Steps to Stop Bullying

A few short years ago, Lauren Parsekian and Molly Stroud, film students at Pepperdine University in California, decided to take the first step in what turned out to be one of the biggest stands against bullying made to date.

The girls and their mothers packed their bags and began their journey across the United States, talking with people from different age groups, backgrounds, and life philosophies about the huge issue of bullying facing youth in all parts of the nation. At the end of the trip, the girls were able to produce an award-winning film, “Finding Kind.”

“As Lauren and Molly combine their experiences and passion to uncover the truth within Girl World, the girls learn about themselves, females, the truth behind the issue and our cultures influence,” said the Kind Campaign website. “The journey is packed with hysterical moments as the girls attempt to conquer the road and everything America has to offer. While there are plenty of fun moments, their emotional roller coaster around the country reveals raw and personal stories from girls that will shock you to your core.

“With the goal of establishing a national school program for girls, Lauren and Molly hope to put an end to the hate and FIND KIND,” said the site.

Since the film’s production, Lauren and Molly have founded the Kind Campaign, “an internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl ‘crime.’”

Ursinus College’s anti-bullying team, Fighting for Ophelia, will be sponsoring a screening of the film and personal appearance of filmmakers Parsekian and Stroud on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. on campus in Olin Auditorium. Lauren and Molly will introduce the film at 2 p.m. and, after the screening is finished, the filmmakers will be conducting a KINDness assembly for all attendees.

This event is a way for Ursinus students and Collegeville and surrounding area community members to come together as one united body of people to speak out against this growing issue and to “learn the importance of being kind together.”

Though the filmmakers will no longer be on campus, Finding Kind will also be screening in Olin Auditorium at 7 p.m. Nov. 19.