MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum on Identity Based Bullying

Research shows that bullying, hate speech, and online hate are on the rise.

You are invited to a Special Forum of the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition on May 1, 2024 from 8:30AM - 11AM at the Hampton Inn, Natick. Spark Kindness is convening a MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum to address a particularly harmful type of bullying (that has only recently been highlighted) - namely, identity based bullying.**

This forum will feature:

• Keynote by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell
• Presentation by Professor Maggi Price of Boston College (and Affirm Lab) on the impact of Identity Based Bullying.
• Stories of impact of Identity Based Bullying.
• Opportunities to connect with other leaders to discuss how to approach IBB, Online Hate, and Hate Speech.
• A collection of resources (organizations, research, etc.) to help address and prevent Identity Based Bullying.

You and your organization will be key to helping us build awareness of this issue, share stories of impact and harm, and discover a solution to prevent and address Identity Based Bullying.

Spark Kindness is committed to providing events that are accessible to all community members. Please contact us with accommodation questions at info@sparkkindness.org. ASL Interpretation will be provided at this event. Spark Kindness is an Autism Welcoming Organization. Please view the "Know Before You Go" for location, parking, and program information.

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**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.”

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.