Trick or Treat!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Eat candy, carve a freelance grin into a gourd, high five kids on the street, and dress up like whatever you want!

Because life can be tough. We can forget to laugh at ourselves and let loose. We can convince ourselves that we're too old to dress up. We can decide that we don't have enough time for all this.

Or, we can believe in Disneyland.

Trick or treat!

xoxo -Nina Sawyer

Tiro A Segno Gives $2,400 To Children's Miracle Network

Thank you to my dear friends at the Tiro A Segno for honoring me at their annual Black Tie Gala tonight with a $2,400 check for Children's Miracle Network!

Held at the Ritz Carlton, I was welcomed warmly by friends and members who congratulated me on my work this year. The Tiro A Segno is among the oldest Italian-American clubs in New York. It is known for having a shooting range in the basement where I have sliced through a few bulls eyes in the past, but more importantly for their philanthropic commitment to their community. The Tiro has been a regular supporter of the USO Liberty Bells which is where I became familiar with their organization. As an Italian-American myself, I loved seeing a culture that continues to celebrate the contributions of its ancestors to our country.

It is a priviledge to have the support of the members at the Tiro A Segno. This donation is a testament to their continued devotion to supporting fellow members of their heritage, one in which I am honored to be part. Thank you to the Tiro and all its members for tonight's honor!!

Physicians and Friends Children's Miracle Network Gala

Each year, Arnot Ogden Medical Center holds a unique fundraising dinner that features live entertainment by the hospital's staff. I had the honor of attending and performing in this years Physicians and Friends Gala.

Escorted by dear friend and brilliant director of the Miss Thousand Islands Program Shelby Cohen, I dined with guests from the Elmira community as we watched doctors dance the tango and staff perform everything from violin solos to an Abba tribute set (wigs, sequined body suits, boas..the whole shabang.) What an opportunity to meet your local medical professionals, right? People who are already so skilled at their work got a chance to show off their hidden talents, and can you imagine going in for surgery and recognizing your doctor from his piano solo?

Meanwhile, silent auctions helped raised funds for the hospital's coming year. Everyone showed incredible support.

Congratulations to all of tonight's performers, I loved every minute! Thank you to all my new friends, and a shout out to Doug and the kids at Glove House!! It's really wonderful to see that the family feeling I experienced at the the hospital this morning is in fact present throughout the Elmira community.

Arnot Ogden Medical Center

This afternoon I visited with patients at Arnot Odgen Medical Center. The Elmira area hospital is a proud member of the Children's Miracle Network and I had a true upstate experience as the snow began to fall upon my arrival.

Lead by staff members Linda, Alene and Bernadette, we toured the hospital and learned about how CMN has been part of their development and growth. Arnot Ogden has a very close-knit staff and the benefits of that became clear as I talked with unit nurses and staff. An energy of comfort and family was everywhere, particularly on the Neonatal Care Unit where I met the sweetest little thing I've ever held!

I also stopped by the pediatric floor to say hello. One young woman invited me to sit for a while to watch Halloween movies and talk about costumes. Meanwhile, her father played tennis on a portable Wii unit across the room. Arnot has a fleet of portable entertainment units ranging from video games to movie libraries for patients and their families. A custom pillow case on the bed was yet another example of how Arnot goes out of their way to bring at-home comforts to patients during their stay.

Patients come from as far as three hours away to receive care at this hospital, which is a testament to the quality of not only their medical expertise but their environment and comforts. Through my entire tour I noticed a constant sense of calm in the halls and on the floors. Thank you to Alene, Linda and Bernadette for showing me around! I am so impressed with the personable nature of each person I met during my visit. I will see you tonight at the gala (stay tuned!)

You can help me support this hospital. Help me raise money for Children's Miracle Network to benefit their New York State hospitals, just like this one. Learn how here!

My heart is in Ohio...

Just read the article and now my thoughts are with a young man and his family in Chillithon, Ohio. He was recently beaten by a peer who had issues with his sexuality and reports say he is suffering a possible concussion and has damage to his teeth. The entire attack was posted on Facebook.

