The Community Brave Foundation

Check out our ‘Save The Date’ Video above for our...

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:57:20 -0400

Check out our ‘Save The Date’ Video above for our special event on Sunday 30 June 2013, co-working with the NSW Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby. Share it around on all your social networks and SAVE THE DATE!

Let's Start To Talk About Bullying

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 07:01:00 -0500

This story is probably the most important one I have ever told. Some people may have heard of the young girl from Victoria named Brodie Panlock. I write today to share Brodie’s story.

Brodie died by jumping off a building after being subjected to relentless workplace bullying. Brodie was only 19 years old.

When Brodie went to work at the Hawthorn café, all she wanted to do was earn a living. Brodie’s parents, Damian and Rae, would think that their daughter was off to work and in a safe environment, not thinking that each day their daughter was being punished and tormented in such an inhumane way, that one day, she would make the choice of suicide over life. Brodie suffered at the hands of three workplace bullies in the café at which she worked.

One of Brodie’s oppressors was even so close to her; he has been named as her on-again-off-again partner. To further add to the disgust, this person was Brodie’s direct supervisor in the workplace.

If you have ever been bullied or worked with a bully, I do not need to explain to you the level of stress that any human being feels simply by the ongoing attacks. Now imagine having three bullies doing this to you on a daily basis.

Some days Brodie was spat on. Other days she was constantly told she was ugly. On one occasion Brodie was told to take rat poison. On another, and in what could have only been a humiliating experience, Brodie had fish oil poured all over her and into her bag. The bystander – the café owner – simply turned a blind eye and told the bullies to “take it out back”.

I cannot even write this article without a lump swelling in my throat and tears welling in my eyes. As a former victim of bullying and someone who has attempted suicide, I can only imagine some of the feelings of fear that Brodie would have felt, if her experiences were anything like the ones that I experienced. I know too well that feeling of living in absolute terror. And sometimes, when in such a dark space the only light I saw was the light of death calling me to give up. To finally rest. To escape.

When all the torment got too much, one tragic day in 2006 Brodie threw herself off a building and sustained massive head injuries. Three days later, she died. She was 19.

At the time, Brodie’s bullies were charged. They were all found to be guilty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and were issued with a fine of over $300,000 each. The café owner was also found guilty for allowing the ongoing abuse and his company was fined for failing to provide a safe working environment.

For contributing to her death, these bullies walked away with just a fine. They continue their lives today. They get to see their kids grow up. Unfortunately for Brodie, this is not the case. Nor is it the case for Brodie’s parents, who have to live with the fact of knowing that their daughter is no longer with them.

What happened next was incredible. With the help of the Brodie’s parents, the Victorian Government and the general public saw a need for severe cases of bullying to be covered by legislation. The OH&S Act simply does not do enough to deal with bullying.

As such, The Honourable Robert Clarke, Attorney-General of Victoria, working with the Department of Justice (Victoria) worked towards a solution to try to ensure that incidents, like that of Brodie Panlock, would not reach such tragic outcomes. This would be achieved pro-actively through education and reactively through stronger punishments under new legislation.

We have laws that currently provide slight coverage when it comes to the dangers of bullying in Victoria. But these laws were written in 1958. The Crimes Act (1958) has an entire section devoted to harassment. The OH&S Act has an entire section dedicated to workplace safety. And yet, these failed in Brodie’s case.

The Panlock’s, Robert Clarke and his team set about changing this. And in 2011, they were successful. The Crimes Act (1958) has now been amended in the state of Victoria to also include ‘Bullying’. The Act also increases the punishment for severe cases of bullying from 3 years imprisonment to 10 years. This amendment is nicknamed ‘Brodie’s Law’. But most importantly, the amendment to the Crimes Act allowed education packages to be distributed to 8,000 schools, police stations and workplaces across Victoria. Education is the key here. A pro-active solution will involve continual education in schools and workplaces for a longer sustainable outcome. Sure things won’t change overnight, but Brodie’s Law is where it all begins.

Whilst this amendment is the first step of many more to come, we need to take Brodie’s Law to a national level. Or at least, a similar version nationally. We need to show the same level of support for every young Australian who is being bullied in the workplace or at school, or online for that matter, that bullying is destructive and not ok. But most importantly, we need to start an education program highlighting the dangers of bullying and ensuring that young people are taught tolerance, acceptance and respect for others regardless of who they are, how they identify, where they are from, what they do etc.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister Bill Shorten also agree (see transcript) that Brodie’s Law should become national. Why is it that only one state in Australia has these laws in place, when bullying occurs everywhere across our nation? A parliamentary inquiry into workplace bullying was raised and conducted in 2012. The Human Rights Commission recently stated that the cost to the economy of workplace bullying was estimated to be between $6 billion and $36 billion per annum. So not only does it impact our communities, bullying is placing pressure on both health services and the economy.

Clearly, this is a problem for which we are all responsible. Clearly, the way to resolve this issue over the long term is to harness the power of education to help steer young people in the right direction. Brodie’s Law was the first step. We now need to take it further.

Currently, the following laws loosely cover ‘bullying’ in NSW:

NSW Crimes Act 1900 Sect 574B – Prevention of Suicide
NSW Crimes Act 1900 Sect 60E – Assaults at School
NSW Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 Sect 7 – Meaning of Intimidation
NSW Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 Sect 13 – Stalking/Intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm
Criminal Code of Conduct Part 10.6 – Telecommunication Services Division 473.1; Division 473.4
Criminal Code of Conduct Part 10.6 – Telecommunications Services Divisions 474.14; 474.15; 474.16; 474.17; 474.29A; 474.29B
National Strategies to tackle School Bullying (Guidelines)
OHS Laws that cover bullying in the workplace can be found in THIS PDF under the WorkCover Act
Further Information relating to Cyber bullying and the law can be found on THIS LINK

I have started to float the idea online and offline about launching a similar concept to Brodie’s Law in NSW and across other states and territories in Australia, following the lead of Victoria. And believe it or not, I have even encountered opposition for this. So I’d like to take the time to also address these ‘myths’ to ensure we are all comfortable with these amendments.

