Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Bullying is an epidemic that affects the daily lives of schoolchildren nationwide. One young girl is on a mission to break the cycle and raise awareness.

Twelve-year-old Bailey Dozier of Brentwood, TN will visit Hilldale United Methodist Church (UMC) at 1751 Madison St. Aug. 24 from 1-4 p.m. to present her musical talents and inspirational stories during the Bully Bustin’ Back to School Bash.

Bailey is a singer/songwriter, who draws her inspiration from past experiences with bullies. She is currently working on a record deal in LA and will begin working on a movie next year.

Jodi King, children’s minister at Hilldale UMC, is excited to have Bailey as a guest. “She stands up for who she is, and she is very creative and successful,” King said. “I think it will be good for the kids to listen to someone their own age who has experienced the same things they have, and sense her positive attitude toward helping others.”

Centerstone is supporting this effort by providing staff and part of their bully prevention program called “Who You Want To Be.” Chick-Fil-A will be providing goodies and giveaways, and Dowdy Wealth Services made a donation to support the event. Hilldale UMC will also give away prizes.

Several sessions will be held throughout the day to educate kids about bully prevention, standing up for themselves and others, and notifying adults when there is a problem.

The event is free, but participants are asked to bring an item to donate to the FUEL program, which provides healthy snacks for children in need in Montgomery County.

King hopes the event can shed light on a growing problem. “It’s been on my heart for a long time about the things the kids are going through,” she said. “It’s a bigger problem than most of us are aware of. I wanted to do something that would not only bring awareness to the situation but give kids practical solutions in these situations.”

For more information and to register, contact Jodi King at 931-647-2249 or jiddleb@aol.com.