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FEBRUARY 15, 2005 / Legacy Project / -- In addition to the three R's, Susan Bosak learned exceptional bladder control when she was in school -- because she was too afraid to use the washroom. Bullies would trip or punch her, or peer into the stall while shouting obscenities. With recent news headlines about youth violence, Bosak has teamed with Stu Auty and the nonprofit Canadian Safe School Network (CSSN) along with The Grand River Toy Company to help focus emotions around the issue of youth violence and mobilize people to action. As a bestselling author, she wants to use the power of words. Over the next few months, proceeds from her award-winning children's book Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes purchased through Grand River Toys will go to CSSN to help get new anti-bullying programs into local schools.
Children are bullied every day and no child is immune from the effects of bullying -- either as the bullied, the bully, or the bystander. Recent research shows a link between bullying behaviour and more extreme violence. From preschoolers to seniors, community safety is everyone's concern.
"This is about feeling safe when you walk down the street," says Bosak. "This is about making sure your child or grandchild is safe in school and on their way to and from school."
Bosak, an educator with a background in conflict resolution, created this campaign in response to parents and teachers who have attended her local Dream book launch events over the last few weeks. As part of events, people are asked to share their own hopes and dreams. Again and again, in events that were completely independent of each other, parents and teachers would express a hope for less bullying, less youth violence, and safer schools. A handful of people even had tears in their eyes as they told their stories.
"Parents and kids are scared, and it doesn't have to be that way," says Bosak. "Words can incite hatred and violence. They can also inspire us to find the best part of ourselves and make a difference."
The words in the Dream book have won Bosak critical acclaim. Five years in the making, the book has already won several big awards, including the prestigious American Teachers' Choice for the Family Award and the Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award. Illustrated by 15 of the top children's illustrators in the world -- including Canada's Governor General's Award winner Barbara Reid -- Dream is a poetic story about hopes and dreams across a lifetime, inspiring both children and adults. Each artist offers a richly illustrated page and the book is sprinkled with quotations from historical leaders, philosophers, and innovators.
The themes of Dream offer adults an opportunity to open empowering conversations with children. A website then offers parents, teachers, and children free online activities, guides, tips, and other resources to take concrete action.
"Use the power of words," says Bosak. "Share the book with your family, give one to a friend, donate one to your local school, library, or youth group. And know that proceeds are going to the school in your community to make a real difference."
Founded in 1997, CSSN is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing youth violence and making schools and communities safer. Money raised through Dream sales will go directly to local school programs.
Buy Dream by Susan V. Bosak (TCP Press, $23.95) through Grand River Toys at www.grandrivertoys.com or by calling 1-800-567-5600. For the free online family and school activities, guides, tips, and other resources, visit www.dreamstorybook.com.
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