On Tuesday night, the Parks and Recreation Commissioners proved to be thoughtful leaders.
We should commend their willingness to discuss how the Parks, Recreation and Senior Services departments might begin addressing the problem of bullying in the city.
Laura Stuart began the conversation when she asked Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, at the conclusion of his presentation, “Words Matter,” about the issue of senior citzen bullying as both perpetrators and victims. This twist on what is usually seen as a kids’ problem added a new layer to the Q&A period.
Several people from the audience, including School Board member Kathy Paspalis, asked good questions, shared their thoughts and offered opinions on the subject of bullies and their impact.
The questions on everyone’s mind were:
• How can we as a community help reduce the impact that bullies have?
• How can we support and empower those bullied?
• What actions can people take to diffuse the situation if bullying is witnessed.
Ms. Stuart’s reason for raising the question of senior bullying became clear when the next item on the commission’s agenda was a presentation by Armando Abrego on the Senior Center.
Ms. Stuart and Marianne Kim both asked for specifics about senior bullying in the context of the Senior Center.
Kudos to Commissioners
In the following explanation by staff, it became clear that the commission and city staff had given thought to this weighty issue of how to prevent the problem. During the discussion period, the notion of posting rules of civility in an effort to make the Senior Center’s parks and recreational programs Bully-Free Zones.
Mr. Abrego indicated that the Senior Center had plans to include that information in the Senior Center newsletters, and to post it at the Center. He also stated that next year there were plans to include a written code of conduct in the membership materials.
The Parks & Rec Commissioners and city staff deserve recognition for giving all residents and city employees something to think about, for beginning a conversation that empowered everyone watching or listening.
I hope thefrontpageonline.com will keep the discussion going and give a voice to those who would like to share their first hand experiences of being bullied.
What do you think?
Culver City prides itself on strong community involvement, on opportunities to be involved.
Is it possible that a strong community and knowing your neighbors may be the best way to reduce bullying — or at least take the sting out of the remarks or actions that make bullying so hurtful?
I hope that Pam Robinson and the Parks & Rec Commissioners will continue to update the community and keep the conversation going.
Ms. Yanda may be contacted at cyanda@gmail.com
