Charity of the Month October 2013 – Stomp Out Bullying

EatSmart fans will continue to select each Charity of the Month in 2013. Fans will submit short stories about the charity’s mission and why it’s meaningful to them. We began our Charity of the Month donations in 2011. October's Charity of the Month has been chosen by Chelle the author of Oh just stop already.

Oh how I love October! The beautiful warm colors that engulf the world, the temperatures dropping, scents of warmth and love wafting from houses can only mean one thing… Fall is in the air. It is also the month to bring national attention to an epidemic that is becoming increasingly worse, bullying. Lately it seems that every time we turn on the news there is another story being covered on the consequences of bullying. Either someone unleashes their pain and hurt onto others or they feel so hopelessly alone, they rid themselves of it. October is National Bullying Awareness Month and it's time we step up and lend a hand to ending it.

That is why I picked October's charity of the month to be Stomp Out Bullying. Bullying causes deep scars that many of us (including myself) carry around for years, if not a lifetime. There has not been a time when anyone, including yourself, has not been affected by bullying. Whether it was you as the bully or as the victim, we have all experienced it, sadly some more than others. It's the silence that gives the bullies the power. It's that feeling of being alone; feeling like no one around you has any idea of what you're feeling, which can leave a child in pain and suffering. Stomp Out Bullying is an amazing group that is solely dedicated to helping children fight back and no longer be the victim. This organization provides resources for those who want to help their peers and most importantly speaks out for those who have taken their lives to end the hurt.

STOMP Out Bullying™ focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyber bullying, any digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred. These programs conducted online or in communities across the country try to decrease school absenteeism and deter violence in schools.

Monday, October 7, 2013 is BLUE SHIRT DAY™ WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION. How do you participate? It's really quite simple. You pick out a blue shirt and you wear it all day. You educate your friends or co-workers through idle chit chat about bullying. Awareness, compassion and education are the key to destroying this problem.

Let's be honest, it's not about just one day of wearing a shirt in a predetermined color. Everything that comes out of our mouths needs to bring awareness and convey “You do not stand for bullying.” Don't turn your head when you see something wrong or ignore an offensive comment on social media sites. Say something! It only takes one voice. Will it be yours?

About the Author: Chelle is a momma to 6 kids and married to a U.S. Veteran turned long haul trucker. Currently living in Coastal Oregon she is the author of Oh just stop already. Blogging about her journey to find a balance of health, fitness and raising a chaotic family.

We will be donating 50 cents for every new Facebook follower during the month of July. (So spread the word!)

Click here and EatSmart will donate:

If interested in submitting a charity for consideration, please email joseph@eatsmartproducts.com. The donation amount will be capped at 500 new followers/likes.