TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Edited New Mount Zion Baptist ChurchThe Anti-Bullying Youth Forum invited parents and children to a roundtable discussion on Saturday morning.

“Stand Up 4 Life and the Topeka Peace and Justice Center are here to have this conversation. See what we need, what our youth need in our community, and we are here to provide mentorship and services to help and assist in any way we can,” said Danette Elkins, Co-Founder of Stand up 4 Life.

As the tyranny changed, preachers and off-duty officials stopped by to further this timely conversation.

“Right now, bullies look different in this new environment,” Elkins said. “Bullies used to just raise their fists, now they shoot. “We believe bullying leads to senseless gun violence.”

This event was organized to stop this violence at its root by creating a bridge between community leaders and participants.

“Our main role here is to connect. Create a space where we can connect. “Create a space where we educate, enable and transform those who come into contact with us,” said Regina Platt, Restorative Practice Manager at the Topeka Peace and Justice Center.

Young people at the forum learned the importance of holding bullies accountable and not remaining a bystander.

“The thing I gained the most from was how to report it or walk away from it,” said Jayrell Garner, a junior participant. “If I’m bullying my little brother and Mark sees it, tell me. “He can then report it to my mother or a nearby adult.”

The forum focused on promoting respect between people, both adults and children.

“Respect goes a long way,” Elkins said. “There are people who will kill for respect. “So if you’re respectful to someone and treat someone the way you want to be treated, you can go a lot further with that.”

Stand Up 4 Lives And Topeka Peace and Justice Center both were hosts of the event. You can check out #standup4life and #growinpeace for more information from both organizations.

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