by Jeff Veley | Apr 30, 2023 | Articles, Teaching Advice
How to Select a School Assembly Speaker
If you are looking to hire a youth motivational speaker, here are some tips to help you find the right fit:
Define your goals
Before you begin your search, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you hope to achieve by hiring a youth motivational speaker. Are you looking to inspire students to set and achieve their goals, encourage them to be more resilient, or help them develop leadership skills? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you find a speaker who can deliver a message that resonates with your audience.
BullyingSpeakers.com specializes in resilience education for social aggression (commonly called “bullying”).
Look for experience
When evaluating potential speakers, look for individuals who have experience working with youth audiences. Youth motivational speakers who have a background in education or youth development may be particularly effective, as they will have a strong understanding of the challenges and needs of young people.
Our youth motivational speakers at BullyingSpeakers.com are all award-winning and have over a decade of experience working on the front lines with students. Each speaker presents a message that is research-based, psychologically-sound, and tested in front of thousands of students. Together our speakers have reached over 3 million people in-person and over 300 million online.
Consider style and approach
Different speakers will have different styles and approaches to delivering their message. Some speakers may rely heavily on humor, while others may take a more serious approach. Consider the style and approach that will resonate best with your audience and choose a speaker who can deliver that message effectively.
You’ll find that each of our Bullying Speakers has a special superpower. Whether it’s rocking guitar solos, illusions, or comedy – it’s easy to find a communicator that will connect with your students.
Check for Testimonials & References
Before making a final decision, check out feedback from the speaker’s past clients. ask potential speakers for references from other schools or organizations where they have spoken. This will give you a sense of their effectiveness.
BullyingSpeakers.com can provide dozens of testimonials from past clients. In fact, schools that we’ve worked with are often eager to share their success.
Discuss logistics and fees
Once you have identified a potential speaker, be sure to discuss logistics such as travel, accommodations, and any technical requirements they may have. It’s also important to discuss fees upfront to ensure that they fit within your budget.
Our pricing at Bullying Speakers is all-inclusive, meaning that one flat rate covers everything (travel, lodging, meals). If hosting a speaker in-person is beyond your budget, sign up for a tour or consider a virtual or on-demand assembly. You’ll receive the same powerful message for a fraction of the cost.
Be prepared for follow-up
Hiring a youth motivational speaker is just the beginning. Be prepared to follow up with students and teachers after the presentation to reinforce the message and help students put what they learned into practice.
All Bullying Speakers packages include follow-up materials with all presentations. Like you, we know that consistency is the key to behavioral change and that the best way to increase impact is through reinforcing the message.
Ask about Comprehensive Programming
A one-and-done event is rarely effective. Ask the speaker if they have curriculum available, additional materials, or workshops that can help reinforce the message.
We offer the SQUABBLES® TV Curriculum, school-wide Resilience Testing, and Aggression Assessments, as an additional add-on as well. In addition, our speakers are able to offer more customized workshops, tailored to your goals.
By following these tips, you can find a youth motivational speaker who will engage and inspire your audience.
by Jeff Veley | Aug 13, 2020 | Articles, Bullying Prevention, Social and Emotional Learning
Why the Anti-Racist Movement May Increase Hate & Violence
The desire to stand against racism is one that’s being felt, across America and around the world. As we reflect on the tragic murder of George Floyd and many others, movements for justice and equality are gaining traction and support.
In addition to Black Lives Matter, there is a larger movement that is growing in popularity – the anti-racist movement. How you interpret this article is largely based on whether you define “racist” as an adjective or a noun. This article shall use the latter.
Is “Anti” the Problem?
After watching the anti-bullying movement for 10 years, I’m repelled by most “anti” movements. Why? It tends to paint a negative light on a people group instead of directing positive attention towards those being advocated for.
Anti-bullying programs, for example, often focus on stopping aggressors on as the sole solution for helping targets. Youth that are targeted often have little hope, other than telling the authorities and hoping things change. I’ve spent my career empowering targets of aggression (in the same way I wish someone would have helped me in that situation).
Anti-Racist Versus Pro Civility
If your mindset is to be “anti-racist”, you may look for racists to stand against. If you take a stance of fighting for civility, equality, and the equity of all people, it better positions you as a positive advocate.
While my brief description is simplified, my point is that it’s a better leadership decision to stand FOR something than AGAINST something. If positive change is to be had, the majority of our energy should be spent standing FOR people and not AGAINST people.
