Nancy Silberkleit Announces the Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event to Benefit the International Bullying Prevention Association

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nancy Silberkleit, the seasoned anti-bullying and literacy advocate, is proud to announce the Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event, a new anti-bullying initiative for 2012.  This inspirational event, open to students across the country, encourages youth to share their true stories and insight to raise awareness and stop the harm that bullying can do.  Led by a panel including Former New York Governor David Paterson, Stan Davis of stopbullyingnow.com and Nancy Silberkleit, the contest will raise funds for the International Bullying Prevention Association (www.stopbullyingworld.org).  Selected youth will also have their story serve as the inspiration for a forthcoming educational, not-for-profit comic book written by Nancy Silberkleit. Selected essays may also be published anonymously in other ways.

Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics, is using her educational training and experience to inspire self-confidence and strength in children of all ages.  The Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event was conceived by Silberkleit as a way to create an inspired community while also furthering her philanthropic reach. She is currently working on a series of educational comic book focusing on children's issues such as bullying.  She aims to share her words of strength and inspiration with today's youth.  She advises, "Never let anyone define who you are.  You know who you are."

The Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event, open to all students across the country ages 8-18, will be open for submissions February 1st- May 1st.  To enter, children must write a 250-word true essay on the topic of bullying. They may send their own true story about what made things better when they were bullied, or how they supported someone else who was bullied.  These essays will be used as the inspiration for one of Nancy Silberkleit's upcoming educational comics.  For the first 200 essays sent in, Nancy Silberkleit will donate $5 per essay to the International Bullying Prevention Association.

"Creating a school environment free of harassment and discrimination has been a long term goal of mine," says Governor Paterson.  "I'm proud to further align myself with causes such as this contest that encourage our youth to speak out and unite against bullying."

Children are encouraged to enter throughout the submission period by emailing their 250 word stories and essays to stridestostopbullying@gmail.com.  (*Although the Strides To Stop Bullying team fervently condemns bullying in all forms, it is not certified to provide counseling to victims of bullying. Those in need of help are urged to contact an appropriate organization.)

Please direct press inquiries to R. Couri Hay at R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations: (212) 580-0835 / [email protected].  To learn more about what you can do to support the International Bullying Prevention Association, please visit www.stopbullyingworld.org.

SOURCE Nancy Silberkleit