New York beginning to see the light!

While New York still has yet to pass any formal anti-bullying laws or put any specific programs in place, Mayor Bloomberg is beginning to take some action.

After vetoing the Dignity in All Schools Act (DASA) in 2004 and calling it "silly", the Mayor has finally begun to see that bullying and harassment truly does interfere with a child's ability to learn. Even though this is not a law or even an official program, it is a start. The initiative will require that teachers are educated on bullying and the signs of a child being bullied. Schools will also hang posters telling children how to report incidents as well as a leaflet they can take home to show parents.

I'm hoping this is just the beginning and New York will realize that this is a great start but not an ultimate solution to ending bullying in schools. Below is the link if you want to read further. Also, take a look at the sites I have linked about successful bullying and harassment programs.

"Respect for All" is message of mayor's anti-bullying rules

I want to say thank you to representatives from Alabama who have recently adopted a formal anti-bullying law! They will be helping so many children in their state! To see bills up for discussion in New York visit bullypolice.com

Post Spring Meeting Plans

Spring meeting felt like an absolute blur this past weekend. Claire, Keelie, Rene and I packed up our minivan and made our way to Albany. The trip was not without its exciting moments (almost getting run over) and I was able to meet a lot of the girls I will be competing along side in June. We began rehearsing our opening number which is WAY more dancing than I'm used to. I was so excited to hear the theme and what our opening number music will be, however I'm going to keep that under wraps. I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone! We also had time to take a few pictures of all three of us during our lunch break.

Now it's time for me to get back to work! The Miss New York Organization did an excellent job this weekend and provided all of us with great constructive criticism and things we need to work on. I loved getting to see the other titleholders perform their talents and we had so much fun practicing our modeling walk! Only a few short months and we will all be right back in Albany getting ready to compete for Miss New York!!

Also, I will be volunteering this coming Saturday with NYC Cares at a local school helping children learn about the green movement. We will be doing eco-friendly activities and hopefully teaching them new things they didn't know. This is my first event with the organization and I am so excited!

Countdown to Spring Meeting

I have less than two weeks until I will be driving to Albany for spring meeting to turn in paperwork and start rehearsals for Miss New York! Before that though I will be incredibly busy. I will be attending an orientation for NYC Cares, a large volunteer organization in New York this Saturday. I can't wait to get involved in my community, I have missed that! I have attached a link to their webpage if you are interested in volunteering, which I highly recommend. I am also in the middle of applying as a volunteer with an anti-bullying group wiredsafety.org, so cross your fingers they accept!

http://www.newyorkcares.org

We are also in the process of launching a website for Claire, Keelie and I. Claire Buffie, Miss Southeast New York, is doing a wonderful job with this and I can't wait to share it once it is up and running. It will give all of you the opportunity to read more about our platforms and what we are up to in the community, as well as pictures and links to various organizations.

I recently had a meeting with my director and we have nailed down my wardrobe for evening gown, swimsuit, and interview. I am excited to see everything coming together and am thankful for such an organized and supportive group of people I am with!

A brand new year, a brand new title!

It was a long day I have to say, but well worth it! I was crowned Miss Liberty 2010 along side two good friends Claire Buffie, Miss Southeast New York 2010 and Keelie Sheridan, Miss Greater NYC 2010.

It has been a whirlwind since, preparing for state and creating opportunities to work more on my platform. For those who do not know, my platform is Take A Stand: Standing Up Against Bullying. It is an issue I am passionate about and have personal experience with. Currently New York has not passed any anti-bullying legislation to have a set program in schools and I want to help change that! I will link several websites for those wanting to learn more about the topic and programs that are working hard to eliminate it.

I cannot believe in a few short months I will be competing for the title of Miss New York! I am so excited to be a part of the Miss America Organization and all of the wonderful things they stand for. It is going to be a fabulous year!