Myth #1 – Censorship: One of the common things I hear so far about bullying, specifically online bullying, is that if you try to stop it, you are indirectly censoring people’s ‘Freedom of Speech’. I can see their point of view. After all, especially when it comes to online, if it were not for the internet’s freedom of speech, we wouldn’t have the Arab Spring or news coming out of war zones like Syria. However, this same methodology cannot be applied to a young person or an individual who is, unlike Gaddafi or Assad, oppressing an entire nation. Further to this, Brodie’s Law has been passed in Victoria for over a year now – and yet the model has demonstrated no censorship whatsoever in any circumstances (offline or online).

Myth #2 – Ineffective Law: Some folks have said that Brodie’s Law is ineffective, that ‘no person has yet been convicted under the amendment’. The first case of Brodie’s Law in Victoria occurred recently with AFL great David Schwarz. However, we do not measure the effectiveness of a law by the number of convictions, but rather by its preventative success of the crime occurring. To these people, I always ask “What can be ineffective about education that is rolled out across 8,000 schools, police stations and workplaces?”

Myth #3 – Responsibility Confusion: A few people have said that introducing anti-bullying laws in NSW will create confusion among the courts as to where the responsibility of bullying belongs? Should it be under The Crimes Act, or the Workcover Act? In the event of severe bullying, much like what occurred to Brodie, it’s very simple. This is a crime. When it is relentless, ongoing attacks on any person, then it automatically falls under the Crimes Act for harassment. The key here is to not think reactively about the punishment, but rather pro-actively about the education. Workplaces, schools and even online social media platforms can embrace the educative outcomes that come with laws like Brodie’s Law. Many community organisations would help distribute these key messages across multi-platform channels, and just like word-of-mouth marketing, this education will spread.

Myth #4 – Other states will object: I’ve had some people tell me that it may pass in NSW, but we’d have a tough time getting it through other states. I truly believe this is not the case. We recently filmed a series of politicians from across several parties who believe that bullying is an issue, but one that can be resolved. Regardless of political views, bullying in any shape or form has never been dismissed by any political leader. As parents, as friends, as family members even our political leaders understand the potential dangers that come with bullying regardless of which state they represent. I truly do believe that they will be on board. This is not about which side of the fence any one of us is on. This is about saving lives and providing education to help combat this growing issue in our society.

The Community Brave Foundation, working with Sydney Independent MP Alex Greenwich has now launched a campaign and petition to ask for the support of the Australian public to help start the conversation in NSW and introduce parliamentary discussion, following Victoria’s lead which included the additional amendments used to describe bullying (taken from Brodie’s Law):

Making threats to the victim
Using abusive or offensive words to or in the presence of the victim
Performing abusive or offensive acts in the presence of the victim
Directing abusive or offensive acts towards the victim

And again replicating the Victorian amendments to broaden the definition of stalking into bullying with:

“…that could reasonably be expected to cause physical or mental harm to the victim, including self-harm; or to arouse apprehension or fear in the victim for his or her own safety or that of another person with the intention of causing the above harm”

Some might say that current laws provide enough coverage, but in my opinion they do not, because these amendments now take into the act a very important aspect – mental harm, such as psychological harm which may lead victims to engage in suicidal thoughts.

As such, The Community Brave Foundation will commence with the rolling out of an online video and online petition soon. We currently have an offline petition that we are asking people to print, sign and send in to us to support what we are trying to achieve. We ask for people who share our mission to share it through their offline and online social networks, including workplaces.

The Community Brave Foundation campaign to introduce anti-bullying discussion in parliament will also mean that The Foundation will seek to work with the government to develop an education package that can be distributed electronically to all schools, police stations and workplaces in NSW, replicating the Victorian model and starting the ongoing education on bullying through a grass-roots approach.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich will help drive attention to the cause in the NSW Legislative Assembly and work with The Community Brave Foundation to deliver these discussions.

Getting involved will be easy. All that we ask people to do is watch our video, and sign and share our petition. The program will be run through social media to help it spread virally and gain a vast range of diverse people who want to contribute to making a difference for young people, along with an official petition (offline) which people can print, sign and submit.

As a gay man and founder of The Community Brave Foundation, I hear lots of news of LGBTIQ youth (and adults) who are continually suffering due to bullying. Join me, and together we can make it a better place for all youth, but especially those from the LGBTIQ community.

Gone too soon. RIP #BenRoper & #JadinBell

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 02:00:00 -0500

We received some bad news this afternoon at the time of writing this post. That not one, but two tragedies had unfolded this week. Two lives taken from our world, too soon.

It’s heartbreaking to think about not only what those last minutes of life would have felt like for both these young men, but also to think about the potential of the life that awaited them. The plan ahead, the one we all set for ourselves, before we are robbed of it by untimely death.

At the time of writing this, news was just breaking about the finding of Sydney flight attendant Ben Roper. Ben went missing on Australia Day and a massive social media campaign started immediately. Sydney and the LGBTIQ community united vigorously to help NSW police find Ben.

Whilst the case is still open, there have been unconfirmed reports that Ben was receiving homophobic hate messages on his phone from an unknown source. As these details are not confirmed, nor the case closed, I will leave it there with Ben, only saying that if his family is reading this right now – please know that the entire community united and Ben brought us together. We stopped our bickering, we stopped our divisions, and we focused on helping one of our own. My condolences are with you in this difficult time.

The Star Observer also reported this week that the life of young Jadin Bell was taken off life support. 15 year old Jadin Bell. A victim of the epidemic sweeping society, which is known as suicide from bullying. Jadin was attacked for his sexuality, even though his friends always knew him as “outgoing, colourful and cheerful”.

Another one of our family members, lost. Another child a parent has to lay to rest. Another day without another soul blessing this world with his presence.

What was evident in both these unrelated cases was the power of people uniting on social media. When the story broke about both these young people going missing or attempting suicide, social media whipped into a frenzy. People let down their barriers and let go of any outstanding issues they had with each other.

Unity. The family who looks after family members, always looks out for family members. And that’s the most amazing aspect of these tragedies.

