MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum on Identity Based Bullying

2nd Annual MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition

Bullying, hate speech, and online hate are on the rise. Spark Kindness is convening the 2nd annual MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to explore solutions and interventions for identity-based bullying**.

Featured Speakers:

• Liza Hirsch, MA Attorney General’s Office, Children's Justice Unit
• Jamele Adams, Freedom Teams
• Patrick Nash, Millis High School Principal
• Chief Hicks, Natick Police Department
• Dr. Peter Rafalli & Amy Dougrey, Boston Children’s BACPAC program

This forum offers a chance to connect with fellow leaders/community members, share stories of impact, and access valuable resources on identity-based bullying prevention.

We’ll also gather feedback on:

1. Tip Sheets & Resource Guides on identity-based bullying
2. A comprehensive website with tools, programs, and professional development opportunities

If you are interested in joining this year's forum, please reach out to Alyndra (Lynn) Canty, Coordinator of Diversity Equity & Inclusion and Co-Leader of the Anti-Bullying Coalition for Spark Kindness at lcanty@sparkkindness.org. View more information about the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition here.

This work is made possible through a generous Community Health Innovation Grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation with additional support from the Becca Schmill Foundation, Patrick's Promise Foundation, Call2Talk, the MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Mutual One Bank Charitable Foundation, and the Natick Education Foundation.

**Identity Based Bullying (IBB) “is defined as any form of bullying related to characteristics considered part of a person’s identity or perceived identity group, such as race, religion, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, etc.” Identity based bullying is particularly harmful, because it: 1) targets an individual’s core being/identity; and 2) harms individuals who “identify in the same way or worry that they might be the next target.”