Founders Letter to the Editor that Started it All

Back in 2014, our founder, Justina Bryant, spoke from the heart as she wrote this letter to the editor. Bryant challenged her entire community to come together and teach our youth about values, character, kindness, and acceptance. We hope her words inspire you to reach out to someone in need. 

​In the wake of the recent suicides of two Aptos High teens and the 15-year-old girl from Los Gatos; it is clear our children are in trouble.  Bullying on school campuses is so rampant most of the children don’t even know they are doing it. Our teachers are required to fill their days with strict academic guidelines which in turn leaves little to no time, to teach about character development.

 We are all guilty of turning the other cheek and ignoring the major issues. Our teachers are saying things like, “I don’t have the time to teach about kindness or values; I am too busy with teaching them how to read and write.”  Our parents are saying things like, “That’s just the way it is in school.” Our community members are saying things like, “It’s not my kid; it’s not my problem.” 

People!? Who is going to step up and be a leader for our children? Well I for one, can’t just sit on the sidelines and hear about another teenaged suicide. Now is the time to step up and face the issues together as a community.  I challenge the Santa Cruz Warriors players; I challenge the police officers, the mayor of Santa Cruz, the county supervisors, the school superintendents, the religious leaders, the community organizers, the teachers, the principals, the parents, the grandparents, and the local business owners to step up. Find a way to help these children navigate. 

Let’s teach them about values, character, kindness, acceptance and the Golden Rule. If we all work within our circle of influence we can, and we will make a difference. I urge you to take this challenge to step up and be a leader; you could save a child’s life.