By: Kimone Hall
Positive Forces, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia. We assist youths physically and emotionally while challenging them mentally. Our co-ed youth cricket team ages 5-17 will resume this summer. After practice, we conduct mentoring sessions, this allows us to have a safe environment to share and learn interpersonal skills. We discuss topics like bullying below and give real life experiences that influence their lives, heighten awareness and give solutions to possible scenarios. These tools empower as well as increase their self-esteem.
Bullying is abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger or more powerful. Everyone is vulnerable. It is now an epidemic and awareness has been heighten; be vigilant and knowledgeable of its forms. It occurs in schools, social settings and the internet. With its lasting psychological effects, it affects victim’s emotional wellbeing. Bullying can be subtle, know the signs. Bullies yearn for both attention and love as a result they feed their deficit and void through the pain of their victims.
According to Dosomething.org in the US, “one out of every five students between ages 12-18 has been bullied during a school year. Approximately 160,000 teens have skipped school; commonly reported type of bullying is verbal harassment (79%).”
Daily a victim experiences bullying through name-calling, or jealousy of ones clothes, shoes or property. This abuse causes them to commit suicide, self-harm, run away from home, skip school, and engage in illicit sex and drugs.
I remember an incident in high school walking towards the cafeteria, then suddenly she said she wanted to fight me; Anna walked up to me, pointed her finger in my face, backed me up against the wall and held me by the neck. Not very popular but I was on the girls’ basketball team everyone gathered to watch. “I don’t want to fight,” I said, because I knew my parents had set clear and defined expectations of me. Regardless of who was present, I could hear my mother’s voice that helped me not retaliate. Anna took her hands off me, walked away and started boasting that she could have beat me up. I reluctantly dismissed it, went to the restroom, regrouped and continued my day. I exhibited self-control, I reverted to my knowledge of making positive decisions regardless of my urges to fight…I won.
Parents speak to your children to find out if they are victims of bullying. At first, they won’t open up, allow them to speak and listen, let them feel safe. If your child is the bully, react quickly, be consistent with consequences and notify necessary parties. Promote anti-bullying.
Positive Forces also gives back to the community locally and internationally through Back to School Giveaways, Health Fairs, Holiday Toy Giveaways, hurricane reliefs. Our current fundraisers is helping Nigel Davis a special Olympic trainer and athlete in need of new or used skates in Jamaica. We are also taking donations to obtain a van for transporting the players to and from practice and community work.
Join our cricket team at our open house this June to meet our phenomenal leaders and coaches who played professional cricket internationally.
To find out more contact us at the number below or on social media. Phone: 404-916-5138.
Instagram- Positive Forces
Kimone is an educator, entrepreneur, radio host, speaker and mother. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, migrated to the United States in 1992. She attended The City College of New York where she earned her B.A. in Psychology, M.Ed. in Special Education and Ed.S in Special Education at Grand Canyon University. She is currently working on her doctoral degree. Kimone founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization Positive Forces, Inc. to assist youths in becoming productive citizens. Her motto is, “Building Strong Foundations for Future Decisions.” This exposes youth to other positive options separate from their natural environment. She is passionate about the youth and all that influences their lives. This passion was instilled in her after working with adults who have struggled with mental illness and substance abuse. She has given to numerous charities, schools and underprivileged families in various communities. Kimone is forging a successful path in several communities at large.