By Sean James
Founder, Be In The Know About Bullying
Be In The Know About Bullying is an organization founded by Sean James. James has spent the past decade helping children nation-wide through his philanthropic organization, Sean James Student Athletes (SJSA). His new venture, Be In The Know About Bullying, has taken his passion for helping our country’s youth to a whole new level.
James created Be In The Know About Bullying while attaining his MBA degree alongside other NFL players at The George Washington University School of Business. The organization was developed to combat the epidemic of bullying among today's youth. Be In The Know is a unique and innovative program that tackles the issue of bullying through a hybrid of educational programming and ambassadorships for NFL players, UFC fighters, and Olympians. It is creating a new definition for children of what it means to lead, exhibit strength of character, and to “be better.”
The central message of Be in the Know About Bullying is that it is cool to stand up against bullying. The epidemic of bullying carries with it certain stereotypes. Bullies are big, strong, and popular while victims are small, weak, and often blend into the crowd. Be In The Know is positioning itself as a brand by turning those stereotypes on their head. By using NFL players as ambassadors to promote its message and curriculum, Be In The Know is tearing down the image of the “tough guy,” and showing children that discipline, strength, and popularity can be channeled toward positive goals. The mission of the organization is to put the power in the hands of the victims and advocates, and take it away from the bullies.
The philosophy of Be In The Know About Bullying is that students can make a meaningful impact on preventing bullying in their schools through leadership, education, and the use of meaningful mentors. The Be In The Know curriculum is a ten-month long program designed to educate students on how to treat themselves and each other, and develop into young members of their communities both in and outside of school. The program is built on the notion that prevention of bullying must include, but not be confined to discussions and activities centered on the practice of bullying. It is James’s belief that by fostering confidence and leadership in today’s youth, we provide them with a mentality and skill set that allows them to cultivate positivity and productivity that will in turn effect the practice of bullying in your school.
As a true advocate for children, James is working to get the Be In The Know About Bullying curriculum adopted by schools and community-based programs all over the country. The September 28th launch event in Las Vegas, Nevada was Be In The Know’s coming out party for the West Coast. Be In The Know teamed up with Hyde and SBE for its launch event at the Bellagio hotel. Current and former NFL ambassadors in attendance included Brendon Ayanbadejo who was given the first “Game Changer of the Year” award, thoughtfully named by James to capture the spirit of an individual who “changes the game by standing up in order to change the rules when that person sees that they do not benefit the entire team.” Other NFL players who attended were Bernard Berrian, Jonas Jennings, and Glenn Pakulak. Also showing up to show their support for this important cause were Kevin Hooks, CEO of the Urban League in Las Vegas, Olympians Katura Horton-Perinchief and Garrett Klugh, as well as reality TV stars Mercedes “MJ” Javid and Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi of the Shahs of Sunset.
Based out of New York, James has now expanded the reach of his anti-bullying message from coast to coast. He plans to expand the ambassador side of the organization by involving more and more NFL players (both active and retired) from across the country. Be In The Know now has over 65 NFL ambassadors. In addition to those at the Vegas launch event, NFL ambassadors to the organization include Michael Oher, Shawn Merriman, Anthony Adams, Isaiah Stanback, Samari Rolle, Duane Starks, Tim Shaw, Eric Frampton, Dereck Faulkner, Rocky McIntosh, Chester Pitts, Hannibal Navies, Marcus Stroud, EJ Henderson, Derrick Dockery, Kevin Boothe, and Will Witherspoon, among others. To find out more about the Be In The Know About Bullying organization, and how to become involved as an ambassador and supporter please go to www.knowaboutbullying.com.
Watch a video about Be In The Know About Bullying’s NFL Ambassadors.
Learn more about Be In The Know About Bullying.