First off, thank you for visiting our new web site. As a first year program, this answer will (hopefully) continue to evolve as our progress and programs grow.
At it's core, Pete's Pledge is designed to be an interactive tool to engage Valley youth around the important topic of bullying - and why it needs to end.
Inspired by a young boy from Florida who endured bullying because of his favorite school (Univeristy of Tennessee) and his inability to buy a new UofT shirt, Pete's Pledge incorporates our key values; Kindness, Acceptance, Empathy, Individualism in each facet of our program.
- Drawing Contest: Valley youth submit a drawing of their own design with multiple winners recognized by age group and ONE GRAND PRIZE winning design printed on our final T-Shirts.
- Student Athlete Discussions; Group discussions at participating schools led by YSU's Division I Student-Athletes around the important topic of Anti-Bullying.
- T-Shirt Fundraiser: Pete's Pledge T-Shirts with Grand Prize Winning design will be printed in March, 2020.
As the father of two young daughters (6 and 2), I often think of just how different their school experience will be from mine. And how as parents my wife and I will talk to them about the importance of being kind to others. In the end, I hope Pete's Pledge, similar to the story of the boy from Florida, is a tool that helps us introduce, and expand those important conversations to our youth.
Draw a picture of kindness.
Hear our area's student - athlete role models talk about their experiences.
Buy and wear a T-Shirt with a local design we can all be proud of.
However small on their own, my hope is that these activities, and this "Pledge" as a whole, help advance these important topics and conversations with our children.
So again, thank you for visiting our new website. We will continue to add updates and content as this new program grows and develops - so please come back often and look around the site. And obviously, we thank you in advance for participating in whatever way possible.
Sincerely,
Jonah Karzmer
YSU Penguin Club - Trustee
Organizing Sponsor - Pete's Pledge to March Out Bullying
