In Leawood, Kansas, a player from Sporting Kansas City made a special visit to a local Blue Valley School as part of an initiative to combat bullying, known as the Red Card KC campaign. This program coincides with October’s designation as National Bullying Prevention Month, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action against bullying behaviors.
The Red Card KC Initiative
The Red Card KC anti-bullying campaign, launched in collaboration with Children’s Mercy Hospital in 2018, focuses on engaging with students to empower them to speak up when they witness bullying. Sporting Kansas City players, alongside behavioral health specialists from Children’s Mercy, are visiting schools throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area to educate students on how to effectively address bullying.
The atmosphere at Leawood Middle School was electric as Sporting KC’s mascot, Blue, rallied the crowd, initiating a chant that echoed the campaign’s motto, encouraging students to “call it” when they notice bullying incidents.
Messages of Kindness and Teamwork
Sporting KC goalkeeper Ryan Schewe emphasized the importance of kindness within teams, sharing his personal experiences. “On our team, everyone’s so kind to each other,” he remarked. Originating from a suburb of Atlanta, Schewe expressed how friendships can transcend borders, highlighting the universal need for compassion.
Children’s Mercy psychologist Darren Olsen elaborated on the campaign’s focus this year, specifically targeting bystanders—those who witness bullying but may not know how to intervene. “We want to provide them with strategies to step in and help their peers, making school a safer environment,” he explained.
Empowering Students: The Role of Bystanders
Eighth grader Andie Giefer, who has faced bullying herself, resonated with the message of teamwork and intervention. She noted, “I feel like we need more upstanders than bystanders these days.” Giefer highlighted how even if someone is not directly involved in a bullying situation, their intervention can significantly impact the victim’s experience.
Olsen provided several practical strategies for students to employ if they witness bullying:
- Change the Conversation: Shift focus away from the bullying behavior.
- Use Affirmative Mantras: Simple phrases like “that’s not cool” can be powerful.
- Show Support: Sometimes, just standing by the victim or checking in with them can make a significant difference.
Personal Stories and Future Plans
Schewe shared his own journey with bullying, recalling his tall and lanky frame as a child, which made him a target. His message was clear: even a single voice can initiate change, and everyone has the power to say “no” to bullying. “It usually stems from someone else’s insecurity,” he stated, urging students to be proactive.
In the coming weeks, Sporting KC players will continue their outreach, visiting schools in the Spring Hill and Shawnee Mission School Districts. These visits are part of a broader strategy to foster a culture of kindness and support among students.
Community Engagement at Sporting KC Matches
The campaign will gain further visibility during Sporting Kansas City’s final regular season home match on October 18 at Children’s Mercy Park. Attendees will have the chance to engage with the anti-bullying initiative by visiting a designated tent where they can take a pledge against bullying. In return, participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. Additionally, sharing the campaign on social media could enter fans to win autographed memorabilia.
Sporting KC expressed their commitment to this cause in a statement, urging local teachers to take advantage of a special ticket offer for the match. Educators present at the game will be recognized during halftime, further emphasizing the community’s role in combating bullying.
This initiative is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating a culture where kindness prevails, and everyone feels safe and supported. Through efforts like the Red Card KC campaign, Sporting Kansas City and Children’s Mercy are making strides toward a more compassionate future for young people in the Kansas City area.
