Stand UP & Speak OUT (SUSO) is an arts-based initiative that creates original musical films with the goal of building a more harmonious world one song and story at a time. SUSO recently released “STAND UP,” an anti-bullying film designed to help make schools socially, emotionally, and physically safe places for all students. The film and its accompanying SEL tools and classroom activities are appropriate for students in grades 5-9 and are now available to Connecticut schools at no cost.

On April 27, 2021, CAS hosted a 1-hour webinar with SUSO’s founder, Jill Nesi, who wrote and produced the film, and SUSO’s educational director, Robin Fox, who created the accompanying activity guides.

Joining the webinar to talk about the positive impact of “STAND UP” were:

• Dr. Aimee Giangrave, Social Studies Teacher, Moran Middle School, Wallingford
• Steven Hernández, Esq., Executive Director, Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity
• Todd Snyder – Principal, Dag Hammarskjöld Middle School, Wallingford

Click below to watch the recording of “From Bullying to Belonging: Building Empathy and Connection Through the Arts.”