LLYC US, Local Michigan Schools and Businesses Unite to Launch Statewide “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” Campaign for Bullying Prevention Month

In recognition of October as Bullying Prevention Month, LLYC US, local schools and organizations across Michigan, including Ypsilanti Community Schools, Rehmann, Samaritas and the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, are partnering to launch the statewide “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” campaign. The initiative calls on school districts and local businesses to sign the pledge and take a stand for kindness in classrooms and communities.

The campaign centers on a simple but powerful pledge that encourages students to actively choose kindness.

“Creating a safe school environment starts with empowering our youngest learners to stand up for one another,” said Joe DiBenedetto, Education Director at LLYC US. “We want students to know that their choices matter and that their kindness can change someone’s day. By partnering with local schools, we hope to expand this pledge to districts and businesses across Michigan, and aim to spread a contagious message of positivity across the state.”

The initiative invites young students to sign the pledge and stand up for kindness. Whether that means asking a peer who is playing alone to join in or speaking up to a trusted adult when something is not right, every action counts. By making this promise, students learn that small acts of kindness can transform their entire school community.

Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, sees the pledge as another step in cultivating a supportive community. “We are honored to lead by example alongside LLYC. Teaching our scholars to choose to be a friend, to be fair and to care every day is foundational to their success and well-being. We are calling on our fellow school districts and local business leaders across Michigan to stand with us, sign the pledge and help us ensure every child feels safe and valued.”

LLYC, Ypsilanti Community Schools, Rehmann, Samaritas and the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative are currently inviting school superintendents and community-minded businesses to officially sign on as campaign partners.

“At Rehmann, maximizing our positive impact on the community is central to who we are,” said Scott Bonacorsi, Chief People Officer at Rehmann, a Michigan-based professional advisory firm providing a variety of business solutions empowering client growth. “We joined the ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ campaign because empowering students to lead with empathy and integrity aligns perfectly with our core value to always put people first.”

For more information or to access the complimentary “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” toolkit, schools and businesses can contact Joe DiBenedetto.