Volunteer Coach Takes On Battle Against Bullying

NBC4

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/30/local-coach-inspired-take-battle-against-bullying-ar-1155498/

A local woman’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of children in her community inspired her to take on the battle against bullying.

Pierre Angel is the founder of Dear Bully Players, an organization founded to help local kids who are victims of bulling.

Angel first volunteered as a basketball coach for children in her local community.

Three years ago she started a youth basketball league when a number of Columbus recreation centers were being closed.

During her time as a coach, Angel says her team, the Capital City Mustangs, won a championship; but that trophy was quickly overshadowed when she learned about the bullying occurring among her players.

It was that discovery that inspired Angel to begin her organization.

“I was bullied and was a bully, so I decided to give back when I changed my life, said Angel.

With the help of her assistant, Tasha Watkins, Angel has been able to help students all around Columbus put their experiences into words and then into monologues as a way to turn the tables on their bullies.

One of the larger issues the organization helps students deal with is body image.

Many students tell Angel they have been bullied because of their weight or because of the clothes they wear.

Angel encourages children to spin harsh words into positive words for the bully.

Some of the older kids in the Dear Bully Players group have even put together a rap and song as a way to connect with their classmates and convey their message about bullying.

Angel hopes to recruit more students from other Columbus-area elementary schools into the organization so that Dear Bully Players can change the culture of bullying before it begins.

We would like the bully to know it’s time for a change. We are not taking this anymore, said Angel.

, Volunteer Coach Takes On Battle Against Bullying

NBC4

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/30/local-coach-inspired-take-battle-against-bullying-ar-1155498/

A local woman’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of children in her community inspired her to take on the battle against bullying.

Pierre Angel is the founder of Dear Bully Players, an organization founded to help local kids who are victims of bulling.

Angel first volunteered as a basketball coach for children in her local community.

Three years ago she started a youth basketball league when a number of Columbus recreation centers were being closed.

During her time as a coach, Angel says her team, the Capital City Mustangs, won a championship; but that trophy was quickly overshadowed when she learned about the bullying occurring among her players.

It was that discovery that inspired Angel to begin her organization.

I was bullied and was a bully, so I decided to give back when I changed my life, said Angel.

With the help of her assistant, Tasha Watkins, Angel has been able to help students all around Columbus put their experiences into words and then into monologues as a way to turn the tables on their bullies.

One of the larger issues the organization helps students deal with is body image.

Many students tell Angel they have been bullied because of their weight or because of the clothes they wear.

Angel encourages children to spin harsh words into positive words for the bully.

Some of the older kids in the Dear Bully Players group have even put together a rap and song as a way to connect with their classmates and convey their message about bullying.

Angel hopes to recruit more students from other Columbus-area elementary schools into the organization so that Dear Bully Players can change the culture of bullying before it begins.

We would like the bully to know it’s time for a change. We are not taking this anymore, ” said Angel.