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Finally, David’s Legacy wants to wish all of our friends and family a very Happy Holidays! We hope this time is spent with your most cherished loved ones.Warmest wishes for joy and blessings that carry through to 2023!
Winter break is coming, which means our spring bullying prevention presentations are now available to schedule! These complementary presentations are extremely informative and are not just for students. Educators and parents can also gain major takeaways as well.At our live presentations, we also provide free stickers for older students to encourage a strong commitment to stop cyberbullying and never use technology as a weapon. During our elementary presentations, we share the message “The World Needs Me” to instill a sense of belonging and purpose. Each elementary student receives a free wristband.To request or schedule an upcoming presentation, visit our website or the link below to get started!Learn More
Calling all talented fine arts students in Texas! Texas nonprofit organization Society of Royals has an upcoming scholarship competition where you can win up to $25,000!Fine Arts for a Cause allows students to create inspirational pieces that empower, uplift, and build self-esteem among their peers through the arts. With this opportunity, students can influence positive changes and decisions, while simultaneously making their powerful voices heard. With the holiday break approaching for schools across the state, this is the perfect time to tap into your creative side!There are five fine arts categories to participate in: Art, Dance, Music, Film/Theatre, and Poetry. Students from grades 3-12 are eligible for entry. Art submissions are due March 25, 2023.Good luck!Apply Now
A recent Washington Post article centered around a trip to Washington D.C. where Maurine and other mothers met with top lawmakers to share their stories about their children and how they were impacted by online harms. Maurine and dozens of parents are calling on Congress to step in and pass legislation to protect minors online by passing COPPA 2.0 and KOSA by the end of the year. These bills would force tech companies to implement stronger safety protections for children online and to take steps to safeguard their personal information. To read more, visit the link below:Read Here
As part of our recent training expansion to the Rio Grande Valley, we were happy to be featured in an article by the Valley Business Report. We hope to continue bringing DLF to new heights as we educate more students across Texas! If you know of someone looking for an educational training opportunity on bullying and cyberbullying, they can visit our website to sign up for their own informational session.To read the full article about our RGV participation, visit the link below:Read Here
Our very own Maurine Molak was featured in an article by Shoutout DFW where she shares her inspiring story of building David’s Legacy and highlighting how far we’ve come. Check out the most recent edition of their aspiring entrepreneur series down below:Read Here
Last month, we had a great time with Texas A&M-San Antonio where we had the chance to speak on a panel about bullying prevention and mental health education. We were grateful for the opportunity to engage in an insightful discussion with other experts and participants alike. Let’s continue to spark these conversations so we can continue to promote change.
We also had an outstanding day in Houston ISD last month talking with over 200 school counselors about bullying prevention, mental health, and school safety. This is our fifth year training with them and it’s always great to be back with such determined and inspiring educators!What a great group of kind and compassionate individuals who are caring for the young people of Harris County. We love our HISD counselors and we’re proud of the work you guys put in every day!
Next week is the 4th Annual Character Education Week and David’s Legacy wants you to join us! Taking place from Nov.14-18, schools across Texas will take part in character building sessions to develop academically, socially, and educationally flourished students. And be sure to tune in to our session on Nov. 17 at 4 pm! Join us as we show that character is a framework that can be caught, taught, and sought!For a full schedule breakdown or to sign up for sessions, visit their website below!Learn More
Maurine Molak and Angela Garcia, founder of The UGLI Foundation, were recently asked to speak with several news shows, including Great Day SA and News 4 WOAI about their recent partnership in honor of National Anti-Bullying Month.Spreading kindness throughout our schools is only the first step of many towards depleting bullying amongst our children and teens, and we’re grateful to have this platform to speak out about it,To watch the full interviews, you can click here for our Great Day SA and News 4-WOAI appearances.
David’s Legacy is extremely excited to announce the return of its annual fundraising event with San Antonio’s very own Bird Bakery. And for the first time ever, this event will last for the ENTIRE month of October! Going on right now, when you visit Bird Bakery’s San Antonio location and order their specially made “Kindness Cupcake”, 100% of the proceeds will go towards David’s Legacy and our fight towards bullying and cyberbullying awareness. Again, this offer is available until October 31 in honor of National Anti-Bullying Month and David’s birthday, so please support us when you can!