When will people realize there is no glamour in hate crimes? Who are the people who watch these videos and post comments of support for the attacker? They must be out there, or else there would be no reason to put up footage of ones crime. The attacker received three days suspension. Before you panic, as I did, over the seemingly obvious lack of punishment, know that the family is planning to file charges. I will be surprised if he gets anything less than criminal assault. He turned himself in with this video.

Thank goodness the family knew enough to take this issue to a higher place than just the school. The sad part is that with each incident like this, parents become increasingly weary of school safety. When you are required to give up for child for half the day for the sake of their education you should not have to worry that they are being put into harms way. This is the very reason why some parents choose to home school. Thus my work continues to help schools and parents connect over their concern for the physical and emotional well being of their students.

My heart is in Ohio.

Speaking with Students at Greece Odyssey

Thank you to the students at Greece Odyssey middle school for sitting down with me today to discuss "drama" and leadership.

During today's discussion, when I asked if anyone had bullied someone else, one student shot his hand into the air. Interesting, as most students are less than eager to admit this. He told how something he said about another student wound up hurting her feelings, which he found out later on. He had no idea that the things he said were going to affect her that way. I asked if he did anything about it. He said yes, that he apologized as soon as he found out and that he wouldn't have said that if he had known how it would hurt. Anyone else impressed? In admitting he hurt someone, this boy proved he cared more about the other student than his own pride . Sometimes we get embarrassed to admit we hurt someone, even when it was unintentional. The important thing to remember is that while you sit upset with yourself, someone else is sitting in pain. Stepping up and apologizing on your own can show the other student that the apology is genuine. I think most people would agree that an apology that is forced by a teacher or parent just doesn't hit home the same way.

Owning up for yourself is the first step towards maturity. The sooner you start, the sooner you can start down a path towards becoming a person of which you can be proud. And who knows, maybe another student will see you making a mature choice and do the same a few days later. Your choice could end up being bigger than just you.

Pittsford Super Sale

This morning I returned to the Pittsford PTSA Super Sale to shop alongside fellow volunteers, marking the grand opening of this year's sale.

Over 500 volunteers were met by cheers and applause as we flooded the gym to begin shopping. The first day of the sale is always reserved for those who participated in organizing and setting up the event, but the public will be welcomed in starting tomorrow and will be able to shop until the sale ends on Saturday.

Like I've said before, I have been involved in Super Sale since childhood. The sale itself is coming up on 50 years. This event starts with the generosity of community members who donate goods, continues with the volunteer support of hundreds and an entire community of shoppers, and ends with all remaining goods being delivered to local charities. In fact, before the sale opened the organization had already donated several truck loads of excess goods. Every dollar raised goes towards programs and enrichment for the students in Pittsford School District. This event is for the people and by the people. Most important of all, the sense of community pride that this event generates is intoxicating.

I ran into so many former teachers and friends, including my engineering teacher, Mr. Banister. Mr. Banister taught me when I was a wee little eighth grader who, having finished all the engineering curriculum available to me in my middle school, insisted that the district bus me to the high school each afternoon so I could take more engineering classes. He helped me get my first college credits that year. He knows me as the puny little girl who designed a perfectly calculated tire rim for a Volkswagen Beetle featuring spokes shaped like ice cream cones...don't laugh, it met all the specifications! I was the only girl in my class so I had to act accordingly. Mr. Banister is still teaching, but now has three little ones at home and will be teaching at the university level for the summers. As we talked about my work this year he noted that the way I speak about working with students made me sound like a teacher. Interesting, I had noticed that also. How cool to be the "Mr. Banister" for someone someday. Great to see you, Mr. B!

Congratulations to the Super Sale team! Wish you all the best this week! For all my friends in the Rochester area, don't miss this event. There's even an entire section of just Abercrombie & Fitch and Vera Bradley. Happy hunting, and thank you in advance for supporting the Pittsford schools!!