As mentioned above, I’m not sure if Ben was a victim of hatred or bullying. We know Jadin was. We need to band together to stop this from happening. We need to support those most vulnerable in society to help them in their time of need. We have a powerful instrument at our grasp that can help us achieve this.

Social media is an amazing tool that allows us to connect with a mass audience to spread social good. I see so much hatred on social media (hourly!) that I always think to myself – if everyone spent 10 minutes a day delivering social good information through social media, we would have a weapon against the raging epidemic so powerful, it would render it eradicated over time.

We need to: think about, open conversations and look at legislative reforms to address this growing issue not only in the short term – but also building a long term sustainable solution. One that we can replicate the model regardless of geographic location and achieve the same result. The future is in our hands, and we have to build a world where young people can grow up and look back at this time and talk about the changes we made now, for their future. And their children’s future. We’re at the precipice point, where we can let this all go and hope it solves itself or take action now to build momentum and resolution.

The Community Brave Foundation sends so many hugs to both Ben and Jadin’s families this week. We know it’s not much in such dark times, but we want you to know that we are working hard to end tragedies like this. And we promise you we will do everything in our power to fix this.

Because everybody has the potential to change the world. That should never be taken away from them.

And both these young men helped unite us. Our battle against the bullying epidemic is only just beginning.

If you are feeling distressed, being bullied or need to talk to someone – we urge you to call LifeLine on 131 114.

Rami Mandow
Founder & Chairman – The Community Brave Foundation

REGISTER NOW - COMMUNITY BRAVE 2013 CALENDAR

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:43:26 -0500

So here it is! Our Calendar is ready to go and we couldn’t be more excited!

Here’s the registration link: http://eepurl.com/rLnSv

Order Registrations are being collected between 1 December 2012 – 10 December 2012.

Why you should register for a calendar?

It’s a great cause – you will be supporting Community Brave

It’s a great Christmas pressie you can give to your clients, your team members, your family and friends

It’s super cheap – cost price + postage and handling. If you want the electronic version, it’s free!

You can turn the electronic version into place cards or print them out to hang all over your walls

It helps spread the message of teamwork, anti-bullying, healthy minds, healthy bodies and healthy souls!

What are the costs?

Electronic Version – FREE! That’s right it’s free! We’ll send you a new month at the end of each previous month! This way, you get a new surprise all the way through 2013!

Printed Version – as we like to be absolutely transparent, we’re giving you the whole truth! We need to sell 1,000 calendars before any can be printed. The total cost of printing is $2,000. This means each calendar costs $2 for you! Add $1.50 for postage and the absolute total cost is $3.50 per calendar!

BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE!

Purchase a 10 pack and we’ll give it to you for $30 (normally $35). Purchase a 20 pack and we’ll give it to you for $60 (normally $75). Purchase a 50 pack and it’s yours for $160 (normally $175).

What can you do with 50 Calendars? Hand them out to your clients, or maybe to your entire department. Maybe you have an upcoming campaign for your organisation, and want to give something back to your supporters …. The world is your oyster!

What do you get?

Electronic Version – On a monthly basis you will receive an email which contains the next month’s calendar, some behind the scenes shots and where available free giveaways such as women’s personal training classes or a 1 week pass at City Gym, Sydney.

Printed Version - a shiny glossy calendar to hang up!

What format should you choose?

It’s all up to you. Grab some printed versions for your family and friends and keep an electronic version for you!

When will you receive your calendar?

Electronic Version – you’ll receive your first month (January) on the 27^th December. Thereafter you will receive your monthly calendars on the 27^th of each month (even if it’s a weekend).

Printed Version – we’re mailing them out to you from the 20^th December. This will give you enough time to hand them out to your family and friends and get them pinned up on your walls ready for 2013!

Are there any freebies?

YES! For the ladies, Vicious Vixen will be providing you with one free personal training session in 2013, and for everyone City Gym will be giving you a one week free pass to use their facilities. We’re working on more freebies for you for 2013 too!

How does this support Community Brave?

The calendar is a Community Brave project which aims to spread the knowledge that if we keep ourselves fit and healthy in body, mind and soul; we continue to work as teams and work towards eradicating bullying then in the long run, we’ll all be more equipped to tackle the huge bullying problem.

This calendar is not being used for fundraising purposes, as we don’t make any profits. Rather it’s awareness raising and helping get our name out there to a greater audience. Plus, we want you all to stay in touch with us throughout the year and what more practical way to do that, then having you see our calendar and use it on a daily basis!

Here’s the registration link once again!

http://eepurl.com/rLnSv

Spread the word and share this with your networks …. The more, the merrier!

Thanking you all in advance for all your support!

Rami + Community Brave Team
#combrv

This project has been sponsored by:

Be Fabulous! By Johny Blue Boy

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 06:07:38 -0400

Be Fabulous

By Johny Blue Boy

Do you ever question

why you’re born at all

wonder what your made for

and what may be your call

this question often rises up

in sombreness and sadness

but rest assured there is no doubt

you’re absolutely fabulous

Life can test the route we take

people block our way

but just remember there are some

who’ll help you everyday

Look around and find the ones

who want you to succeed

don’t give in to nasty folk

the ones you’ll never need

Weather you’re young or aged in years

life can still be marvellous

let nothing on earth hold you back

you’re absolutely fabulous

Ponder on the good times

with ones you hold so dear

share with them your worries

and let your mind be clear

Dream of all the things you love

make them huge and wondrous

life is yours so live those dreams

be absolutely fabulous

Magical years await your grace

live loud or live anonymous

put a smile upon your face

stay strong and just be fabulous

Many have failed to live their life

their pain was all to ravenous

but you my friend will make it through

You’re absolutely fabulous

©John O’Brien Conroy 2012

A Little Thought by Johny Blue Boy

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:57:14 -0400

A Little Thought

By Johny Blue Boy

Closing eyes but seeing clear
there’s something I can do
it’s very easy to engage
it’s a little thought of you

A little thought is simple
it can really make my day
this thought I’m having of you now
is banked and there to stay

Doesn’t take much work at all
and nor does it relent
an exuberant and happy thought
it’s time that’s so well spent

Weather you’re near or far away
this thought will bring you close
a fragrant picture for my mind
an intoxicating dose

