MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum on Identity Based Bullying

2nd Annual MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition

Bullying, hate speech, and online hate are on the rise. Spark Kindness is convening the 2nd annual MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to explore solutions and interventions for identity-based bullying**.

Featured Speakers:

• MA Attorney General’s Office – Children's Justice Unit (Legal Response)
• Jamele Adams – Freedom Teams (Community Response to Bias)
• Bryce Bjork – Lenny Learning (Curriculum for Educators & Community)
• Chief Hicks – Natick Police Department (Law Enforcement)

This forum offers a chance to connect with fellow leaders/community members, share stories of impact, and access valuable resources on identity-based bullying prevention.

We’ll also gather feedback on:

1. Tip Sheets & Resource Guides on identity-based bullying
2. A comprehensive website with tools, programs, and professional development opportunities

If you are interested in joining this year's forum, please reach out to Alyndra (Lynn) Canty, Coordinator of Diversity Equity & Inclusion and Co-Leader of the Anti-Bullying Coalition for Spark Kindness at lcanty@sparkkindness.org. View more information about the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition here.

This work is made possible through a generous Community Health Innovation Grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation with additional support from caring partners, Becca Schmill Foundation, Patrick's Promise Foundation, Call2Talk, the MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and Eastern Bank.

**Identity Based Bullying (IBB) “is defined as any form of bullying related to characteristics considered part of a person’s identity or perceived identity group, such as race, religion, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, etc.” Identity based bullying is particularly harmful, because it: 1) targets an individual’s core being/identity; and 2) harms individuals who “identify in the same way or worry that they might be the next target.”