against bullying, embrace resilience, and build a brighter future.