Teaching My Princess About Community Service

The Miss New York Organization has a program called the Star Princesses. Here is the concept: as a titleholder or in any position or success as a woman, there is somewhere a little set of eyes watching your every move. From the color of your toenails to the way you greet people, they take everything in. So turn around, give them your hand and welcome them to take the journey with you. Maddie started out this journey with me the day I started towards the Miss New York title. She helped me pick my dresses, walked me across stage, and will be cheering me on in Vegas come January. I watched Maddie grow up and am glad to have a chance to show her how "beauty" can be about much, much more than physical image.

Today I took Maddie to volunteer with me at the Pittsford PTSA Super Sale. We transformed my high school gymnasium into a shopping center for their annual fundraiser, where community member donate gently used goods that are sold to raise money for programs and enrichment for the district schools. Maddie is no stranger to doing good and felt right at home helping out. Ever the social butterfly, she had no trouble befriending the little girl who was helping her sort purses. I joined a class of middle school students and got to folding hundreds of $1 shirts.

I have been helping at Super Sale since I was Maddie's age. It was a great way to tag behind my mom and hide from having to socialize with other kids before theater rehearsal (I was intimidated by the athletes who chilled in the cafeteria after school.) Don't know if I ever would have expected to be back over a decade later as the women I am today. But, you can never guess where your story might take you.

From shirts and purses to dishes and scarves...job well done, my little Maddie. You make your queen proud!!

Congratuliatons, Mrs. New York

Congratulations to the new Mrs. New York 2012, Leah Bartos!! I was invited to perform as part of this year's Mrs. New York competition. While there I had the chance to watch some of New York's most civic and family minded women represent themselves and their areas in hopes of continuing on to the Mrs. America title. Held right in my hometown!

These women are mothers and wives. They are maintaining their health and relationships alongside careers and community involvement. You cannot be anything but impressed with what they do. Wonderful to see these women celebrating themselves through this competition. With pop culture seemingly pushing women to become party-minded, these women are role models. Congratulations to the contestants, you each spoke so beautifully about your families and lives that you are undeniably returning home winners of their own worlds. The world needs women like you.

Keynote Speaker at Beauty Queens Forever Foundation Launch Gala

Several weeks ago, a foundation reached out and asked me to be keynote speaker for their black tie launch event in New Jersey. Tonight I joined members and supporters - from as far away as Ecuador - to deliver the keynote address at the Beauty Queens Forever Foundation Launch Gala.

Beauty Queens Forever is an international foundation that provides support and community development programs as well as global economic resources for Latin-American communities and businesses. The name was selected based on the organizations esteem for the commitment of Beauty Queens world-wide to social and community service. They hope to provide a place for former title holders to continue involvement in supporting communities on an international level.

I joined several esteemed presenters and had the honor of signing the foundations book to mark my support and participation in tonight's launch event.

In the first letter I ever received from Beauty Queens Forever, they state that their vision was of, "a world where each person has a sense of worth; accepts responsibility for self, family, community; has the capacity to be productive; and healthy communities."

During my studies on bullying I have become a fan of a certain behavioral development model known as the Circle of Courage. Based on tribal techniques of child rearing that utilize minimal punishment, the theory highlights four fundamental aspects of developing a healthy child. While I could gladly author a dissertation on this subject, I will summarize them as follows:

- Generosity, as in the ability to help others and therefore create a sense of self worthiness through the ability to influence lives. The BQF Foundation hits this with their idea of "sense of self worth."

- Independence, as in the ability to generate inner discipline by being provided individuals with guidelines but the freedom to make personal choices within them that develop a sense of freedom. The BQF Foundation hits this with the idea of "accepts responsibility for self, family and community."

- Mastery, as in the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society through skill or ability. The BQF Foundation hits this with the idea of "capacity to be productive."

- Belonging, as in the ability to feel part of a larger group through community energy and identity. The BQF Foundation hits this with the idea of "healthy community."

So, the way I see it, the goal of this foundation is to develop a model that, according to this theory, seems to provide all the elements for a self-sustaining and happy community. While they are still in the early stages as an organization, I see the potential for them to make a true impact. I discussed this in my keynote.

