Stand for the Silent Program: I Am Somebody
With the 2012 race season just on the tip of the horizon, Chase Huffman along with Brittany Rowland have created a partnership with Kirk and Laura Smalley of Perkins, OK and the Stand For The Silent program. The Stand For The Silent (SFTS) program addresses the issues of school bullying and youth suicide with an engaging, factual and emotional methodology. Through the efforts of Ty's parents, Kirk and Laura Smalley and student participants from each school, students are shown first-hand the life and death consequences of bullying.
Developed with the help of OSU-OKC Upward Bound participants, students are presented with testimonies, videos, and real life biographies. Through this unique approach, lives are changed for the better. Students, some for the first time, develop an empathetic awareness through education and understanding.
The goal of the program is to start a SFTS chapter at each participating site. Each chapter consists of a group of students committed to change. These students will no longer stand for 1 in 4 of their peers to suffer at the hands of a bully.
At the end of each event, pledge cards are given to those who agree to stand for the silent. The pledge speaks of respect and love…hope and aspiration. Above all, it illustrates the main lesson taught through the Stand For The Silent program: I AM SOMEBODY.
The story behind STFS; Ty was the typical kid. Energetic. Playful spirit. Wide smile. And bully victim. In response to years of abuse. Ty took his own life. In response to this unimaginable tragedy, Stand For The Silent began.
This amazing effort has seen unbelievable growth and support. On August 24th, 2010 a silent vigil was organized that spanned our nation and the globe. From the Oklahoma State capitol lawn to twenty other states as well as Australia, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom, gatherers expressed love and respect for those who suffer at the hands of bullies. The message was one of unity but also one supporting the need for legislative change concerning bullying activity.
STFS is; reaching the bullies and the bullied, teaching kids to stand up for themselves, changing schools, creating future leaders, giving parents tools, helping educators, and most importantly is saving lives.
Along with current marketing partners; Accelerated Graphics & Signs, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Mike Carlson Motor Company, and Rowland Motorsports, the Stand For The Silent logo will be promitiely displayed on the 2004 Mullis dragster throughout the 2012 Season.
Chase and the team will have decals and helmet blinders for sale at the races for people to buy with profits going to STFS. If you would like to support the cause with a decal, contact Chase via email at chasendadracing@yahoo.com. Current racing sportsman racing supporters for the 2012 season include; Tommy Phillips, Luke Bogacki, Craig Anderson, Trisha Allen, Justin Allen, Rowland Motorsports, and multiple world champion and 2011 Super Gas World Champion Peter Biondo.
For more information on Stand For The Silent visit: standforthesilent.com
Back
Stand for the Silent Program: I Am Somebody