Intertwining thoughts emerge
and pander to my heart
this little thought has multiplied
and so begins a start
a start of magic moments
from the little things you do
these thoughts of mine are precious gems
They collaborate for you

A tender little moment
I retrace your warming smile
I’m ever so happy to think of you
and think of you in style

Steal a moment from my thoughts
in absence of your grace
there’s always room in there for you
I smile to see your face

I’ve had a little thought today
and many more ensue
thanks for giving me food for thought
thanks for being you

©John O’Brien Conroy 2012

Paint by Johny Blue Boy

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:50:23 -0400

PAINT

By Johny Blue Boy

Starting with a blank canvas
you’re going to make a treat
hopes and dreams you’ll meet
your fantasy complete
this art that you’re about to make
will show in its entire
the bitter sweet fulfilment
you’ll get from your desire

Paint a picture of my life
make me rise and sway
recreate the scenes you like
before I went away

Add true colour with glitter in
to keep alive the fun
make me sparkle clean of sin
warm my face with sun

Clear the skies keep them blue
the happy days we had
disregard I upset you
and disappointed dad

Be sure to add the wedding

the wife the house and kid
even though I didn’t do that
let’s pretend I did

Imagine i’m the someone
who can make you smile again
let’s go back to where it started
was i eight nine or ten

Digging in the garden
playing on the swings
paint me doing all the normal
fun and wholesome things

Tickle me on the sofa

then throw me in the air
the last time you loved me
sketch and paint us there

Erase the paint from 10 years old
I looked to you as strange
rub out all the teenage years
my identity morphed and changed

let us not remember
all the hints I tried Speak
get that brush and water down
what I was made to hide and sneak

Tarnish the monster portrait
the one you painted last
throw away that nasty me
it’s painting in the past

Rinse your brush select a colour
continue this depiction
fix your smile paint some more
completely with your fiction

The painting looks so beautiful
it’s family all the way
but now you say the painting is void
because your child is gay

You miss the picture don’t you see
the one you ought to love
the very painting I was in
before the deathly shove
not that your hand killed me
though i’m missing in your painting
throw me out the front door
then turn to mother fainting

All alone and terrorised

I’m punished for being me

I’m outcast by my own blood

it’s a tragic folly to see

With a broken heart and lost soul

I wander the abyss

I’m scared and all I want is mum’s

secure arms and her kiss

Remember me as someone
who didn’t live here long
and i rest upon my angel wings
for being gay was apparently wrong

Sorry for your terrible loss
what a price to pay
it seems now you have your child
dead instead of gay

©John O’Brien Conroy 2011

I'm still here. A poem by Johny Blue Boy.

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 22:01:00 -0400

This beautiful and powerful post is written by Johny Blue Boy (John O’Brien Conroy)

Drip drip drip

falls my frightened tears

they are the only thing i have

to quench my thirsty fears

Shake rattle hide

whenever danger nears

an everyday endurance

inflicted by my peers

Morning light embraces me

invites me out of bed

but when it’s time to go to school

i just wish i was dead

Life is not worth living

i suffocate in fear

everyday i live in hell

i wonder why I’m here

School yard and another day

and later on the streets

not fast enough to run away

my heart just beats and beats

Breathing hard when petrified

the world just spins around

with knobbly knees and dizzy head

i crash down to the ground

open wide and flinching fast

my eyes try not to stare

i really cannot bare to see

how much they just don’t care

It’s hunting games they’re all guns

and i’m the fleeting deer

please insist they let me live

help me I’m still here

See when i am alone

i dream of several things

mostly of me flying high

with superhero wings

away from all the hurtful slaps

and kicks my bullies bring

packing up escaping

from this reoccurring sting

But flying high and having wings

does not mean i must die

it means i must stand up

and let world know why i cry

The bully only wins the war

if silent i remain

so vocal i shall start to be

in spite of fear and pain

Listen up you bully

it’s time you knew your place

life is an athletic field

and i am in this race

I can seek the help i need

stop your cruel rampage

it’s time to start my vocal chords

to challenge and engage

Instinct shouts and urges me

to rise above it all

you will not be the death of me

you will not make me fall

Come in close and let me whisper

something very clear

when you grow a conscience

you’ll be glad that i’m still here

©John O’Brien Conroy 2012

The Bullies Bullet

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:29:23 -0400

This beautiful and powerful post is written by Johny Blue Boy (John O’Brien Conroy).

With eagerness and focus
they single out the tame
they build their macho trophy
then each of them lay claim

The bullies bullets terrorise
whenever they overpower
there was a sweet innocent deer
they taunted every hour

They all line up to take a shot
some with deadly aim
their hunger for an open wound
is sure to strike and maim

When target’s hit and Bambi’s down
and bleeding on the floor
someone shouts let’s reload
and shoot the deer some more
but bored of flaunting power
they retreat another day
and all that this poor deer can do
is slowing limp away

He gets home to his bed
made of agony and hay
the spirit of the little deer
breaks and fades to grey
without choice he soldiers on
and wakes another day
not much left to fight for
his hope just drifts away

He licks his wounds around his head
just beneath his mullet
petrified he goes to eat
and dodge the bullies bullet

All the poor deer wants
is to play and eat the grass
but all those bullies stop him
and never let him pass

Forced to eat the dry hay
but before he had a bite
deer was shot, wounded again
and ran off in the night

He cried as he got home
lay on his bed again
he’s been shot by bullies bullets
since the age of ten

Afraid to leave his room
the pain of all those hits
he couldn’t face another day
he was broken into bits

His life to hard to live
time had come cull it
little deer let go of life
because of bullies bullet

You silly bully you fired a bullet
for self fulfilling thrill
and now you are responsible
look what you helped kill

The little deer is free from you
but lives are now destroyed
left behind are shattered parts
of hearts that now lay void.

©John O’Brien Conroy 2012

Cyber bullying – The Day the Bullies attacked!

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:46:29 -0400

Yesterday was a pretty full on day for us. It started with some wonderful work by one of our champions and ambassadors, Charlotte Dawson and quickly tuned into a day of seeing some of humanity’s ugliest side.