October is not only National Anti-Bullying Month, but also David’s birthday. And as our own way of celebrating and honoring these special events, we’d like to continue with the hosting of our annual Facebook fundraiser. As always, we encourage everyone to donate a dollar for every year of his birth, so to celebrate David’s 23rd year, we’d like to ask everyone to donate $23. This fundraiser will take place during the month of October on our Facebook page.
Help support David’s Legacy and make an order to San Antonio Papa Johns! Order 2 large 2-topping pizzas with a 2-liter Pepsi product for only $24 when you use the promo code STANDUP2. Offer valid for both carryout and deliveries. In addition, Papa John’s Pizza will donate $2 to DLF with every order! This offer expires 12/31/22 so don’t miss out!
Recently, two national bills that protect kids and teens online rights and privacy were passed through the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and will be voted on by the full U.S. Senate. If passed, these bills would go far in creating a healthier media environment for children. We need your help to urge our senators on the committee to pass both pieces of critical legislation! For more information, here are more details for KOSA and COPPA 2.0. Connect with your Senator TODAY to give your support on putting children’s privacy and wellbeing ahead of tech companies’ profits. You can call or even send an email. Tell your senators: Co-sponsor Senate Bills 3663 (KOSA) and 1628 COPPA 2.0) to protect kids online.
David’s Legacy is always honored to be featured on outlets where we can voice our mission and amplify our presence. Our activity continues to grow and we love to see that our presence has reached new heights. Recently, co-founder Maurine Molak was interviewed by Fox26 Houston to discuss the purpose and impact of David’s Legacy.Her story has never lost its impact and we only hope that more people continue to join our fight. The full article can be found here.
When working with children, it’s so important to give them the proper education. And no, we’re not talking about school lessons, but instead life lessons. When kids are young, their malleability is high. They often mold into what they see around them, learning and picking up on external factors and cues. This is why we should start teaching them about important characteristics like kindness, friendliness, and respect when they’re young.A great way to implement these teaching tactics can be with children’s books, fun and interactive activities everybody can do together. To get started, here are two amazing books, “Kindness is My Superpower” and “Franklin the Helper: Bullies Make David Cry”, that highlight the importance of these values and how to foster positive emotional skills in our kids. You can also check out author Alicia Ortego’s blog for more insightful information.The graphics should be in order but let me know if you need help clarifying!
We have new pledge stickers coming! David’s Legacy is a strong encourager of the Sticker Pledge, a commitment to stop cyberbullying and never use technology as a weapon. The ellipsis symbol, and its three red dots, serve as a reminder to STOP AND THINK before posting. Join over 1.6 million others in taking the pledge today. Schools who request live SB 2050 aligned presentations will receive free stickers at the end of each presentation. Click here to download and print your own set!
David’s Legacy is happy to welcome back Diana Dodson as a returning member of the DLF team! Diana will be a part of our San Antonio/New Braunfels program where she’ll be the professional instructor for both the virtual and live presentations that meet the lesson objectives in SB 2050. Diana has worked in education for over 33 years so we’re glad to have her expertise at hand again! Look here for more information about presentation requests.We are so excited to welcome a new addition to the David’s Legacy team! Lou Ann Sarachene will be leading our Region 1- Rio Grande Valley program as a virtual and live presentation professional instructor. Lou Ann brings over 35 years of experience to the table and we are happy to have her experience and knowledge on the DLF team! Look here for more information about presentation requests.
Our Middle School and High School Health TEKS are now available on our website! Covering the 2022 Health TEKS relating to Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Harassment, school counselors can download these free lessons to teach students how to recognize and avoid harmful actions effectively. These lessons join our Elementary Health TEKS on our website. Go check them out now!
