Stop the Bullying

American Girl has a tradition of creating girls of strong character. Their newest Girl of the Year, Chrissa learns to stand up to a group of girls who bully her at her new school. By using her character and creativity, she also shows her new classmates what it means to be a good friend.

What is Bullying?

From the Wikipedia Dictionary

Bullying is the act of intentionally causing harm to others, through verbal harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation. In colloquial speech, bullying often describes a form of harassment perpetrated by an abuser who possesses more physical and/or social power and dominance than the victim. The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a target. The harassment can be verbal, physical and/or emotional. Sometimes bullies will pick on people bigger or smaller than their size. Bullies hurt people verbally and physically. Bullying in school and the workplace is also referred to as peer abuse.

American Girl is inviting girls from all across the country to get involved and learn you can can help yourself, and others, stand up and STOP THE BULLYING!

Enter the American Girl Poster Contest TODAY !

Based on either personal experience, or what you’ve learned, use your creativity to design a poster that demonstrates what you can do to stop the bullying. Think about how you can encourage friends to stand together when it matters most – then pass it on in a poster.

Parents and teachers can also learn how to identify and help stop bullying.

Prizes will be awarded in two age groups (8 – 10) and (11 – 13).

2 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
> A trip to American Girl Place for special recognition at Stop the Bullying Day on May 1st.
> Chrissa’s ENTIRE collection, including 3 books
> An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong on DVD

30 FIRST PRIZE WINNERS
> A Chrissa doll plus 3 books
> An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong on DVD

The schools of all the winners will also receive a classroom curriculum kit, books, a full sized reproduction of the winners poster, and more.

HURRY

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POST MARKED BY FEBRUARY 28, 2009

Visit http://www.americangirl.com/girloftheyear full contest rules.

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Chrissa - 2009 Girl of the Year

American Girl introduces their newest Girl of the Year – Chrissa Maxwell.

Favorite Sports - Swimming and diving

Favorite Activities – Arts & Crafts, especially sewing

Pets – Mini Llamas (Cosmos, Checkers & Starburst)

What she wants - To make friends at her new school

What she learns – It takes courage to stand up to bullying

 It’s the middle of the school year and Chrissa Maxwell’s family has just moved to Edgewater Minnesota to live with her Grandmother. Although she has spent many summers here, swimming and playing at the beach, this time it is different.

Since it is the middle of the school year, everyone at Edgewater Elementary School has already made friends, and Chrissa is nervous. On her first day in class, the other girls are quite unfriendly. Although she tries to be nice, and then ignore the mean girls, they just don’t quit. Soon, the teasing turns into bullying not only at school, but also at swim practice.

In the end, Chrissa finds the courage to stand up to those bullying her, and finds friendship in some unlikely places.

For more information about the American Girl Dolls, visit our website.

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