Unitarian Universalists to screen ‘Bully’ June 2

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will show the documentary "Bully" at 7 p.m., Friday, June 2. A potluck dinner starts at 6 p.m.

The documentary offers an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. The film was directed by Sundance and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch. The showing, which is part of UUSD's ongoing First Friday Film series, is free and open to the public. The documentary may not be appropriate for children age 10 and under.

Filmed over the course of a school year, "Bully" opens a window into the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. The film documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy the "kids will be kids" clichés. It captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities, and in society as a whole.

Brooke Pikolas, facilitator of UUSD's Parents for Humanity, which is sponsoring the film, says, "We do not have to live in fear. Our children deserve to feel safe in their schools. Parents for Humanity is an advocacy, resource and support group at UUSD for all concerned parents. UUSD created the group after increasing local reports of hate toward people, including children, who were being targeted for their differences. This group offers a safe place for parents of minorities and the LBGTQ community to come together and find common ground."

UUSD's mission is to nurture spiritual growth, embrace diversity, work for justice, and strive for a loving world. For more information, contact Pikolas at bpikolas@gmail.com or go to www.uussd.org.