TEXAS – (Sept. 12, 2022) David’s Legacy Foundation (DLF) is proud to announce the launch of its partnership with The UGLI Foundation, founded by TV host and reporter, Angela Garcia, with support of her husband, professional golfer Sergio Garcia. Together, the organizations hope to encourage young people to become Unique, Gifted, Loved, Individual (UGLI) Student Ambassadors with skills to take a stand against bullying. Through this new partnership, DLF and UGLI will work together to empower Texan teens and tweens to take a personal role in fostering a positive school climate through healthy peer relationships. “We are excited to partner with the David’s Legacy Foundation. They’ve paved the way by addressing bullying through years of hard work with the Texas state legislature. With the encouragement of family, friends and our many supporters, we’ve made it our mission to fight to end bullying forever. Texas is the first step for The UGLI Foundation and we are working hard to spread our message of kindness across our beautiful country and the rest of this incredible world” said The UGLI Foundation Founder, Angela Garcia. The UGLI Foundation’s vision is to end all bullying through love, encouragement, and optimism. They aim to use their personal […]
Moms, did you know that NAMI-Texas offers support groups for parents whose children are dealing with a mental health condition? We know how important it is for moms to take care of themselves so that they are mentally well to take care of their children. Meeting someone who is going through the same situation can be encouraging and supportive during difficult times. Check out NAMI-Texas’s support groups here.
Congratulations to Raziel Sink for winning the 1st 2022 David Molak Kindness Scholarship. Raz not only created her own anti-bullying program but she is also the 15-year-old Valedictorian of her graduating class at SWPREP ND in San Antonio. Many thanks to Safety Director, James Hope, for nominating her. Help us wish Raz well at The University of Incarnate Word where she plans to study Forensic Science! Way to go Raz! David Payne, a Johnson HS graduating senior in North East Independent School District – NEISD, is our second winner of the 2022 David Molak Kindness Scholarship. David spent much of his time on campus mentoring students through the PALS program and he also led the Special Olympics basketball game. Many thanks to PALS teacher Mandy LaCour for the nomination and to DLF board member Jennifer Easley for presenting the award to this fine young man. He is Utah bound so let’s give him a big Texas! Congratulations to Alamo Heights Independent School District graduate, Jolie Gomez, for winning our 3rd scholarship this year! Jolie not only mentored younger students through VBS and dance studio opportunities but she volunteered with UTHSC on raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Help us wish her well as […]
We are recognizing Cassidy Joined for Hope, and the work they do through their “Joined For Hope School Clubs”. These student led clubs break the silence around mental health and suicide with conversations around prevention, self-value, anti-bullying, social media dangers and much more. If your school is interested in starting a chapter you may learn more here.
Earlier this month, Co-founder, Maurine Molak, was asked to sit down with News 4 and Fox San Antonio to discuss the rise in bullying cases and how the pandemic has led to that increase. We are grateful for our friends at Sinclair Broadcasting for their ongoing reporting of mental health and school safety issues. Read more about what David’s Legacy has to say in this two-part series. The News 4 article can be found here. The Fox San Antonio article can be found here.
Moms, did you know that NAMI-Texas offers support groups for parents whose children are dealing with The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC), one of the non-profit organizations, David’s Legacy Foundation is grateful to work work closely with, has just published its mental health resource toolkit. If you have a child that may need therapeutic help, this is a great place to start finding available resources in Texas.
SAN ANTONIO – Bullying and conflict numbers in your local schools appear to be on the rise. One local organization reports they’ve heard from more than four times as many parents this school year than normal. “My children have experienced a lot of bullying,” San Antonio mother Estella Garza said. “They have had retaliation with different students. ” Garza has reached her breaking point. Watch Video>> Click Here
SAN ANTONIO – Bullying and conflict in local schools appears to be up in the Alamo City. David’s Legacy Foundation officials say calls to their organization are up 300% this school year compared to normal years. Caption: WOAI. Experts say the pandemic is the key issue. “We need help,” said local mother Estella Garza, whose kids have allegedly been bullied at school relentlessly. “And this needs to end. ” They say children lost those social skills it takes to get along and resolve conflicts. Watch Video>> Click Here
Earlier this month, DLF co-founder Maurine Molak, was invited to speak at the Ft Hood 2022 Education Summit. This is the second time DLF has been invited to speak to their community since the passing of David’s Law in 2017. We understand the unique situations that schools on miliatry installations are dealing with due to the vurnerability of their transient student populations. This year’s focus was on “Partners in Education.” David’s Legacy Foundation is proud to support our military and help keep their children safe. DLF encourages school and community partnerships for education and prevention because no one person or group can do it alone. You can read more about The Summit here.
