DoSomething.org and Popcorn, Indiana Step up to Stop Bullying in its Tracks

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DoSomething.org and the makers of Popcorn, Indiana® brand snacks are teaming up this fall to encourage young people to take action against bullying, a serious issue and all too common experience for teens in today's world. Beginning September 1, this campaign calls for young people to sign up on www.stepuptobullying.org or via text message (text STEPUP to 38383) to share tangible steps they want to take to combat bullying.

More than 160,000 kids stay home from school each day to avoid being bullied, but intervening can make a difference. Studies show when bystanders witness bullying and get involved, the bullying stops more than half the time (and usually within about 10 seconds). DoSomething.org and the Popcorn, Indiana team hope to create a network of "upstanders," across the country who witness bullying and intervene, sparking others to act.

Teens who participate by creating an "upstander" profile on the campaign website will receive customized footprint decals to show the steps they took to stop bullying in their schools and communities. The footprints can be placed anywhere – sidewalks, driveways, hallways, stairwells, and beyond! Young people are encouraged to post photos of their footprints on a DoSomething.org/Popcorn, Indiana microsite gallery page to accompany their personal stories of encouragement and support.

"We are thrilled to be the force teaming up with DoSomething.org on their anti-bullying campaign this back-to-school season," said Hitesh Hajarnavis, Popcorn, Indiana's CEO. "At Popcorn, Indiana we embrace our differences, and want to make sure teens can as well without being thrown off track by bullies."

"While I confess that my instinct is to punch a bully in the nose, I think this red footprint idea is much more effective," says CEO and Chief Old Person Nancy Lublin. "Instead we're bringing bullying out of the shadows, making people think about it locally."

To learn more, go to stepuptobullying.org.

About DoSomething.org

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers:  teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

About Popcorn, Indiana:

Popcorn, Indiana LLC cooks up perfect gourmet snacks under the company’s Popcorn, Indiana brand that span the taste spectrum: crispy, crunchy, salty and sweet, and sometimes decadent and spicy. Popcorn, Indiana's classic, handcrafted popcorn and Kettlecorn have reinvented the category by using 100% natural ingredients and outrageously delicious flavors. Popcorn, Indiana popcorn offers freshness and flavor that can't be duplicated in the microwave oven, and contains zero trans fat. They are gluten-free, made from non-GMO corn, and contain whole grains. Their new Chip'ins offer everything they know about making healthier, all-natural, super-delicious, air-popped snacks in an easy-to-handle chip. Popcorn, Indiana products are sold in over 50,000 doors throughout the US, including grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores and a host of other outlets. Popcorn, Indiana brand products are currently available at select Bed Bath & Beyond, BJ's, Costco, CVS, Duane Reade, Jamba Juice, Rite Aid, Sam's Club, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, and many other leading retailers. Please visit us at www.popcornindiana.com.

SOURCE DoSomething.org