A special thank you to designer Jose Victoria who dressed me for the evening. Are you seeing the detail on this gorgeous gown? I love it, and he was far too fun to work with!

P.S. Funny story. I got ready in my room on the 15th floor and when we were all ready to go down, the elevator was not working. So guess who walked down 15 flights in an evening gown and heels? Oh yeah. I'm a machine.

Red Carpet at Hard Rock for "Unite In The Fight"

NYC continued to show support for We're Kickin' It and I hit up the Hard Rock Times Square to walk the red carpet for the "Unite In The Fight" benefit.

Again the crowd has twinkling with stars including actor Jake Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, Go Diego Go), former pro wrestler Rocky Johnson, wrestler Mick Foley, actress Raquel Castro (Jersey Girl, Brooklyn's Finest) and my good friend Senator Jeff Klein.

During the party guests got a sneak preview of the award winning film Snowmen, starring Christopher Lloyd and Ray Liotta. The film, a story based on the life of director Robert Kirbyson's childhood in Canada, deals with issues of bullying and acceptance. Actors from the film introduced clips between live acoustic musical sets. Somehow a classic family film always warms the heart, even in a simple 30 second snippet. Snowmen will be opening tomorrow for a limited engagement and has already won awards across the country.

Check out Red Carpet interviews with VIVE Katerina. Jump to 6:31 to see my smiling mug!

Thanks to all the supporters who came out tonight and to Hard Rock Times Square for hosting this great event . New Yorker's are loving all these opportunities to support the anti-bullying movement!

Recess In Manhattan

Just spent the evening at The Ainsworth where I joined guests for Recess In Manahattan, an event to benefit We're Kickin' It. A portion of all proceeds during tonight's event will be donated by the Ainsworth to the Kickin' It anti-bullying program.

The room was packed and star studded. Notable supporters included news journalist Tara Rosenblum (News 12, 2011, 2011 double Emmy Award winner), Danielle Staub (Real Housewives of New Jersey), and international designer Calvin Klein.

That lollipop? It's designer. Seriously! Just wait, you will see a trendy new lollipop brand popping up soon and I will get to say I was among the first to try them out.

Tonight is a preliminary event for the Red Carpet evening at Hard Rock Times Square also benefiting We're Kickin It. This organization provides programs that reduce aggressive youth behavior by eliminating labels and teaching positive self esteem and confidence through self-expression opportunities.

Great to join this star-studded party to celebrate awareness of the anti-bullying movement and support an organization that's making real change for so many kids!

News Coverage: Bullying...We're Kickin' It

Photo credit: DJ Hacker

Lauren Gabrielson Trunk Show

There's nothing like a splash of fashion in a busy week. I was back in Manhattan today to visit designer Lauren Gabrielson.

Lauren's work is clean, fresh and sleek, but what sets her apart is that she specializes in custom clothing. Almost every piece in her store can be done in one of her over 89 color options and custom cut to fit like a glove. There's something old-school glamorous about custom clothing, don't you think?

As the retail industry cuts corners to keep costs down, Lauren quite obviously refuses to compromise quality. Her store also features Kandice Pelletier Swimwear by the former Rockette and Miss New York 2005. Kandice was there and joined Lauren and her team in sending me through a journey of silks and fine wools that felt more like a dream sequence than a wardrobe fitting. Lauren has agreed to help dress me for Miss America and I couldn't be more proud to support her work!

New York Women in Administration Conference

Thank you to the New York State Association for Women in Administration committee for allowing me to have a booth at today's Finger Lake's area conference.

Today's theme was technology. I spoke briefly at the start of today's presentation to share information about my efforts to end cyberbullying including my online petition, partnership with Senator Jeff Klein's NY Cyberbully Census, partnership with Wired Safety and it's founder Parry Aftab, and my work as a spokesperson for the Teenangels program. I touched on how watching my sister lose a college degree because of bullying from a teacher lead me to want to partner with those educators who do value the importance of their role in a student's life. I aim to bring resources that will enhance the work they are doing to help students manage social skills both in the classroom and online.

