A group of youths advocating against bullying in southwest Rocky View County (RVC) has been honoured by the Government of Alberta with the Family and Community Inspiration Award. The YELL Youth Council is an extension of the Synergy Youth and Community Development Society (SYCDS) – a non-profit organization focused on youth development programs in Chestermere, Langdon and surrounding rural areas. “Our real objective is more youth involvement in the decisions that are made regarding youth, and also to bring about that youth voice and to present the issues that are challenging them today, so that some action can be taken,” said Rody Visotski, chair of the YELL Youth Council. On Nov. 23, 2018, the Government of Alberta honoured the council, comprised of youths aged 13 and up, for its annual Pretty in Pink (PIP) campaign. According to Visotski, PIP is an anti-bullying initiative spearheaded by members of the YELL Youth Council four years ago. As part of the campaign, YELL members create and sell buttons – bearing anti-bullying messages – throughout the year. Proceeds from the button sales are donated to charities and organizations that combat bullying, Visotski added. The campaign raised about $1,000 last year, according to the SYCDS website. Half of the proceeds were donated to Dare to Care – a nation-wide program which promotes bullying awareness and education in schools. Visotski said the buttons are more than a fundraising effort – the accessories provide an alternative way for people to show their support of anti-bullying causes. “It was identified a few years ago that people were being bullied for not wearing pink during anti-bullying month, in February, particularly Feb. 28 [Pink Shirt Day],” Visotski said. “[That] is the exact opposite effect of what is intended to happen.” Each February, council members promote the PIP campaign through presentations during assemblies at schools across southwest RVC. According to Visotski, the opportunity allows members the chance to “focus on really getting the message across.” Though Visotski said the council doesn’t seek recognition, he said it was “absolutely amazing” for the group’s efforts to be honoured by the provincial government. “It was really good to go there and have our hard work – not really validated, because in and of itself, it’s already validating – but, really, just recognized on a bigger perspective,” he said. "It opened us up to more connections and more ways we can expand this campaign.” Visotski said the 2019 PIP campaign is still in the planning stages. “But through that inspiration award we received, we were put into contact with other people that focus in this area,” he said. “We’re thinking of combining our efforts with them to ensure we can have a more effective campaign, this year.” For more information on the YELL Youth Council or the PIP campaign, visit yoursynergy.ca/pretty-in-pink
