We have all experienced it in some shape or form; from the whispers in the hallway, to the jeering in the cafeteria and the laughing in the locker room. The Internet, which was once an escape from reality, has transformed into another outlet for anonymous bullying and hurtful messages. These are all common forms of girl-on-girl crime. Whether a victim, bully, or bystander, we have all been exposed to the dangers of female bullying. Unfortunately, girls have assumed negative stereotypes of being catty, competitive, manipulative, and downright “mean” to each other. Two collegiettes™ decided they wanted to join together and end this shameful cycle of verbal, emotional, and physical violence. They began the Kind Campaign
The Kind Campaign was founded by two collegiettes™ from Pepperdine University, Laura Parsekian and Molly Stroud. Both ladies have experienced girl-on-girl crime firsthand and want to prevent others from enduring the emotional pain of bullying.
Lauren grew up in Laguna Niguel, Orange County and realized the power of documentaries while studying film at Pepperdine. Throughout middle school and high school she experienced “mean girl” behavior that left her stressed, depressed, and contemplating suicide. She decided that she would merge her passion for film with her desire to promote awareness of the emotional, physical, and verbal abuse that frequently occurs within female relationships.
“I truly hope that the message of Kind Campaign speaks to you, and that you know how special you are…I have confidence that through Kind Campaign we will all come together to create a community and an awareness that will change this problem,” said Lauren.
Molly is from Dallas, Texas and moved to California to study acting, film and television production. Molly experienced being ostracized in high school and hopes to inspire people and transform the way they behave towards each other through kindness.
“Being ostracized, criticized or ridiculed should not be considered a rite of passage, and it doesn’t have to be this way,” explained Molly.
Lauren and Molly are excited by the opportunity to shed light on a serious issue that affects women of all ages. They hope to truly make an impact through the various and interactive aspects of the Kind Campaign and want to establish a national school program that will put an end to hate and truly “FIND KIND.”
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Mission
The Kind Campaign was established as an official non-profit organization in 2009. The mission is simple: a movement and documentary that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl “crime.” The movement unites young females across the nation by assuring them that they are not alone in their experiences. The Kind Campaign has travelled to over 215 schools and organizations and has reached over 30,000 women. It is essential that collegiettes™ learn to form healthy relationships and support each other. The Kind Campaign strives to create solidarity and cause change in how we treat friends, family, peers, and strangers: a little more kindness.
Inside Kind: How You Can Get Involved
Finding Kind
Want to learn more about the Kind Campaign’s documentary or host and participate in a screening? Find out how here!
Kind Magazine
This online publication currently has five volumes and is an outlet for real girls to share their real stories. It is not meant to exploit personal experience, but to share it in hopes of providing strength for others. Once they receive 1,000 stories, Lauren and Molly will pick specific stories to feature in their upcoming book. For more information on submission requirements and guidelines read here!
Kind Apology
This portion of the Kind Campaign gives you the opportunity to write a short note to someone you’ve treated not so kindly. You can submit an apology here.
Kind Pledge
Take the official pledge to unite in KINDness and end female bullying!
Truth Wall
Read and share stories with girls right on the Truth Wall! Names are optional, so feel free to be as open and honest about your experience. Post here!
Sources:
www.kindcampaign.com
Laura Parsekian, Pepperdine University, co-founder Kind Campaign
Molly Stroud, Pepperdine University, co-founder Kind Campaign