CNN visits Austin anti-bully effort
Published 9:37 am Friday, September 23, 2011
Jaren Steene, center, talks to Community Against Bullying organizer Danielle Borgerson-Nesvold while a CNN cameraman tapes the exchange during a meeting Thursday night at Neveln Elementary School. CNN is in Austin this week to tape anti-bully outreach efforts during Austin High School’s Homecoming festivities. -- Trey Mewes/Albert Lea Tribune
AUSTIN — A CNN news crew is following an Austin anti-bullying group and reporting on its efforts during Austin High School Homecoming.
The group, Community Against Bullying, has been picking up attention in recent weeks regarding the group’s interest in The Scary Guy, an anti-bullying advocate who is known for the tattoos that cover his body. Representatives are working out Scary’s schedule with Community Against Bullying organizers.
Danielle Borgerson-Nesvold listens as volunteers talk about The Scary Guy at the Community Against Bullying meeting Thursday night at Neveln Elementary School. A CNN news crew was present at the meeting and is in Austin this week to cover CAB's outreach efforts during Homecoming.
Community Against Bullying members discussed the recent backlash concerning The Scary Guy at a meeting Thursday night, offering plans and suggestions on how to get the tough-talking-but-friendly motivational speaker into the community on the right foot. Organizers said they’ve been approached by people asking who Scary is and what he’ll do for the community.
“This isn’t some guy come to scare the bejesus out of kids,” head Community Against Bullying organizer Danielle Borgerson-Nesvold said. “He’s trying to eliminate prejudice.”
Some Community Against Bullying members said they weren’t surprised by the backlash over Scary’s appearance or the fact that organizers will pay Scary $20,000 over the coming months for his 12-day tour of Austin, from Oct.31 through Nov. 11.
Borgerson-Nesvold said the cost of sending students out of a district is just as much, if not higher, as schools have to pay for a student’s education in another district should the student decide to open enroll.
“That $20,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to what one bully can do,” Borgerson-Nesvold said. “This is a huge investment to save us a lot of money and a lot of lives.”
Community Against Bullying members also unveiled their new website, www.communityagainstbullying.com, and discussed new ways to report bullying through a hotline. In addition, members are strategizing over volunteer efforts at their next couple of events, which include a teen dance on Oct. 28 at the Holiday Inn.
Gymocha will host a donation day on Tuesday where 10 percent of all sales will go toward Community Against Bullying efforts.