We were going to declare it the Day of the Trolls, but thought a little further about this and figured we would not give them that level of gratification.

It really disturbs me to look back over yesterday’s events and see how much hatred there is in the online world. It’s even more disturbing to think that this hatred is not even due to any personal implications, but rather because of the mob mentality that comes along with cyber bullying.

The true nature of the dark side of social media was revealed in extremist comments of hatred, of evil and of wanting to hurt someone – whom they have no personal affiliation with – someone who they know through a TV set, and online forum or a social network.

Along with Charlotte being attacked, even our organisation was attacked. Our mission is to stop this from happening online – surely even cyber bullies have no reason to attack an organisation who is trying to achieve social good? Boy, we were wrong.

Here are some horrific examples (vulgar words have been modified):

Frank Gardiner ‏@FrankGardiner :

@MsCharlotteD neck yourself you filthy slut, and how the f—k did you become a model, you actually look retarted

Testi McTest ‏@whySoSubhuman:

@MsCharlotteD Please do the world a favor go hang yourself.#diecharlotte

Sieg Heil ‏@SiegenHeil:

@MsCharlotteD Go kill yourself you f—king Whore. #diecharlotte

Edward Stevenson ‏@EdwardStevens10 :

@MsCharlotteD @spikedecadent Shut up bitch. no one loves you.

Niggah ‏@ghfdjc :

@MsCharlotteD You can’t ban us, you stupid whore! You’re just making it worse for yourself. Go and hang yourself, you utter waste of oxygen.

There was even a highly disturbing graphical image of a young boy who was dismembered with wishes that the same would happen to Charlotte.

At one point, and I’m not even sure how, but members of the Twitter page @9GAG, with almost one million followers, decided to launch an assault on Charlotte.

Here are some more disgusting examples:

David Wang ‏@DavidWa71075744 :

@MsCharlotteD charlotte kill yourself you racist motherf—ker. dug your mum up & skullf—k her corpse! @9gag

Spike the Decadent ‏@spikedecadent :

@MsCharlotteD I see ur jimmies be rustled c—t. Freedom of speech Bitch. Hang yourself with love from the U.S.

Rim Justles ‏@RimJustles :

@MsCharlotteD GO F—KING hANG YOURSELF WITH A JUMPROPE SLUT, YOU CAN’T BAN US. LE 9GAG ARMYhttp://9gag.com/

kervi ‏@kervi :

RT @DavidWa71075744: @MsCharlotteD I heard you can’t have children!! LOL sucks for you please die c—t! — XOOO BALAJ!! GRABE LANG.

Does anyone deserve to be treated this way? Imagine being a young person and receiving this level of attack from the online world. Even as adults, there were many of us that were finding it hard to cope with this yesterday. Disturbing.

So where do we go from here?

I wrote this blog to highlight how awful it was to experience a full scale attack yesterday and to emphasise that we still have a long way to go before we can eradicate online bullying.

I wrote this blog to show my utter respect, admiration and support for Charlotte Dawson – whom yesterday became the punching bag of the internet.

I wrote this blog to not only educate you, but inspire you to not be a bystander. Not even when bullying occurs online.

If your friends are participating in such actions, do not commend or add to it. Rather, tell them that it has no place in our society and that as their friends – you will lose respect for them if they continue.

If a stranger attacks you online – simply walk away. Attack is the strongest form of defence and people seem to be a lot larger in life online than in the real world. There words should mean nothing and you should never take them to heart – after all, you know exactly who you are and don’t need any strangers to tell you otherwise.

Social media is a tool that should be embraced for social good – bringing people together in the digital world to help benefit each other and society. Unfortunately, we do live among online trolls who have decided to use social media as a weapon.

Cyber bullying, specifically the threatening, harassment and sever abuse are criminal offences – and will not be tolerated in any way, shape or form. But it all comes down to you. The internet is a self-policing wonderful network that allows each of us to contribute to it. Just as the cyber bullies yesterday claimed ‘freedom of speech’ so should you – Free to speak to stop bullying whenever you see it happening.

Always remember – every person is someone’s child, mother, brother, sister, nephew, uncle, best friend. Would you want this to happen to your family?

Let’s stop this madness. Let’s focus on working together. Let’s end this epidemic.

BULLY MOVIE - ADVANCED SCREENING - 22 AUGUST 2012 - PALACE...

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:52:01 -0400

BULLY MOVIE - ADVANCED SCREENING - 22 AUGUST 2012 - PALACE VERONA

Last night The Community Brave Foundation held an advanced screening of the powerful documentary BULLY. The film is very confronting but also sparks up an inspiring fire within each of us, as it reminds us that we once walked in the shoes of these young people. And knowing what these experiences feel like, we are urged to take further action.

Thank you all for coming out last night. Please find above a short video featuring a few of you, and in your words - your experience of BULLY Movie. Photos from last nights event coming soon!

Video Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151187496585390

Photographer credits:

http://www.alicialansdown.com.au/

http://lukedavids.phanfare.com/

http://www.gaspar-inc.com/ (+ above video credit)

Your Words About BULLY Movie

Thank you so much Rami for arranging the screening of Bully tonight , it was the most powerful thing I have ever seen. - Keith Crowley

Thank you so much for arranging this, Rami. Such an important movie of our time. I hope it is seen and more importantly heard by many. ♥ - Greg Boladian

I pretty much started balling about 10min into. This is reality, this is powerful, this is to having hope! Thx Rami - Laurinda Soemijadi

Thank you to The Community Brave Foundation for inviting us along to see thisamazingly powerful documentary Bully -without doubt one of the MUST SEE films of 2012 for anyone who shares our desire to see the next generation of GLBTi youth grow up unencumbered by the bigotry and hatred of the past. Inspiring stuff indeed! Rami Mandow, you totally rock!!! - Carmen Rupe Memorial Trust

I just wanted to jump inside the screen and look after little Alex…I am moved and touched and absolutely inspired to join this cause and be part of this change xx - Lin Surch

thankyou to Rami & Community Brave for this powerful screening. not a dry eye in the house. a moving reminder of the power of one person & importance of hope. don’t ever be a bystander - you could change someone’s life - Amy Coopes

