5K Run/Walk To Raise Money For Anti-Bullying Programs

As someone in the medical field, Angela Weins focuses on getting to the root of problems and treating the underlying cause.

And the way she sees it, this applies to everyday, real-world problems as well. Take, for example, the high-profile violence that has prompted nationwide debate over gun reforms. Could something be done early in someone's life to prevent issues later?

One answer could be more education, particularly as bullying has come under a brighter spotlight over the last few years.

"Bullying is a huge issue in schools, so maybe in turn, there would be less violence in the future" with effective education, Weins said.

To that end, she is organizing a 5k run/walk on Aug. 10 to raise money for anti-bullying programs in Oak Creek schools.

The event will start at the Miller Park pond and wind its way through the area. The cost is $20 for adults and teenagers and $10 for kids. Anyone interested in participating should e-mail Weins to register.

Weins, a 2007 graduate of Oak Creek High School, has a goal of raising $5,000 for the Oak Creek-Franklin School District. She and others are still looking into which programs to bring to schools.

Sam Burgmeier, a third-grade teacher at Meadowview Elementary School who is also helping with the event, said anti-bullying programs need to reach not just those who are getting bullied or doing the bullying, but also kids who are watching it take place.

"That's something that's kind of looked over," she said. "There's a lot more kids that are just witnesses to it and don't know what to do about it. It's important for them to realize how helpful they can be, that they're doing an amazing thing to be able to have the courage to stand up and say a person needs help."

Though the school district has anti-bullying measures in place, there's always a need for more, Burgmeier said. Policing harassment has only gotten tougher with the proliferation of online bullying, which teachers say can sometimes be worse than face-to-face.

More education is also needed in bringing awareness to what bullying actually is and what parents should do, Weins said.

"You can teach so much at schools, but if you're not reinforcing it at home, it's not going to stick," she said.