From Vision to Action: The First Two Years of the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition
Discover how MW ABC grew from a shared vision into a regional movement, uniting educators and leaders to address and prevent bullying.
By Spark Kindness Team
MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition (MW ABC) Timeline: August 2023 – May 2025
Year 1: 2023–2024 | Building the Foundation
August 2023 – MW ABC Launch
The first MW ABC meeting marks the coalition’s official start. Partners from schools, mental health agencies, youth programs, and community organizations gathered to establish a shared vision: naming and addressing identity-based bullying and taking steps to continue promoting belonging, inclusion, and equity across MetroWest.
September – October 2023 – Listening and Learning
Listening Sessions with coalition members and partners offer insight into the experiences and challenges surrounding bullying and bias in the region. These sessions helped to further shape the coalition’s purpose, values, priorities and long-term goals.
October 2023 – Community Education
MW ABC and Spark Kindness host a live event featuring Dr. Sameer Hinduja, an international expert on cyberbullying and digital behavior. His presentation provided research-based strategies to prevent bullying and build safer communities.
November 2023 – Direct Learning
A virtual session with Dr. Hinduja for MWABC coalition members ensured direct access and continued learning for schools and community organizations.
December 2023 – May 2024 – Collaboration and Growth
The Advisory Board meets regularly to plan the coalition’s first major public event. During this time, MW ABC partnered with Framingham State University (FSU) graphic design class to design the official coalition logo, symbolizing unity and shared commitment.
May 2024 – 1st Annual MW ABC Forum
The First Annual MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum is held, featuring Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell as keynote speaker. The event gathered educators, families, and leaders to share strategies, stories, and community action steps for identity-based bullying prevention.
Year 2: 2024–2025 | Strengthening and Expanding Impact
August 2024 – Coalition Gathering
MW ABC reconvenes for a full coalition meeting to reflect on achievements, align on priorities for the year ahead, and strengthen regional collaboration around inclusion and belonging.
September 2024 – January 2025 – Working Groups and Storytelling
Coalition working groups form to deepen collaboration and address key areas of identity-based bullying prevention and intervention:
- Policy & Procedure – reviewing, updating, and aligning school and organizational policies with best practices.
- Community-Based Prevention & Intervention – developing partnerships and strategies for addressing bullying beyond the school setting.
- School-Based Prevention & Intervention – supporting educators and administrators with resources, training, and interventions.
- Data Collection – identifying tools and methods for tracking trends, progress, and impact across the region.
In addition to the working groups, MW ABC begins collecting stories of impact and developing the MW ABC website, a shared online hub for resources and coalition updates.
December 2024 – Attorney General’s Office Presentation
MW ABC collaborates with the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General for an online program to present on regional progress and best practices in preventing identity-based bullying. Valuable insight into the legal responsibilities of schools, the importance of inclusive school cultures, and practical tools for addressing hate, bias and harassment in educational settings were shared. Learn more HERE.
May 2025 – 2nd Annual MW ABC Forum
The Second Annual Anti-Bullying Forum continues the coalition’s tradition of convening educators, families, community partners and advocates to listen, connect, share learning and celebrate collective progress. The 2025 Forum highlights growth in resource sharing, and action networks across MetroWest and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Over two years, the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition has grown from a shared vision into a collaborative movement for change. MW ABC continues to strengthen partnerships, amplify lived experiences of those who have been silenced, and drive collective action to ensure that all community members feel safe, valued, and included.
At the heart of this work are our shared beliefs:
- Every child — and every person — deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Though issues of bullying and bias have sometimes been politicized, they are not political — they are human issues.
- Across differences, the vast majority of people share a commitment to kindness and respect for all.
- Building safe, supportive communities requires effort and collaboration.
- We all have a role to play — from schools and families to faith leaders, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and neighbors.