Local Group Tackles Problem Of Bullying

By BOB LORING
Special to the Tampa Tribune
Published: July 9, 2008

It is with great pleasure and hope for the future that I report that our seventh TAD Congress was a huge success. And, as you may know, TAD stands for The American Dream.
In 2002, a group of Pasco citizens came together with the purpose of supporting our communities' children in need. We held our first congress at Pasco-Hernando Community College and invited child care practitioners, students and citizens to meet, share skills and network, hopefully on an annual basis.
Our first year's delegates were invited to sign a "Declaration of Congressional Intent." In part it reads:
"We the people of the first Congress of The American Dream Practitioners resolve to come together for an annual Congress with the goal of assisting the needy children of Pasco County ... The purpose of future Congresses shall include developing networking proficiencies, sharing skills and ideas, engaging in a data feedback system, and evaluating our processes and objectives."
It is with great pleasure that I can now report that our seventh TAD Congress delegates achieved the stated goal.
This year our congress addressed the growing problem of bullying. "Bullying: Beyond the School Yard," the theme this year, was planned and implemented by a group of community individuals representing the Pasco school system, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. and the Zephyrhills Police Department.
David H. Chamberlin and Sherri Dunham from the school system, Terri O'Brien and Christina E. Bates of Sunrise Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center and school resource Officer Daniel Hill were active throughout the planning phase.
And what a fine planning team they made. Anna Fulk and Sue Hilton of Projects of Pasco Inc., supported by Wachovia, cheerfully and ably provided all our delegates with their morning and lunchtime nourishment at Wesley Chapel High School.
Our keynote speakers included Heather Fiorentino, superintendent of Pasco schools, and state Rep. Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel. Our delegates were also addressed by all members of our planning team.
Delegates were instructed to network and share skills during our breaks and over the lunch period. It was observed that many delegates made numerous new contacts, friendships and connections during this vitally important period.
We appreciated the use of the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School. Also, Fulk wishes me to report that various other organizations, including the Eagles Lodge, Honey Baked Ham, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Hess and Sweet Bay contributed hugely to this year's success.
It was a true pleasure to have worked with such an extraordinary group of professionals.
It is the TAD Congress's intent to provide an interesting and relevant program for our delegates and opportunities for them to network and share skills. It is my opinion that our seventh congress met these two vital criteria.
I wish to personally thank all involved and the delegates who attended. It is truly an honor to be associated with such a fine group of caring community folks.
Together, we seek to make The American Dream an achievable reality for all Pasco County children.
The writer, who lives in the San Antonio area, is the founder of The American Dream initiative and lead organizer of East Pasco Toys for Tots.