be a STAR
For more information, please visit www.beaSTARalliance.org.
Launched in April 2011, "be a STAR" (Show Tolerance And Respect) is WWE’s multi-platform, anti-bullying initiative co-founded with The Creative Coalition. "be a STAR" includes more than 50 alliance members including the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), GLAAD, STOMP Out Bullying, The Ad Council and the United Federation of Teachers all partnering to take action against bullying .
The mission of "be a STAR" is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. "be a STAR" promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourages people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.
As part of its mission, the alliance unveiled a free anti-bullying curriculum created by NEA HIN and True Educator Inc. The teacher’s resource aide aligns with national education standards to complement existing mandated curriculums and consists of nine lesson plans that teachers can access for free. The curriculum has been downloaded by more than 3,000 educators across the country and is being used from Bridgeport, CT to Philadelphia to Miami and Phoenix, just to name a few.
Furthermore, the alliance debuted "be a STAR" chapter toolkits to help schools and communities start their own "be a STAR" chapters. The free kit includes a guide on how to start the chapter, suggested activities, resources, a poster and other useful tools to combat bullying.
In an ongoing effort to spread the word about tolerance and respect, WWE Superstars and Divas visit schools each month and have already spoken to students in places such as The Bronx, Los Angeles, Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cleveland and Philadelphia. In 2012, be a STAR will unveil a print PSA campaign that features notable celebrities such as Angus T. Jones, Eric Stonestreet, Alan Cumming and Maria Menounos.