Many educators fear technology because of the risks it can bring to the classroom, yet know that digital tools can play a key role in enhancing the educational experience for students. Today's conference covered all the latest tools and brought participants up to speed on how to manage technology within their school and classroom. It's exciting to see so many educators equipping themselves with the knowledge to best utilize these resources.

Thank you again to the organization and to all the teachers who spoke to me about working together. I look forward to bringing my work to your area!

University of Rochester Transitions Program

I just finished a meeting with students at the University of Rochester Transitions Program. We were talking about how young adults can help children and teens handle the struggles of bullying, discussing our experiences as the first generation to grow up with the internet.

What we certainly agreed on today was that popular media seems to be promoting negative behavior. I won't say names, but I think we all know which shows are glamorizing drama and peer negativity. We acknowledged the fact that it is not entirely the networks' fault, as it is the viewers who give these shows the ratings that keep them on TV. In addition to asking networks to make more responsible programming choices, we decided that we can help by not tuning in to shows that highlight negative behavior.

I had a little extra help in this meeting. My brother Peter is a student at the Transitions program and welcomed me into his classroom, adding plenty of great insight into the conversation. I can't believe he's on a college campus, he's getting so big so fast!

Monroe County START Program

Thank you to the students at the Monroe 1 BOCES START Program who sat down with me today to discuss bullying and "drama" in schools. In an open round-table discussion we talked about problems and came up with solutions and ideas on how individuals can came a difference.

I was particularly impressed by several students who owned up to having participated in drama before, and discussed how they want to turn things around and bring better energy to their school. It takes a lot of courage to admit when you have hurt someone, and the fact that these students were able to asses their behavior so effectively speaks to their abilities to understand and master this issue. I look forward to hearing good things from them in the future!

One student stopped me during our discussion and said that she wishes all celebrities would help young people learn how to improve. I smiled, excited to hear her discovering the value of giving back. I told her that whether you are a famous celebrity or the top in your math class, everyone has some level of power to give something to others. Help a friend with their homework, invite a new student to spend time with your friends...it doesn't take fame or fortune to do what I do. Everyone can be Miss New York. Everyone can build a life story worthy of a crown.

Celebrity Judge for The Funniest Person in Rochester

Tonight I was invited to be a celebrity judge for The Comedy Club's "Funniest Person in Rochester" finals competition! From 98 contestants they have narrowed down to the top 8 who tonight will give us their best 8 minutes in hopes of becoming the champ.

I joined fellow judges Jamie Lissow (Comedy Central Presents, The Wease Show) and Law Tarrello (Broadway's Putnum County Spelling Bee). We felt very official in our little booth in the back, each nervously admitting that we were not sure what to expect tonight. After an evening of laughs and incredible talent the winner was revealed...

Congratuations Jarwan Nelson, the Funniest Person in Rochester!!! Your material was witty, fresh and your stage presence was undeniable! You did Rochester proud.

I have to give it up to the other contestants, also. The judges were sweating it in the back because everyone was so good. Best of luck to each of you as you have something incredible to share with audiences throughout Western New York and hopefully beyond.

Some of you may know that right before becoming Miss New York I was studying improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. I'm sort of a nerd for it all and if I could make my career doing this I would (and might...) Tonight made me miss it. Two things I carry with me every day from my classes at UCB: 1) Your job is to make your scene partner look good and 2) don't think. It's amazing what these two performance techniques can do to your life.

But I digress.

Thank you to host Chet Wild and The Comedy Club, as well as to the packed audience that brought so many laughs!!

Rochester Flash Dance Mob for Bullying Awareness

Young and old, big and small, from near and far we gathered to dance for bullying awareness. A group of Rochester and area residents came together for a flash dance mob to Blue October's song "Jump Rope" off the new album All About Bullies, Big and Small as part of PACER Center's Bullying Prevention Month.

Lead by dancers from Roc City Diamonds and organized by Water Street Music Hall and Roc Stars Against Bullying, the video of today's performance will be put online and submitted as a community project to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in honor of Bullying Prevention Month, which is October.

