OP Executive Director Presents to State Legislature About Bullying Prevention in Schools
SALEM, Ore. – On Thursday, Dec. 13, Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews will present to an Oregon State Senate sub-committee and to an Oregon House of Representatives sub-committee about how Ophelia’s Place’s programs help schools make strides against bullying in Lane and Linn Counties.
The information is expected to help lawmakers consider a proposed bill during the next legislative session that will call for the establishment of a $6-million fund to help more teens learn how to be safe from bullying in school and in their communities.
“It’s important to Ophelia’s Place – and frankly anyone who cares about youth – that our communities find ways to decrease teen bullying. If we can provide our data, ideas, and our proven experience to lawmakers while they do their part to support youth, we’re in.”
“It’s important to Ophelia’s Place – and frankly anyone who cares about youth – that our communities find ways to decrease teen bullying,” Wise Matthews said. “If we can provide our data, ideas, and our proven experience to lawmakers while they do their part to support youth, we’re in.”
According to the 2017 Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, almost 30% of Oregon middle schoolers reported being bullied at school during the last 30 days, with 15% reporting being cyberbullied. However, 57% of bullying can be stopped by intervention of a peer at school, and even a greater percentage can be stopped when the right school systems and supports are in place.
Ophelia’s Place is a prevention-based, non-profit organization based in Eugene that includes school-focused programming that provides classroom presentations to both boys and girls throughout the state. Presentations cover topics like Building Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and Internet Safety. It also provides Girls’ Empowerment Groups in schools that nurture self-esteem and provide tools for girls to use as they navigate growing up.
“Because we engage students, teachers and parents, we create environments with consistent language, clear definitions and greater empathy,” Wise Matthews said. “We’re excited to share how we do this with state lawmakers in hopes of seeing more of this combined effort at schools across the state.”
Wise Matthews’ presentation is part of “Legislation Days,” during which legislative sub-committees hold fact-gathering hearings that could inform legislation and discussion in upcoming sessions.
With the leadership of State Representative Nancy Nathanson and State Senator Sara Gelser, Ophelia’s Place will be the subject of proposed legislation calling for a biannual statewide conference on bullying prevention and the establishment of a $6-million fund to give grants to schools to support bringing in community partners like Ophelia’s Place and others.