DLF board members and advisors supported the 2022 Annual San Antonio Legal Services Association Justice Luncheon on April 14. The Justice Luncheon celebrated San Antonio legal professionals who work for social justice, their volunteers and their programs that impact our community. We are grateful that The Don’t Bully Me Project is one of the programs they celebrated at the luncheon. Our partnership expands the reach to serve more families in crisis with resources and pro bono legal support. You can learn more about The Don’t Bully Me Project collaboration between DLF and SALSA here.
The David Molak Kindness Scholarship deadline is March 31, at 11:59 PM. Last year, thanks to a few generous donors, DLF was able to award 6 graduating seniors a $1,000 college scholarship. This is our 6th year awarding scholarships and previous winners are recognized here. This year, DLF plans to honor at least 3 exceptional graduating seniors. These students will be inspired by the vision of a kinder world and show commitment to making a difference in their school. The scholarship was established by DLF to honor the love and kindness that David Molak showed his friends and family, and is available to 2022 graduating seniors in all Bexar County Independent School Districts and Charter Schools. We are excited that we are able to expand our reach to include public charter school graduating seniors this year. Watch the video of co-founder, Maurine Molak, speaking with SA Charter Moms co-founder, Inga Cotton, about the scholarship opportunity or visit our website to learn more about the application process. If you are interested in donating to the scholarship fund or underwriting an additional scholarship please contact info@davidslegacy.org.
DLF leadership and volunteers have been busy raising awareness of our organization and mission this month. On February 4th, DLF participated in the San Antonio Spurs 2nd annual Mental Health Awareness Night. The goal of the event was to raise awareness of mental health issues and numerous local nonprofit organizations were in attendance. Board Member, Trish DeBerry, spoke to a local National Charity League on Feb 6. She presented about the importance of digital citizenship, David’s Law, and power or positive words. DLF also participated in the 26th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference in Beaumont from February 7th-9th. At this event, Co-Founder, Maurine Molak, was the keynote speaker and led a breakout session in which current trends and issues seen on campuses were discussed. During the noon hour on Feb 10, DLF, along with San Antonio Legal Services Association, had their first CLE and XXXX attorneys attended to learn how they can volunteer for the Don’t Bully Me (DBM) Project. Later that day DLF also participated in the Village in the Valley (ViVa) SBOE District 2 roundtable discussion. The roundtable discussion addressed various important issues impacting the Rio Grande Valley and their schools.
DLF and SALSA (San Antonio Legal Services Association) leadership and volunteers met for our first quarterly luncheon to discuss the roll out of the new Don’t Bully Me Project (DBM Project) collaboration. The expanded program began mid January 2022 with a legal assistant intake training followed by an attorney CLE training. Since then, the DBM Project has helped 21 families with resources on how to advocate for their child in the school system, provided legal support and helped coordinate with other community services including mental health supports. Volunteers attending the luncheon spoke on how rewarding it is to be able to help these families in crisis, and how often the parent just needs someone to listen to them and validate their concerns. The DBM Project is a unique program with the long-term goal to build a model that can be replicated in other states. You can learn more about the DBM Project here. SALSA’s annual fundraising luncheon, on April 14 at 11:30 AM at the Mays Family Center at the Witte, will help support our partnership. Those interested in attending the luncheon or donating to the project may find the event information here.
DLF wants to encourage schools to request a free and informative presentation aimed at equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to effectively combat cyber and other bullying. Important, and potentially life-saving topics covered include the dangers of cyberbullying, David’s Law and how to recognize signs that their child is being bullied. Presentations are provided live (in San Antonio) or virtual across the State. Scheduling is based on speaker availability, so be sure to request your presentation today by clicking here. This is a presentation with invaluable information you won’t want to miss!
DLF is now accepting applications for the David Molak Kindness Scholarship. The scholarship was established by DLF to honor the love and kindness that David Molak showed his friends and family. The intention of the $1,000 scholarship is to recognize exceptional graduating seniors in all Bexar County Independent School Districts and Charter Schools who are inspired by the vision of a kinder world and committed to making a difference. Visit our website to learn more about the application and share with your graduating Seniors! DLF will recognize three exceptional individuals this year. Application deadline – March 31st at 11:59pm.
