2006-04-20 Committee on the Status of Women Minutes

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B. Sponsorships and Co-Sponsorships D. Pung reported that CSW will be able to provide support for the Math/Science Conference for 7th Grade Girls next year. C. Guest Speakers Susan Labrenz, Project Coordinator for Hawaii Island Anti- Bullying Coalition S. Labrenz introduced herself and Audrey Inaba, co-founder of the coalition. She circulated a brochure about the coalition. The focus of the coalition has been 100 percent prevention since research shows that the best place for prevention is at the elementary level. When bullying starts at an early age, it becomes an entrenched behavior by the time the bully enters the workforce. S. Labrenz said that the coalition may not be able to help other groups, but they do share. They have an activity book designed for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. The coalition is a grassroots organization with no ties to anything in particular. The coalition has been very lucky to get open funding which allows them to be flexible in what they do. They assisted in getting this curriculum demonstrated at Pahoa Elementary School several years ago. They have done a workshop for a summer program in Kau using some of these activities and some other ideas to help them get started. They are currently working on the Olweus Program with the Connections Public Charter School. What makes bullying different than teasing, rough housing, or playing around is the powerimbalance.Itisalsoaformofharassmentanditispersistent.Itisgenerally done by more than one person. Sometimes your co-workers, superiors, subordinates use bullying tactics because it has worked for them in the past. S. Labrenz said the coalition goes into the schools if invited and if money is available. N. Kelly is working on getting funds for a few schools to do something at the elementary level. The coalition is open to the public and meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, from 2:30-4:00 p.m., at the District Health Office conference room in the Department of Health. S. Labrenz passed out some handouts relating to bullying. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Next meeting The next meeting will be held on Friday, May 19, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in Kahilu TheatreinWaimea. B.Schedules None. 5