Accepting submissions through March 31, 2025
SPEAK UP ABOUT SPEAKING UP!
Inviting K-12 students, with support from adults, to share their ideas on how kids and teens can speak up and advocate for themselves and others to help prevent bullying.
This year’s theme is “Speak Up about Speaking Up!” We hope to inspire students to contribute actively to the cause of bullying prevention while learning, collaborating, and making a meaningful impact on others. Submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2025 in the following formats:
- Video
- Artwork/Poster
All 2025 SWS Challenge submissions will be eligible to be featured on NBPC websites. There are also opportunities to receive some awesome prizes! This challenge is a creative way for adults to engage youth in conversation about bullying prevention while they learn about speaking up for themselves and their peers.
Why is Advocacy for Self and Others Important?
Advocacy is helping others get what they need. Self-advocacy means communicating on your own behalf, letting others know what you need, and taking action in a direct and respectful manner. Whether you advocate for others or yourself, speaking up about what is needed can create change in your world. So, tell us how you speak up!
Steps to Participate
- Share the handout “Speak Up About Speaking Up!”
- Encourage participants to reflect on the question:
“Why is it important to speak up for yourself and others?” - Brainstorm how you might apply your ideas into video or artwork.
- Refer to the messaging guides for specific instructions and additional links to our advocacy resources in the shared handout
- Ideas to get you started:
- Discussing in a small group and then reporting highlights
- Writing responses on sticky notes and displaying them on a wall or board
- Sharing ideas with an educator
- Create your video or artwork/poster with what you’ve learned. Be sure to follow the messaging guides for elementary and middle and high school students.
- Send in your submissions by March 31, 2025, to be eligible to be featured on the Kids Against Bullying, Teens Against Bullying, and NBPC websites.
Receive Prizes
In addition to your students' ideas being featured on NBPC websites and social media, everyone who enters is eligible to receive prizes through random drawings. Prizes include posters, T-shirts, and more! Drawings will be held throughout the open submission period and recipients will be notified via email.
Students With Solutions (SWS) - Overview
The SWS Challenge is designed to engage students in taking action to promote bullying prevention and foster kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in their schools and communities. It encourages students to use their talents and creativity to explore and express ideas for preventing bullying and building positive environments.
