Advocacy
Advocacy is speaking on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. This year's advocacy focus will focus on the areas of self-image, anti-bullying and suicide prevention in order to make a difference in these areas.
Why?
30% of teenagers have an eating disorder and 58% have tried to change their body.
90% of kids have been bullied and in 85% of these cases no one intervened. Bullying includes physical, cyber and verbal attacks and social alienation.
Over one million teens die of suicide a year; that's one person every 40 seconds. 20% of teens have considered suicide while 14% have planned a suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death.
The Two Seasons
Season 1
From May until Fall Rally. Focus on self/body image.
Season 2
From Fall Rally until DCON. Focus on anti-bullying and suicide prevention.
How?
S.A.I.L.
Support. Awareness. Inspire. Lead
Together, through two advocacy seasons we are going to help put an end to these problems. The first step is to support those who you see suffering and be there for them. Secondly, raise awareness by educating your school and community about these problems and statistics through assemblies and days of silence. Inspire others through your actions and the stories of those who have been bullied, suffered from eating disorders or almost lost their life to suicide. Lead the way and take the initiative to help save lives and make a difference.