“Bullied to Silence” document reprinted in entirety with written permission from Purple People, Inc. for use only by Michele Borba.

WORDS KILL.   BE THE CHANGE.   NO MORE BULLIED TO SILENCE. 

Get ready for the film, BULLIED to SILENCE that will start the change.

I’m honored to be involved as the bullying expert to a stirring new documentary that will be released in the coming months.

“Bullied to Silence” is more than a feature documentary. It’s a movement to, as Gandhi said, “… be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Together, we can provide the bullied a powerful voice. Together, we can embrace our children for who they are and empower them to believe in themselves. And together, we can be the village that supports the development of happy and healthy youth who themselves can be the change.

Look for the film in theaters near you. I’ll be posting about this stirring film by Dog Eats Hat Production/Purple People in the next weeks. Here is just a sample.

Promotional Trailer for the 2012 documentary “Bullied To Silence”

Upon the early 2012 release of “Bullied to Silence,” it will be shown at film festivals, schools/colleges, non-profits and other community venues accompanied by various “Be the Change” volunteers including: myself, Bridget Pettis, Caleb Laieski and other bullied youth and a bully who is now part of the change. I’ll be traveling to cities around the world to help promote this film and mobilize parents, students, community members, politicians – everyone! – to step up and stop bullying.

Unique features about the film, BULLIED to SILENCE

Here are just a few reason why I chose to be the bullying expert for this stirring film:

Clearly documents the impact of words

~ Focuses exclusively on the physical and emotional impact of words stated in person or through cyber-bullying, including parents whose words tell their child that s/he is not accepted for who s/he is and from those who have been called every imaginable hateful or hurtful word.

~ Reports on 2011 research including actual MRI films and results showing the changes in the brain and the emotional toxicity to youth from exposure to ridicule and humiliation from parents and peers parallel that of sexual abuse by a non-family member.

Gives voice to those who have been bullied and allows them, and those close to them, to tell their own stories

~ The last footage of Jamey Rodemeyer, 14, who took his own life as a result of the constant bullying.

~ Letters written by and conversations with survivors including: Masika Bermudez, mother of Jaheem Herrera, 10; Brad DeVries, father of Bree, 14; Kevin Epling, father of Matt Epling, 14 and Veronica Winters-Everly, mother of McKenna, 13.

~ Footage of Teen Lifeline, a peer suicide prevention hotline, including a phone call from a youth being bullied at school and rejected by her parents and a round-table discussion of the detriment of hateful words.

~ The only US interview of Casey Heynis, 16, of Australia, who garnered You-Tube fame when he “snapped” after 4 years of being verbally bullied.

Provides hope and a path for change by not just focusing on the tragedies but on the triumphs and opportunities that result from joining forces and creating positive action

~ Caleb Laieski, formerly bullied with anti-gay slurs and now a national activist against bullying including attendance at the White House Conference on Bullying and the LGBT Appreciation Day.

~ Bridget Pettis, recently-retired Phoenix Mercury WNBA Assistant Coach, who discloses her personal story of being bullied and discusses her basketball program for bullied youth and how she, and we all, can inspire change.

~ An exclusive interview with Brett Loewenstern, 16, Top 24 American Idol contestant who discloses being bullied and hospitalized, and his determination to overcome it and participate in American Idol. Brett’s new anti-bullying song is released in the film.

~ Dozens of bullied youth from all walks of life, ethnicities, physical challenges, sexual orientations, communities and ages who share their stories of coming close to ending their lives and are now empowered to be the change.

~ Youth, including by-standers and bullies themselves, writing and performing anti-bullying songs, dancing, creating art, and being activists to ensure anti-bullying policies in school districts in each state.

~ Footage from the White House Anti-Bullying Conference including comments from President and First Lady Obama.

Will not wait for people to come see it

~ The film will go to where the action is and be used as a tool for making a difference in partnership in organizations and communities across the country.

~ Upon the early 2012 release of “Bullied to Silence,” it will be shown at film festivals, schools/colleges, non-profits and other community venues accompanied by various “Be the Change” volunteers including: Dr. Michele Borba, Bridget Pettis, bullied youth and a bully who are now part of the change.

~ Discussions, tool kits, advocacy opportunities and other actions and assets will be provided with the film, through the website and in cooperation with other partners.

~ Premiers in state capitols are being planned as a means of educating decision makers with the power to act legislatively to protect and empower our youth.

~ A “Bullied to Silence” CD featuring the anti-bullying songs by the youth in the film and the film’s original score, is being planned – along with concerts that could accompany the film.

Get involved! Speak out! Be the change for our children. No more Bullied to Silence! Go to Facebook now and share your thoughts. 

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