Blue October's lead singer Justin Furstenfeld came to give his support. As we spoke with reporters I learned that he wrote this song for his daughter and how excited has was to see it being used in today's event. He was quite the compassionate rock and roller. So, how excited am I about an entire album of songs devoted to guiding kids through the struggles of bullying using the emotional power of music? Come on, this is pretty brilliant. What a stunning addition to our cultural anti-bullying toolbox and what a responsible use of talent by the over 30 artists who contributed to this album. Music presents an opportunity to handle emotions in an abstract way, and even before kids realize what they are doing they will be learning language and techniques that will help them socially as they grow.

I can't wait to see the video of the final dance. I can't wait to get my copy of All About Bullies, Big and Small. Grab a copy for, dare I say, the perfect holiday gift for a little loved one?

Thanks to all the friends who danced today and the entire crew that came out to dance!!

Art of Fashion Runway Show for H20 Couture

Today I got to hit the runway for Rochester Fashion Week donning styles from local Rochester designer H2O Couture and Jewelry by Cornell's Jewelers. The show was held at the Memorial Art Gallery and is the second to last event for this week long celebration of local designers.

Designers for tonight's event included Nereida Vazquez, Blyyn Nelson, Panache Vintage, H20 Couture, Eye Openers of Brighton, Lucky Nahum, Chic Feet, B.Unique, Lulu Lemon High Yen Yogawear, 2Lovely, Virginia Testa-Jeffery, Suzanne's Distinctive Fashion, and Marleen Van Aardt.

Salon Brio in the Pittsford Village - where I have spent many an afternoon roaming with my friends and eating Pontillo's pizza (the best in New York, and that's coming from now city girl) - did hair and makeup for today's models. A sneaky camera team from channel 13 caught me in the act of beautification.

After pinching and painting and teasing and spraying, the show began and before I knew it I was done. Amazing how much work goes into those 30 seconds that we are out there. The sold-out crowd was dressed to the nines and loved every minute. I love seeing people dress up to attend events in the arts. Broadway has seen an increase in jeans-and-tees audience members and it makes me sad. Why not insist on a little glamour in our lives? Not only does it show respect for the artists, but yo...it's fun. Best of all was that all my girlfriends modeled in the show. It was like I went back in time. I felt 15 again.

I'm so proud to see Rochester not only highlighting local talent but also celebrate art and expression as an important aspect of culture and community. Everyone needs expression, whether by producing it or experiencing it. With so many schools cutting arts programs and theaters closing around the country, I'm glad to see that art is a priority in Rochester.

Thank you to all of tonight's designers, models and patrons for making this show such a success! A special thanks to H20 Couture, Cornell's Jewelers, Salon Brio and the hair/makeup team!!

Picking Brains with Ed Knaak

Head of Security for Greece Central School District. Former police officer. Father. Board member for Monroe 1 Boces. Lover of cookies. These are the credentials that led me to sit down with Ed Knaak to discuss the struggles schools face in dealing with bullies.

Ed and I talked for hours about everything from federal education regulations to his own experiences with students.

There is one thing that was clear throughout our talk: since students are forced to be in school 8 hours a day during years when they are trying to discover and understand themselves and the world, schools need (and according to all I have spoken with, want) to help students learn and practice life skills.

We both agreed that we get nowhere by playing a blame game as to who is supposed to handle or fix these issues. Students, educators, community members and parents all have a place in helping manage the issue of bullying. If any one party is not present for the other, we risk losing the momentum that some people are putting into the fight. Everyone must stand up.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks

In the center of Downtown Rochester is an ornate building that has stood since the start of the city and is now the home of our county offices, I met with County Executive Maggie Brooks to discuss anti-bullying efforts in the Rochester area. Also attending todays meeting was County Youth Bureau Executive Director Bob Zinck. We talked about my work and local efforts and programs already underway, many of which focus on peer-to-peer support (the best kind!) We will be working together over the coming year, which means even more time in my hometown! Thank you to both Maggie and Bob for taking time to speak with me this afternoon and for your continued efforts to improve the social climate and safety of the Greater Rochester Area.