Under David’s Law and subsequent legislation, Texas school districts are required to cover topics such as bullying, cyberbullying, and the role of the bystander under the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Health Education program (Health TEKS) that will be implemented during the 2022-2023 school year. To help school districts meet this requirement, educators can now request free Elementary Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and presentation modules through our website. Upon completing a request form, educators will have access to modules, activities, and/or worksheets covering each Health TEK for grade levels K-5. Our 2020 Bullying and cyberbullying presentations along with scripts will also be provided for the following grade groups: K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-5th.
An expansion to “David’s Law” earlier this year, requires school districts to establish campus committees to address b Hundreds of students from all over the state, joined by school faculty, law enforcers and other skilled specialists, gathered at the MCM Eleganté Hotel & Conference Center and the Event Centre in Beaumont for the three-day Texas Crime Stoppers Campus conference from Feb. 7-9. Participants learned more about Campus Crime Stoppers programs, were schooled in the dangers of drugs and vapes, and even got to try hypnosis and self-defense techniques through breakout sessions over the course of the conference.Read Full Article >>
Davids’ Legacy Foundation is excited to welcome Sheri Doss to our Advisory Board. Sheri is the Immediate Past President at Texas Congress of Parents & Teachers (Texas PTA).
An expansion to “David’s Law” earlier this year, requires school districts to establish campus committees to address bullying by focusing on prevention efforts and health and wellness initiatives. TEA is tasked with providing the minimum standards for these committees, but as we wait for the release of those standards, schools are expected to make a good faith effort to comply with the new law SB 2050. We encourage parents to reach out to their local school administrators to learn more about this opportunity to help to mitigate incidents of bullying in our schools.
In our December newsletter, David’s Legacy Foundation (DLF) announced the expansion of legal aid services provided under The Don’t Bully Me (DBM) Project thanks to the generous support of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) and three additional legal aid providers throughout the State. In early January, SALSA in partnership with DLF, held an initial training for our intake volunteers, and we are incredibly thankful for the paralegals and legal assistants that have stepped up to support families navigating these difficult circumstances by offering them access to resources, including legal assistance. If you are a Texas attorney looking to volunteer your time in support of The DBM Project, the SALSA volunteer opportunity can be found here. DLF is honored that The DBM Project is included on the list of worthwhile program volunteer opportunities. SALSA has also launched an online Resource Page for The DBM Project that allows volunteer attorneys to access relevant statutes, templates, and other tools to empower them to seek relief on behalf of their client.
David’s Legacy Foundation said Friday it is offering pro bono legal services to students and families dealing with bullying. It’s part of the organization’s Don’t Bully Me legal aid project. The project was formed in honor of David Molak, who took his own life after relentless bullying. Watch Video >>https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/davids-legacy-foundation-offering-free-legal-services-for-people-affected-by-bullying-friday/273-51d417ed-3859-43e2-9295-8e724cf891bc
David’s Legacy Foundation is excited to welcome Dr. Kirleen Neely to our Advisory Board. Kirleen has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years and has been the chief executive officer of Neely Counseling Center, PLLC, since 2001.
The rampant accessibility of technology has affected youth in many ways, from increased levels of anxiety, stress, and depression to increased suicide rates; Circling the Wagons is an educational program devoted to “protecting sanity & humanity in the digital age.” Through this program, parents, educators, and teens/young adults can access resources, training, and support systems to help create positive cyberspace while developing smart digital skills. The educational seminars and guides provide varied information based on parents, educators, and teens/young adults; topics include: For parents: Prevention of chronic distraction and digital addiction Prevention of anxiety, depression, and suicide Coaching and support groups Stress reduction strategies Strategies to manage children’s emotions and promote happiness For educators: In class stress reduction strategies Resources to spark conversation about Mental Health Education and Social and Emotional Learning Professional Development for mindfulness in students Provision of Educational Consulting For teens and young adults: Stress reduction strategies Mindfulness training Coaching/support groups Strategies to manage emotions and promote happiness For more information please visit the Circling The Wagons website: https://www.circlingthewagons.live/home/
As we approach the last days of November, it is important to take time away from our busy lives to relax and recharge. This year has been different to what we know to be “normal”, and it is essential to count our blessings in the face of difficult times and spread as much joy and kindness as possible.
