Green Giant’s “Raise A Giant” Anti-Bullying Campaign #MyBlogSpark & $25 Visa GC Giveaway (Ends 11/2/13)

Were you bullied in school or know someone who is/was?  Today I am 41 years old, but I can vividly depect for you today what happened to me in 8th grade.  That is how much of an impact and bullying hurts and stays with a person. Growing up in a lower income family, my mom as a single mother working 4 jobs was still not able to afford newer things for us and in the 80’s name brand was big (i.e. Jordace, Guess, I.O.U, Calvin Klein, etc…)  Hand-me-downs were popular in my family and I was the youngest, so you can imagine how things were by the time I got them.

It was a cooler fall day in 1985 and my mom had a bit of extra money and took me to THE MALL to get some BRAND NEW school clothes.  I remember how much fun we had, how special that shopping trip was and how proud I felt that morning as I put on my new polo, sweater and denim skirt, all in the most current fashion of that time.  I pranced and paraded to the bus stop with an air of esteem in me that made me smile and radiate joy.  I got so many compliments that day, that was until I went to the lunchroom.  The “popular” girls table was a table I had to pass each day to get to my table with my friends.  As I walk by, they scream out “Whore” to me because I was wearing a mini-skirt.  I wasn’t overweight, I wasn’t hideous (at least I didn’t think I was) and a mini skirt by 1980’s standards was much longer than today’s micro-mini’s.  Heck, most of the cheerleading skirts were shorting than my new one.  It was devastating, crushing and I lost what little confidence I had gained with that outfit and shopping trip with my mom.  I never wore that skirt again to school. I never told anyone.  I was referred to as a whore for the rest of the school year and it hurt.  I was not promiscuous or even outgoing.  I was shy, introverted and didn’t even talk to a boy until 10th grade.  I was the furthest from what a “whore” is.

I remember the bully’s name to this day.  Will I ever get to tell her how she made me feel?  Would it matter at this point?  I may never know.

Green Giant knows it takes a lot more to raise a healthy child then just getting them to eat their vegetables. Kids these days live in a world that is bigger and scarier than the world we grew up in, and they need help and encouragement to navigate that world with confidence and pride.

Unfortunately one of the hardest things kids have to deal with is bullying. When a child is bullied by a peer it can turn his or her life into a daily gauntlet of fear and anxiety.

That’s why Green Giant® is partnering with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise A Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.

What Does it Mean To Be A Giant?

Being a giant isn’t about being the biggest or the best. Being a giant means standing up for others. It means lending a hand to those who are in trouble and speaking up for those who sometimes find it hard to speak up for themselves.
Studies show that an effective way to stop bullying is for kids to simply speak up and say, “That’s not okay” when they see bullying happening. But asking kids to have the courage to stand up to bullying is a tall order and that’s why they need our help.

How Do You Raise A Giant?
We’re asking parents to write a letter to their kids telling them how special they are and encouraging them to be part of the bullying prevention solution by being a giant. To get started parents can visit our community at the Green Giant “Raise a Giant” Website and read the letters others have written.

My letter to my teenage daughter, Hannah:

Dear Hannah,

You are more amazing than you will ever know. I admire and envy you. You are strong, confident and, most of all, humble. Your qualities are unique and are what make you the stunning and warm young lady you have become. Don’t let any situation deter you from who you are destined to become, great. Life hands you lemons on a daily basis and you continue to make it the sweetest lemonade. I am proud of who you are, what you will become and will be your number one fan for all of your life. Don’t ever change who you are or what you want to do for anyone or anything. Don’t let small bumps in the road or negative people ever bring you down. I love you now and for always!

Your number one fan and biggest voice in your cheering section,

Mom

As part of my campaign, Green Giant has made a generous donation to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.  They are also offering one lucky fan the chance to win a $25 Visa Gift Card for yourself.

Simply follow the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.  Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents (18+ years old).  Giveaway ends on 11/02/13 at 11:59pm (ET).  Good Luck and be sure to share your links to any letter you may have written.  I would love to read them.
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Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by Green Giant® through MyBlogSpark.

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