Released on: September 18, 2007, 12:03 pm

Press Release Author: Harlan Editorial, Inc.

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: Girl bullying is the timely subject of a conference presented
by the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, and the goal is to both educate adults
about the devastating problem and to spur them into community action.

Press Release Body: The Girls Scouts of the Sierra Nevada has teamed up with the
Washoe County School District and The Ophelia Project to bring Girl Bullying: From
Awareness to Action, a conference for parents, educators, counselors, social
workers, juvenile justice staff, Girl Scout leaders and any adults interested in
addressing the issue of relational aggression among girls.

This informational program will be held at the Circus Circus Convention Center in
Reno, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6. The
conference will be facilitated by The Ophelia Project, a national organization
founded to change the climate of bullying amongst children.

Studies have shown that the impact of bullying can be devastating towards youths.
Problems from bullying can go beyond just being teased and can increase in the risks
of suicide, anxiety, anger and sadness, substance abuse, lower academic performance,
increased depression, and eating disorders. The studies show such horrific
statistics as:

-- 9 in 10 elementary school students have faced bullying; while 6 in 10 students
surveyed admitted to participating in bullying behavior (Stanford University)

-- Girls are nearly twice as likely to bully or be bullied electronically than boys
(Clemson University)

-- 2/3 of perpetrators in recent school shooting incidents described feeling
persecuted, bullied or threatened by their peers (2002 Safe Schools Initiative
Report by the US Secret Service)

-- 160,000 children miss school each day due to fear of being tormented by
classmates (National Education Association)

-- 1 in 3 teens and 1 in 6 preteens have been bullied in cyberspace (Fight Crime:
Invest in Kids)

-- Between 1992 and 2003, the number of girls arrested for assault rose by 41
percent. Among boys, the increase was 4.3 percent. (US Justice Department)

The Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada is taking initiative to change this critical
issue in our community.

The conference is the first-ever in our area designed specifically for adults. The
conference is set up into workshops to help participants gain understanding about
girl bullying and develop strategies to address the issue in the community. Some of
the issues that will be addressed are how to help prevent the cycles of exclusion,
gossip, rumor spreading, covert and overt aggression, and the destruction of
self-worth. Workshops will also include topics about parenting, cyber-bullying,
safe learning environments, and how to make a cultural change in your community.

About Girl Scouts- Sierra Nevada Council
Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada is the preeminent organization for and leading
authority on girls, serving over 9,000 girls and adults in 23 counties in northern
Nevada and eastern California. For 70 years, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
Council has been building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the
world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to
the Girl Scouts, please call (800) 222-5406 or visit www.gssn.org.


Web Site: http://www.gssn.org

Contact Details: Jimmy T. Lai
Director of Marketing & Communications
775-322-0642 ext. 232
Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
605 Washington Street
Reno, NV 89503
775 322 0642
www.gssn.org