In recognition of National bullying Prevention Month The Jonathan Spikes Foundation, Inc. launches a new initiative to ending bullying in schools and the community through understanding and compassion.

MIAMI, FL, – In keeping with the national initative and campaign to end bullying in public schools, the workplace and life in general, the Jonathan Spikes Foundation in conjunction with several community partners will launch Affirming YOUth. A 4-hour anti-bullying workshop that will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the University of Miami Storer Auditorium, 5250 University Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146.

Affirming YOUth will address cultural issues such as; academics, body image, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS, misguided assumptions and other systemic issues, which are precursors, that influence bullying amongst youth.
Affirming Youth is part of the Let’s Talk It Out, Conflict Resolution/Anti-Bullying Program that is already approved through Miami Dade County Public Schools. Affirming YOUth is effective because it allows participants to become stakeholders in the outcome. It also allows them to share their experiences and offer tips on how “we” can stand together against hate, prejudice and stereotypes.

Affirming YOUth will be facilitated by a panel of noted professionals in Miami Dade County to include Psychologists Dr. Charles Gibbs and Dr. Alyssa Rothenberg who will also moderate open discussions after each topic to give students an opportunity to have open dialogue to process and understand the information being presented.

“I strongly believe that once youth can see past labels and stereotypes and “Talk It Out,” then we have achieved the most critical milestone of all – enabling young minds to celebrate each other’s cultural and personal differences and building better communities through compassion and understanding,” states Jonathan Spikes, curator and mastermind of Affirming YOUth, and Founder of the organization.

Affirming YOUth is a FREE event and we encourage students and parents to attend. Breakfast and lunch will be served. To register or inquire about participation, please visit us at: www.AffirmingYOUth.com.