Green Dot is A program led by MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) that teaches students how to prevent bullying by using strategies to make a positive impact on the school’s climate.
Kristen Garcia is a youth specialist with MOCSA. She leads the Green Dot program that trains staff and selected students. Garcia is very motivated by the idea of teaching kids that they have a voice.
“I wanted people to help people find their voice, as well as feel safe when they come to school. Green Dot teaches kids that even just speaking up a little bit can mean a lot to someone. I’m so proud of how far this generation is taking this program into actual life.” Garcia said.
Jayse Rice is an eighth grader on the Voyagers team. Rice has been a part of the Green Dot program since last year.
“I like learning the new ways to help people,” Rice said.
Kayce Larson is an eighth grader on the Navigators team. Larson had been a part of the Green Dot program for two years. There are a lot of upsides to the training. Students learn to Do something when they see bullying occur, ask Others to help, or Talk about something else by changing the subject. One way students learn to use these strategies is through role play.
“We were assigned a red dot [bad choice] and we had to perform that red dot and explain why it’s a red dot, and how to make the situation green (good),” Larson said.
There is only one downside to students attending the training.
“I miss some important classwork, that’s hard to make up due to it being an experiment, test, etc.” Larson said.
Alivia Saultz is an eighth grader on the Voyagers team. Saultz also took part in the training because she is an ambassador for her team. Students chosen for the training were either ambassadors, friends of ambassadors or recommended by teachers. Like Larson, Saultz felt the role play activities helped her learn the strategies.
“I liked the project that we had to do at the end. We had to get into our table groups and find a way to act out a bullying scene. It was a lot of fun to do.” Saultz said.