In Shame Nation, parent advocate and internet safety expert Sue Scheff, presents an eye-opening examination around the rise in online shaming, and offers practical advice and tips including:
• Preventing digital disasters
• Defending your online reputation
• Building digital resilience
• Reclaiming online civility
This month we celebrate David’s life on what would have been his 21st birthday. To honor his legacy, we continue the work of combating cyber and other forms of bullying. In this blog, we share 21 alternative screen time options that families can do together to circumvent cyberbullying.
This month we celebrate David’s life on what would have been his 21st birthday. To honor his legacy, we continue the work of combating cyber and other forms of bullying. In this blog, we share 21 alternative screen time options that families can do together to circumvent cyberbullying.
This October, we honor David’s legacy on the 10th by celebrating his life on what would have been his 21st birthday. During National Bullying Prevention Month, join us as we honor David’s life and continue our work to help eliminate cyber and other forms of bullying by engaging in 21 acts of kindness.
AT&T knows that our kids are more connected now than they have ever been before. AT&T shares parent resources for safe and successful online experiences through their ScreenReady website. Check out the Parental Controls tools and resources shared on the ScreenReady website that are recommended by Common Sense Media.
AT&T has aligned their anti-bullying efforts with the Cartoon Network’s multi-platform Stop Bullying: Speak up initiative, which empowers kids to speak up safely and effectively in the face of bullying, while helping them develop greater kindness, caring and empathy that stops bullying before it starts. Discover additional resources on the Cartoon Network website.
On October 10, David would have been 20 years old. To honor his legacy, we have vowed to prevent a similar tragedy from happening to another family. We believe no kids should have to endure cyberbullying or any bullying for that matter.
As a parent you want the best for your child. When they are suffering you want to protect and help them through their troubles, but you may not really know where to start. The first thing you need to understand is the depth of the problem and how you can help. Talk to your child about the situation.
Teaching students about character is important for teachers and school administrators as students often spend more time at school than at home. On top of that kids are often left home alone with no one to guide them since both parents work.
If you are not familiar with the Michelle Carter case, she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Conrad committed suicide and the then 17-year-old Michelle was convicted due to her use of text messages encouraging her friend to commit suicide.
Cyberbullying is a tough problem to deal with because it happens so anonymously and can be tough to spot in your own children if you aren’t looking for the signs. Watch for the following signs in your kids and talk to them if you are noticing changes in their behavior. Don’t assume they are “just being a teenager” or “are being moody.”
Learning that your child may be bullying people online can be upsetting, but you need to deal with it. Here’s how you can address the issues and educate your child on how their behavior affects others.
Preventing cyberbullying is the best way to avoid the problems that go with it and there are some simple tips you can follow to protect yourself from cyberbullying and bullying.
Remember you are not alone. There are plenty of resources to help you deal with your situation. It’s important that you don’t isolate yourself and know that sometimes it’s hard to talk with people close to you, but you should always reach out to someone you trust.
As the victim of bullying you may feel all alone and have no idea what to do but you should know you are not alone and it’s not your fault. Find an adult you trust that you can talk to and get help. Please review the ideas and links in this blog that can help you out.
You need to be there for your child when they are being bullied or feel threatened but you may not know where to start. Below are some straightforward ways to engage with your child and help them deal with the situation. It’s important to understand how they are feeling and not assume they are just overreacting.
David’s Law was created and signed by Governor Abbott in 2016 to protect Texas youth. If you live in Texas and are a victim of bullying or cyberbullying use this checklist and take it to your school administrator for help.
One of the real challenges can be understanding what you can and cannot do to help the children you see everyday in school. Until recent years there was not a lot of laws that could be utilized to help protect the kids from bullying.
As an educator or school administrator it is important that you remain vigilant for the signs of bullying in the school and help combat them as this is where things often start.