Really inspiring words from @MissCharlotteD tonight! Thank you for supporting @CommunityBrave :) – Brodie West

Just saw @bullymovie with @CommunityBrave and I am so emotional I can hardly breathe. Please go and support this film. It sits with you – Shelly Horton

Parents please take your children to see #BullyMovie. Make a difference to yours or your neighbours family @CommunityBrave - Adam Williams

Loved @MsCharlotteD ’s story at the @CommunityBrave bully screening – Anna Flynn

@CommunityBrave @ShellyHorton1 @MsCharlotteD @Adam_Williams_@McCraigyDimples together we are strong #saynotobullying love your work – Karim Gharbi

@CommunityBrave Is doing amazing work to eradicate bullying! Support them NOW! – Brenton Parry

Everyone needs to see @bullymovie tear jerking but incredibly touching and so worthwhile thank you @CommunityBrave – Josh Flinn

Thank you @CosmicRami and @CommunityBrave for your anti-bullying work. Everyone go see @bullymovie which opens at cinemas 2moro – Troy Roderick

@joshflinn @bullymovie @CommunityBrave agree- watched it in the plane from London. Incredibly moving! – Anna Byrne

Thank you @CosmicRami @ShellyHorton1 @MsCharlotteD @Adam_Williams_ for your dedication to @CommunityBrave! You have inspired us! – Angelo

@CommunityBrave Thank you for putting tonight on. For future screenings I would recommend printing tickets on tissues. – Luke

just, wow. I cried and cried and cried. please see this & thankyou @CommunityBrave for putting it on – Amy Coopes

@ShellyHorton1 @CommunityBrave @bullymovie @Adam_Williams_ @MsCharlotteD you were all amazing tonight xxx – Nathan Thomas

My heart broke & my tear ducts ruptured during @CommunityBrave ’s screening of @bullymovie .. I am SO PROUD to be part of @CommunityBrave – Craig Campbell

Thank you all once again - we really have only come so far because we have had all of your support. This is only the beginning. From here, we change things forever!

♥♥♥♥

Rami + The Community Brave Team
www.thecommunitybravefoundation.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheCommunityBraveFoundation

Diversity in Innovation – World Social Media Day Resources Ok,...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 05:29:55 -0400

Diversity in Innovation – World Social Media Day Resources

Ok, so it’s been a little while since World Social Media day, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t want to share all the good content and resources that come from the day! Here are a few images of our amazing speakers, and listed below are a few resources from their talks. Please share + enjoy!

Mark Pesce
Check out Mark’s site - http://thenextbillionseconds.com/

Ben Mulcahy
Running Australia’s first LGBTIQ Media Agency, check out Ben’s http://www.pinkmediagroup.com/ & recently launched http://pinkrewards.com.au/ programs!

Tim Noonan
Here’s Tim’s website http://www.timnoonan.com.au/ and more additional info from Tim from the day - http://bit.ly/NZAVii

Davy Knittle
Davy discussed, from a transgender perspective, the sensitivity of vocabulary and the two-way street of acceptance and tolerance through education. Check out his brilliant blog about Diversity in Innovation here: http://bit.ly/NtYQn2 and read more works from Davy here: http://genderinlaw.com/

Mikey Leung
Check out Mikey’s presentation from the day on this brilliant video http://bit.ly/NhzxWb … Mikey is also looking for people to join his initiative http://www.digitalstorytellers.us/

Amanda Keeling
Amanda is part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) – check out some of their great work here: http://www.sglba.com.au/

Tom Dawkins
Tom heads up StartSomeGood – and to get your projects funded by peers and tribes visit http://startsomegood.com/

Don’t forget to also check out our awesome hosts Vibewire’s site too! http://vibewire.org/

Stay in touch with all of our work through these platforms:

Connect with Community Brave:

Community Brave Website
Community Brave on Facebook
Community Brave on Twitter
Community Brave on Google+
Community Brave on Tumblr
Community Brave on Pinterest
Community Brave on YouTube

An Important Opinion Piece by Carl Katter

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:51:08 -0400

Over the past several weeks I have been keeping a close eye on the new conservative Liberal National Party (LNP) Government in Queensland, in regards to legislation and funding cuts that will, and have already, had an immense impact on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Queenslanders.

$2.6 million has been cut from the budget of QHAC (Queensland Association for Healthy Communities). The Civil Unions Legislation has been watered down so there are no longer official ceremonies and unions are “registered”. Next in the firing line is surrogacy with the existing rights of same-sex couples to be taken away.

It has been a sad state of affairs to watch, and I have had so many people contact me expressing their anguish and sadness.

Also of concern is that the actions by the Liberal National Party have been hastily made and with no consultation with the community whom these changes will affect.

My main concern is the damage that these unprecedented attacks have on LGBTI people of Queensland, specifically the young and those from rural and regional areas.

Whether founded or not, Queensland has not had the best reputation for acceptance and community harmony.

I speak on this issue having growing up in a religious and vitriolic part of regional Queensland where I was told I was wrong, unnatural and inferior.

I understand the damage caused by hate and the dangers of inequality under the law. Please note though, I do consider myself one of the lucky ones, a ‘Queensland survivor’. There are many that have not been so lucky.

I would like to tell some of the stories that I have encountered or heard from fellow Queenslanders.

One story that has concerned me greatly came from a young chap in his 20’s from Mt Isa. He found the confidence to tell his story after Mt Isa held its first LGBTI rights rally outside the office of federal MP Bob Katter Jnr.

Softly spoken, the young man told me how he was having a few beers one evening at a local pub with another friend. The two gentlemen kept to themselves and tried not to engage any of the locals as they were used to a certain level of abuse others would never have to encounter.

As the night wore on his friend headed off home for the evening and the individual in concern walked home alone. On his way home he was followed by a group of six intoxicated men, as they got closer to the dry river bed of the Mt Isa River the man was pushed down an embankment and in turn raped and assaulted by the group of men.

Such a harrowing and inherently evil act had left the man greatly damaged. As well as the physical and mental wounds, he also had to deal with the initial fear of being infected with an STI.