Becoming What You Hate
Over time, it’s easy to reciprocate the behavior that you desire to stop and, ultimately become what you hate. In the end, the anti-bullying movement was more about “hating” and “rallying against bullies” (who are usually targets of aggression, acting out aggressively – ironically) than empowering targets of aggression.
After research showed that anti-bullying programs increased hostility and aggression, the Department of Education recommended that schools abandon these practices.
A Positive Solution to Racism?
How are schools handling social aggression (commonly referred to as bullying) now? Research shows that the most promising solution includes resilience education, social and emotional learning, and conflict resolution skills. Can these lessons apply to those impacted by racist remarks?
Resilience education reduces the importance of the overall offense – therefore helping the student guard their heart and leverage adversity for psychological growth. Social and emotional learning teaches students how to manage emotions, interact with other people, and make responsible decisions, even in challenging relationships. Increasing one’s ability to resolve conflicts empowers a target of aggression with several options to defend themself. Instead of feeling overpowered or powerless, a target of aggression feels prepared to navigate challenges, engage in conversation, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Our society should continue to speak out and take steps to eradicate systemic racism. Still, we know that systems will not change overnight. If we want to help those that are suffering, we must offer a solution that empowers them today, not years later. In conclusion, schools have abandoned the us vs. them approach to aggression and embraced a model that helps all people resolve issues civilly. Do you think the “anti-racism movement” will follow a similar path?
Jeff Veley is a popular speaker and resilience educator, specializing in social aggression and conflict resolution.
He’s the recipient of the Civility International Award and Diversity Award for his global impact in the education and mental health fields. As a result, the United Nations officially recognizes him as a Peace Ambassador.
by Jeff Veley | Feb 21, 2020 | Articles, Bullying Prevention, Social and Emotional Learning
Empowering Students to Resolve Conflicts
Working with schools that invest in social and emotional learning is so inspiring. It’s a completely different approach than the traditional anti-bullying message. Instead of just telling student to REPORT social problems, it teaches them how to SOLVE problems while protecting their emotions. It’s refreshing and empowering.
The media will likely label me as an “anti-bullying speaker” for many years to come, as SEL and emotional intelligence are new words in that world. Still, I’m very thankful that this article captures the heart of what I teach to kids and the administration’s passion for empowering their students.
When I was in school, no one taught me how to stop mean behavior. As a result, I needlessly suffered and was hurt by others. Today my goal is to reach kids like me either a proven solution and partner with organizations committed to empowering students and grownups.
Jeff Veley, above, uses comedy mixed with fast-paced story telling to bring an anti-bullying message home for Mesabi East students Wednesday. Veley, who has more than a dozen years in the mental health field working with youth, teaches students how to build up their own social and emotional resilience and develop skills to help address their own social problems with his program, “Love Changes it All.”
Mesabi East School Social Worker Dean Edstrom said the school invited Veley to meet with students and staff because of Veley’s clear and simple concept of “Don’t get upset and treat them like a friend.” Edstrom went on to say that learning skills to fend off social aggression is something that students need to learn so that they are empowered to end the aggression themselves. The Mesabi East district is moving into the educational realm of social emotional learning and the district is working hard to foster a climate where every student is and feels as equally important as their peers.
by Jeff Veley | Jan 23, 2020 | Articles, Teaching Advice
Tips to Increasing Parent Interaction & Attendance
One of the most common questions administrators ask is me how to boost attendance for parent events. As schools seek to provide resources and learning opportunities, it can be challenging and even disheartening if these opportunities aren’t taken advantage of.
As a youth speaker, I hold numerous parent events each month, in various districts across the country. This has offered me a unique vantage point to see what’s working and what’s not. Over the last two years I’ve seen a decline in overall attendance at parent events. Because of this, I’m focusing my attention less on live events for parents and more on resources that can be accessed on-demand in 2020. Still, I hope that these tips are helpful as you reach families face-to-face.
Relationships
James Comer says “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship”. While this quote is often applied to teaching students, forming relationships with parents is incredibly important also. Imagine being emailed a PDF invite to an upcoming party in town. How likely would you be to go? Now imagine that the party is being hosted by one of your best friends – someone that you trust and consistently adds value to your life. Would this increase your likelihood of going? For sure!
I believe that forming positive relationships is the number one way you can boost attendance. Often the folks in the crowd are the ones that are most “bought in” to the host and/or the presenter.
