Sep 26, 2024
Jed Doherty sat down with Rebecca and Dan Burd, the brilliant
minds behind the "Speak Life" program, and let me tell you, these
two are on a mission!
The Speak Life musical was born out of the aftermath of the
Columbine tragedy, when the Burds realized bullying was a serious
issue that needed to be addressed head-on. They didn't just want to
slap a band-aid on it - they wanted to create something that would
really empower students and make a lasting difference.
The key? Targeting not just the bullies and victims, but the
often-overlooked bystanders who make up the majority of the student
body. The Burds are all about building a culture of empathy and
support, where kids are equipped to lift each other up and break
the cycle of abuse.
Through their own personal stories and the heartbreaking tales of
students, the Burds drove home just how high the stakes are when it
comes to bullying. They made it crystal clear that this isn't just
some playground drama - it's a life-or-death issue that demands our
attention.
And you know what? The Burds aren't just talking the talk - they're
walking the walk. The Speak Life program is a comprehensive,
turnkey solution for schools, giving them the tools they need to
tackle bullying and mental health head-on. And for parents, it's a
chance to bond with their kids over the shared experience of the
musical, opening the door to those tough-but-important
conversations.
At the end of the day, the Burds are using the power of the arts to
create lasting change. They're not interested in quick fixes or
empty slogans - they want to foster a culture of compassion and
resilience that empowers every single member of the school
community. And if you ask me, that's the kind of change we could
all use a little more of.
We also speak to Valeria Wicker about her children's book The Ugly Doodles.
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