Tragically he did not report this assault to the Police due to his fear of further persecution. The courage this man found to tell me his story is something I will always admire and one of many stories that gives greater reason to fight for full equality in Queensland and beyond.

Then there is the experience of a friend of mine heading back to Charters Towers for university break. After telling his family he was gay his brother approached him with a gun and screamed at him: ‘get the f*#k out you dirty faggot’. As you can imagine my peer left Charters Towers that night and sadly for that family their gay brother and son rarely visits or has contact with any of them.

Similarly, there are the individuals that could not escape the hate or find a more accepting community. These stories are the most harrowing as these are the stories of an Australian National Shame - high suicides rate among our valuable youth. The awful level of youth suicide in regional Australia as well as the higher percentage of LGBTI young people who take their lives has been on the record for many years. Why is this so?

In part, these final desperate acts are a reflection of the communities these people live in, communities where leaders have no interest in the damage of their vitriolic, fear-inciting language.

It is the language and disrespect that is bred by discriminatory law, hidden agendas and hate.

It is not just the loss of valuable life that is a national disgrace, it’s the damage that is done to the families when a brother, sister, mother or father takes their own life. Simply put, the family is destroyed.

I know several of these families from regional Queensland, and the damage is lifelong. After the subsequent blame game, the parents separate, they leave their local church, and the family never seem to have the same relationships that they had prior to the suicide. It certainly makes one question the danger of the so called ‘family values’ pushed by the Australian Christian Lobby.

When will this senseless loss of life be addressed? When will our leaders take some responsibility? When will the greater society say no to discrimination, bigotry, hate and ignorance?

As far as I am concerned our elected representatives have blood on their hands when they take rights away from an already-vulnerable minority and ignore the damage their homo-negative policies cause. If we send rapist and murders to jail then why do we not send these elected representatives to jail when they incite rape, murder and suicide?

If the LNP continue in the recent direction they have taken in regards to LGBTI Queenslanders health and rights, we can expect to hear many more such horrific scenarios and experiences from our fellow citizens.

Simply put, Queensland cannot afford to again become a divided and mocked society like it was under the reign of Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

Carl Katter
Board Member
Australian Marriage Equality

oliverjamesfisher: “I’m sorry, but she had to die”

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:50:01 -0400

oliverjamesfisher:

“I’m sorry, but she had to die”

marianoinwonderland: Born This Way Ball Poster Made by me

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:49:20 -0400

marianoinwonderland:

Born This Way Ball Poster Made by me

The Battle Rages On...

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:47:21 -0400

When many of us look around, we see a world which is moderately accepting of who we are – as community members, as homosexuals or transsexuals and as human beings. When I say moderately this is because slowly, society seems to be working towards our favour – equality.

But we still have a long way to go and the battle rages on.

Homophobia and Transphobia may not exist for many of us, but we are the fortunate ones. We are the small percentage that more than likely live in a major metropolis, where this non-equal behaviour is condemned in our work places, in our schools and even in our homes by members of our own family.

However, we don’t live in a bubble or a closed system. We need to see the world outside our comfort zone, our own walls and only look beyond our backyard to see how homophobia and transphobia is still as destructive as ever.

Even within our own cities, one only needs to venture out to the city suburbs, which are predominantly family orientated and choose to follow leaders (political, religious) who’s opinions and views would have the world’s population split down the middle: Us vs. Them – to create a difference between acceptance and misunderstanding. As recent as this week a political member in Australia made a comment on national TV about how his heterosexual family was worth more than that of the Lesbian Minister’s – sitting 4 feet away. Yes – on National TV. Members of Religious Political Groups continually seek to justify the existence of marriage between a man and a woman only by denying the rights of Homosexuals to marry. And this all from us city folks.

Members of our community who live in rural cities and towns have it worse still.. There is no support network, no ombudsman so to speak, where someone can take a complaint of harassment or bullying to. Our teachers in rural towns lack the resources, training and confidence to address homophobic bullying in our schools and our employers in rural companies still do not have the facilities in place (sometimes by choice) to address these issues and protect homosexual / transsexual identifying citizens. One political member who represents a large rural area of Australia, who has strong views against homosexuals states that the lifestyle, the acts etc. are “Disgusting” … and his community keep on voting him in.

Looking beyond our borders we can only hope and ironically, pray for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people from countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Indonesia, Malaysia and Zimbabwe where in some places – just being LGBTIQ is punishable by death. DEATH.

This is why we need to band together to take action against Homophobia. This is why we have an International Day Against Homophobia. As a community, as citizens of the human race – none of us should ever rest until we have full equality for all of us, no matter where we are located, who are families are or what our beliefs should be.

But in our opinion – IDAHO is only a symbolic representation. A Day to highlight these issues on a global scale. In our opinion it should be EDAHO – Everyday Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

But that will only ever occur if everyone accepted each other regardless of sexual orientation.

To conclude, I’d like to leave you all with a Quote from Gandhi follow by a question to ask yourself.

Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world” …..

Now ask yourself: “What change have I caused to combat Homophobia and Transphobia?”

We all have a part to play. It’s now time to play your part.

Connect with Community Brave:

Community Brave Website
Community Brave on Facebook
Community Brave on Twitter
Community Brave on Google+
Community Brave on Tumblr
Community Brave on Pinterest
Community Brave on YouTube

This morning, Community Brave Chairman - Rami Mandow - was...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:15:49 -0400

#fastBREAK @ Vibewire

#fastBREAK @ Vibewire

#fastBREAK @ Vibewire

This morning, Community Brave Chairman - Rami Mandow - was invited to present at the monthly Vibewire Event Fastbreak. Held at the Powerhouse museum, this months theme was RAGE. Participants were invited to talk about something they see in the world around them that sends them into a rage and what they are doing about it. We’d like to thank the team @vibewire for events like #fastBREAK … so many great people working together to make the world a better place. Highly recommend you attend these brekky events! :)

Bullying: Who is Involved?

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:06:45 -0400

There are so many young people who experience bullying in their everyday lives that to some people in society, it has just become part of the norm.

Comments by parents, uncles & aunts & friends such as “It’s all part of the growing up process” & “The Bullying will only stop when you stand up for yourself” have been some of the advice many of us have received in the past, when we were bullied.