Relevance
Ask yourself these questions…
1. Do parents care about the topic of discussion?
2. How will the content solve a problem causing them pain and make their life easier?
3. Are you communicating the problem and solution in “their voice” (the way a mom or dad would say it)?
4. Is it at a time and place that they would choose?
5. What competing activities might make them miss out or choose something other than your event?
6. What barriers are there to attending? (transportation, child care, cost)
Repetition
In the Information Age, digital marketing experts estimate that most Americans see 4,000 to 10,000 advertisements each day. If you want your event or offering to be top of mind, repetition is key. It’s tough to rise above the noise.
How often have you realized later that you missed an event simply because you forgot. Sometimes we assume that there will be another reminder, closer to the offering date. A last-minute reminder is always a good idea for those that intend to come but didn’t add it to their calendar.
Additional Parent Event Tips
- Offer Food & Beverages
- Provide Child Care
- Doing so eliminates a barrier for many moms and dads.
- Make It a Community Event
- This makes it easy for others in the community to get on board with promotion.
- Run Advertisements
- I’ve had success running $20-$40 in Facebook ads.
- Include Students in Your Event
- Every parent wants to see their kid shine. A talent show or opening song by the school band/choir is a great way to do this.
- Have Students Text their Parents
- Mom and dad are more likely to come if their student is excited about it.
- Offer a Lunch Hour Presentation
- This time often has less competition than evening events. In some communities, attendance doubles, compared to an evening event.
- Consider Live Streaming or an On-Demand Option
- The “Access Generation” is used to watching and attending on their watch.
Learn More on the Podcast Episode
What are your tricks for engaging parents?
Please comment below. We are stronger together!
by Jeff Veley | Oct 24, 2019 | Articles, Bullying Prevention, Social and Emotional Learning
Children’s Book Climbs the Charts Despite Hardships
Writing and launching my first children’s book has been an adventure that I’ll never forget. Though the road to being self-published has been a challenging one, I was blown-away to hear that “Bigfoot Gets Bullied” became a #1 Amazon best seller in four different categories. Wow! A huge thank you to my family, friends, and fans for their incredible support. As noted below, we truly could not have done it without you.
Bigfoot on the Amazon Charts
#1 in Children’s Dysfunctional Relationships Books (Kindle Store)
#1 in Children’s Self-Esteem & Self-Respect
#1 in Children’s Books on Emotions & Feelings
#1 in Children’s Books on Bullies
#1 New Release in Children’s Dysfunctional Releases
Listen to our Book Publishing Journey…
by Jeff Veley | Feb 28, 2019 | Articles, Bullying Prevention, Parenting Advice
What is Momo?
A scary face (known as Momo) is making another viral round on the internet, frightening parents and children. According to reports, the image suddenly appears on apps and websites such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Fortnight and Peppa Pig. It allegedly manipulates the viewer into completing so-called challenges. The most disturbing challenges involve self-harm and even suicide.
The image of Momo started as an art sculpture in Japan, created by special effects company, Link Factory. Little is known about anyone behind the alleged challenges. The popular image was first shared in 2016 and went viral in 2018, when it became associated as a tool to harm children.
Should parents be concerned with the Momo Challenge?
Many news outlets have notified parents and schools about the dangers of Momo. Despite widespread hysteria and warnings from police, evidence of Momo actually appearing or harming a child seems non-existent. Headlines about youth suicide following contact from Momo are easy to find, but no credible links have been proven.
Debunking website Snopes classify Mono as a Viral Phenomena, noting that “A good deal of skepticism remains that the existence of the Momo challenge may be far more hype or hoax than reality.” The Atlantic published an article simply titled “Momo is Not Trying to Kill Children”. The most common argument from critics is that no screen shots exist, that can be verified, showing Momo in action.
Despite skeptism, Wanda Maximoff is concerned. Her viral tweet about Momo says, “Warning! Please read, this is real. There is a thing called ‘Momo’ that’s instructing kids to kill themselves, “INFORM EVERYONE YOU CAN.” Maximoff’s plea has now been retweeted over 25,000 times, causing some pandemonium among some parents.
How Should Parents Talk to Their Kids About Momo?
Parents should use Momo as an opportunity to talk to kids about online safety. Momo may or may not be real. Regardless there are a number of predators online each day that seek to harm children. Often, these predators use technology and grooming behaviors (such as compliments, offering gifts, and sharing vulnerable things) to gain trust. Their goal is to get the child to reciprocate this behavior, often divulging personal information and sometimes inappropriate images.
Take a moment to learn about the dangerous apps and websites used by online predators and aggressive individuals. In addition, check out my tips on how to talk to your child about cyberbullying and online safety.
