Santa Maria Sun / Art

Stop bullying with WonHeart

As part of the upcoming 16th annual Peace Week, WonHeart—a local nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening community by creating harmony, and connection—will present, “From Bully to Peacemaker.” This free public event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 in Shepard Hall at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., in Santa Maria.

The program will feature video of local residents of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced bullying in their lives and how it has affected them. Following this candid exposé, experts in “compassionate communication” will share methods on how to use non-violent communication to prevent and avoid bullying wherever it might take place.

WonHeart is partnering with Restorative Justice and Altrusa of the Central Coast to bring Santa Maria this much-needed forum for parents. Childcare will be provided at no cost and will start at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Joelyn at 714-1025 or visit wonheartinfo.org.

Peace Week runs from Sept. 16 to 20 and is sponsored by the People for Nonviolence Committee of Marian Medical Center. It is designed to bring peace, harmony, and unity to the Santa Maria Valley through various events and activities.