A Rochester Radio Morning

This morning I was upstate in Rochester, and went in for some radio time with The Wease Show 95.1 The Fox, 106.7 KISS FM, and Randy Gorbman on WHAM 1180.

Anyone who knows Wease knows he can be a bit bombastic. Before going in my friend grabbed me and asked "Do you know this guy? Are you ready?" After walking half naked in a bikini and stilletoes on stairs without looking down, there's nothing that scares me. To our delight, Wease not only played nice but took a strong liking to my platform. When he showed off his Little Mermaid tattoo which he got for his little girl, I realized that as a parent this issue hit close to his heart. We had a great time talking and answering calls for almost a half hour. Also in the room was comedian Chet Wylde, musician Elvio Fernandez, Pauly Guglielmo, and a girl I spent countless theatrical hours with in grade school: Miss Emily Jenson aka EJ the DJ!

Best of all, the man who has refused to watch the Miss America competition his entire life now plans to tune in this January. I'll wink to ya, Wease!

After hanging with that morning crew I jumped over to the 106.7 KISS FM studio to talk with Pauly and then over to WHAM 1180 with Randy Gorbman.

Thank you to Wease and crew, Pauly and Randy for welcoming me into the studio and letting me spread the word about bullying.

P.S. I got a call from Cat while at Wease who invited me to a Dance Flash Mob on Sunday for bullying awareness. 3pm at Frontier Field, you know you want to join us!

Coming Up: Bullying Awarness Event in NYC

Come out with me next Tuesday the 18th to support Bullying Awareness at the Recess in Manhattan to benefit the We're Kickin' It Campaign against Bullying.

All proceeds from this cocktail mixer, held at The Ainsworth, will go towards helping We're Kickin' It continue to support teens and children dealing with bullying. A great cause, and a great event!

See you there!

Senator Klein and I Proudly Present: New York Cyberbully Census!

This morning I was invited to join a press conference with Senator Klein to announce the launch of the New York Cyberbully Census program.

The online survey is the first of its kind andallows students to log on and report experiences with online peer attacks.The final information - gathered at the end of this year - will provide modern statistics that will aid lawmakers in properly understanding the needs of our state's online community.

It's innovative, informative, and empowers students to have a voice and be heard.

Also attending the press conference was Assemblyman Will Scarborough (sponsoring Klein's bill through the New York Assembly), Senator David Carlucci, Florence Simmons (Founder and CEO of Teens Against Crime, Inc.), Jamie Isaacs (Jamie Issacs Foundation for Anti Bullying), Parry Aftab (Internet safety specialist, lawyer and founder ofSTOPCyberbullying.org), the Ursuline Teen Angels (TeenAngels.org) and a number of other supporters.

I must say that one young woman stood out today. After her personal 6 year battle with bullying, Jamie Isaacs started a foundation to help other kids handle peer agression. This 15 year old approached me when I arrived and introduced herself, promptly handing me a wrist band and handout before telling me that - among her many accomplishments - she has saved over 8 kids from suicide. Why is this girl not Miss New York? Her commitment to this cause is evident in her work and she exemplifies everything that the Miss America Orgaization aims to teach and support in young women. She and I talked and I look forward to working with her this year.

First time I met Parry Aftab was from the audience at the New York City Cyberbullying Summit this summer. She is the first internet lawyer and a leading name in the fight against online bullying. I am excited to announce that Parry and I will be partnering up, and I will be bringing her top-of-the-line cyberbully curriculum to schools and organizations across New York State over the coming year. Keep your eyes here for more updates coming soon!

Thank you to Senator Klein for inviting me to join him in these exciting efforts, and thank you to all the supporters who came out today!

Remember, you can still add your voice and continue to support the discussion on cyberbullying in Albany by signing the petition. It is what got Senator Klein's attention, so let's keep it growing and get the attention of all New York lawmakers.