But sometimes the bullying impacts directly on us growing up happy. Or we do not have the strength to fight back – physically, emotionally or mentally.

We are here to take a different approach. The Community Brave Foundation is here to stop bullying and ensure it is not part of the growing up process, or that young people don’t have to stand up for themselves to claim the same basic human rights that they are entitled too.

Our weapon however is not violence or fear. We are approaching this with Education and Knowledge.

To firstly understand bullying, we should define it and then provide a short definition of all the parties and their roles in bullying circumstances.

Bullying is defined as: “A form of aggressive behaviour manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behaviour is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability. The “imbalance of power” may be social power and/or physical power. The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a “target”” by Wikipedia.

There are several parties involved in a bullying situation. These are:

The Victim – This is the person who is receiving the aggressive behaviour. Known as the ‘Target’ this is the less powerful party in any form of bullying (Online, School, LGBT, Workplace, Academics etc.). Targets appear more physically and emotionally weak to bullies, and lack skills of assertiveness. They also have diminished self-confidence.

The Bully – This is the person who is outputting the aggressive behaviour. It is the more powerful party in the bullying event and creates these situations for many reasons such as being a bully victim themselves, trying to fit in, fear of unknown, attempting to set position as Alpha in group to name a few. This is also not limited to one person and can be several people working as a pack. Bullies tend to use blame, criticism and allegations justify their means and thrive on feelings of dominance (see their victims as prey)

Bystanders – Bystanders are third parties who witness Bullying events as partial participants or people who watch it occur (can be in person, online, through communication such as email). Bystanders will hardly ever intervene in bullying events (unless they are involved) and will generally show more respect for the bullies over the targets, but will also feel guilty for not intervening due to lack of knowledge or fear of involvement.

Whilst many anti-bullying programs will focus on the Victim (and this is important) in order to stop bullying, a multi-party approach is needed. There is no point to help the victims and do nothing about the bullies. They are victims too. There is not point of helping the bullies without providing the resources to bystanders. They have an important role to play too.

We’ll be addressing each of these parties in more details in our future blogs. And rolling out information, resources and useful tips to help empower you the next time a Bullying event occurs.

We would love to hear your stories of Bullying and share them with our network. If you were a bully, what made you change? If you are a victim, what made you strong? If you are a bystander, what will you do?

Connect with Community Brave:

Community Brave Website
Community Brave on Facebook
Community Brave on Twitter
Community Brave on Google+
Community Brave on Tumblr
Community Brave on Pinterest
Community Brave on YouTube

Simply: Thank You!

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:50:17 -0400

What a fantastic day we had yesterday! We were out at beautiful Bondi Beach filming our next series of videos featuring some of Australia’s most amazing talent, all of whom contributed their time and support for The Community Brave Foundation.

This was our backdrop!

For me personally, it was an incredible experience. Not because I got to meet some wonderful folks. But because I got to experience firsthand – how much passion there is supporting The Community Brave Foundation from everyone who came along and got involved. From the words of encouragement, to the participation. From the experiences shared to the volunteering to help along the way in the future – it truly was something that I can personally say gives you Goosebumps.

There really is so much beauty in this world within everyone. All you have to do is look at the support we received from these brilliant people and it won’t be hard to spot it. In fact, it simply shines!

Our shoot turned out beautifully, and we will be releasing the videos very soon as an entire series. Have a listen to their stories, connect with them and share them with your communities. We have now opened registrations for you to become Community Brave Mentors. Simply join here (must be over 18).

From the entire team and myself, a special and small thank you below to everyone involved. I cannot tell you how grateful and humbled I am. Your support, experience and dedication to this dream is the fuel to my fire.

And this is only just the beginning.

Thank You:

Cameron Daddo (@camerondaddo) – Was so great that you phoned in all the way from LA last week for our Cause! Appreciate the time matey!

Sorry we missed you, but thank you so much for your kind words Yolanda Hodgson (@yolandahodgson), Natarsha Belling (@NatarshaBelling), Peter Morrissey (@PeterMorrissey_) & Jason Kerr (@jasonakerr) – even though you were not there in person (and we know you all tried your hardest to make it), you were with us in spirit and inspire us daily with your ongoing support!

And last, but definitely not least – I couldn’t have done any of this without you:

Dan (@DJDanMurphy) – Once again, proving your direction and vision are why I love working with you so much!

Sam (@digitalAU) – for the beautiful studio, your brilliant videography and helping really capture the moment!

Craig (@McCraigyDimples) – Your support, the coffees and keeping the day flowing perfectly!

Lauren (@cupcakesbylolli) – for the beautiful cupcakes – everybody loved them, and we ate so many! Such a talent!

I’ll leave you with a few sneak peek images of the upcoming videos. (Photos by Sam)

Like I said – our work is only just beginning. Get involved, Get On Board and help Get The Community Brave Foundation out to your community!

Warm Regards,

Rami Mandow
Chairman – The Community Brave Foundation

Help Community Brave Win $2,500 - VOTE NOW!

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:40:00 -0400

We’ve submitted our first round for prize funding and entered a competition where The Community Brave Foundation can win $2,500.

AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Simply, follow the below instructions and VOTE on our submission. That’s all you need to do. The idea with the most votes wins the prize. Would love for you all to help out by (a) Voting for our Idea & (b) Sharing this with EVERYONE you know. Encourage them to vote and to get on board too!

Instructions

Visit my project page at: http://jumo-organizations.maker.good.is/projects/CommunityBrave

Click “Vote for this Idea” to vote for me!

Log in with your GOOD account. If you don’t have a GOOD account, it’s free to join. All you need is an email address or a Facebook account to register.

If you use an email address, you will be emailed a link that you need to click in order to verify your address.

Once you’ve voted, you’ll get a notification at the top of the screen verifying that your vote has been counted.

Remember, you can only vote once during the entire voting period, so please let your friends know and spread the word!

Share the above link on your Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Pinterest, E-Newsletters, with your family and friends, your team mates, your co workers … every vote counts!

Use the Hashtag #GoodJumo too! :)

Fingers crossed for the #combrv team!

Thanks in Advance!