You Matter! Spread the Message and Support Our 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Act Like You Matter

Hi! We’re Theatre of Peace: Youth Anti-Bullying Acting Troupe (part of San Diego-based nonprofit Act Like You Matter.) We are on a mission, and we need your help. We want to raise funds to create a video version of our program for K-3rd Baffle Away Bullying! so that children across the country can benefit from our empowering, student-led program.



Who We Are and What We Do:
We’re a troupe of 38 youth actors ranging in age from 12-19 who want to make a difference in the lives of other kids. We run Anti-Bullying Empowerment Assemblies and Workshops for K-12 at schools in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and everywhere in between. Our programs are:

~ Age appropriate
~ Solution driven
~ Run by student for students
~ Packed with tools students can use immediately to overcome/combat bullying and build resilience

What makes us truly unique is that all of our programs are run entirely by us, under the guidance of Amy Jones Anichini, Founder and President of Act Like You Matter and Executive Director of Theatre of Peace. We believe that kids are more likely to learn from anti-bullying programs that are delivered by kids and teens, as opposed to adults. Our mission: to help kids and teens believe in themselves, stand up for themselves and others, and change the way our generation treats each other.

Why We Created This Fundraiser:
During the 2018-19 school year, our programs were so in demand that we actually reached capacity! In other words, we weren’t able to work with any more schools because we were too busy. Now, being in demand is really nice, but not being able to work with additional students who could have benefitted from our programs is a problem. So, we needed to come up with a solution…

Here’s where you come in! We need your help so we can afford to create a video version of Baffle Away Bullying! Interactive Assembly for K-3rd so that children, families, teachers, and school staff outside of Southern Cal can benefit from this empowering program.

About the Program You’re Supporting: Baffle Away Bullying! Interactive Assembly for K-3rd:
Has anyone ever been mean to you? Laughed at you? Excluded you? Well, you’re not alone, and there’s a lot you can do about it! Meet Scarlett, Brandon, and Caroline. These clever 3rd graders discovered something empowering: if you turn your encounters with kids who bully into a game, they’ll decide for themselves to leave you alone. Now, Scarlett, Brandon, and Caroline want to teach you how to play the game of Baffle Away Bullying! – 3 simple steps to follow anytime someone mistreats you (or anyone else!) They’ll teach you how to (1) Stomach breathe to remain calm and manage emotions; (2) Focus on what makes you happy instead of the negative things happening around you; and (3) Interact in ways that deflect attempts at bullying.

6 age-appropriate bullying scenarios (including name calling, exclusion, and mimicking), humor, and lots of audience participation are woven throughout this dramedy, delivering a serious topic in a fun and engaging way. Audiences will jump up, shout, and shake it out while learning life skills. Watch for hilarious “freeze” poses as the characters consider their options for baffling while they’re being bullied. But, will the strategies they share be compelling enough to get Robert, one of the toughest kids in class, to realize he can change his behavior? There’s only one way to find out!

Designed to reinforce Character Ed and SEL curriculum already in place at schools or to stand alone, introducing themes of empathy, kindness, resilience, and breathing techniques to help manage emotions. Includes (1) Teacher Guidance Document and (2) “My Game Plan for Playing Baffle Away Bullying!” handout to help students master the steps, make the tools their own, and spark important classroom discussions.

Click this link to see show photos and learn more about the characters.

Check Out the Video Above to Hear from 1st Grader Naomi, Her Mom Judy, and Us About Baffle Away Bullying!

Please help us achieve our goal of helping more kids like Naomi (watch the video!) by purchasing a shirt and spreading the message that “You Matter” to everyone you encounter.





Post pictures of yourself rocking your shirt, and tag us! Be sure to follow us, too:
Facebook: @theatreopeace and @actlikeyoumatter
Instagram: @theatreofpeace
LinkedIn: @act-like-you-matter
Twitter: @actlikeumatter

Thank You!
We can’t thank you enough for your support in helping us bring our programs to families and schools across the country and around the globe. Together, we can empower more children and teens to find their voice, stand up for themselves and others, and help bring bullying to an end. You matter!

All the best,
Amy Jones Anichini
Founder & President, Act Like You Matter, Inc.
Executive Director & Author, Theatre of Peace
AND
Theatre of Peace: Youth Anti-Bullying Acting Troupe (all 38 of us!):
Alex
Ariana
Bella
Brendan
Brice
Cameron
Carly
Chase
Dani
Dewikus
Eli
Elle
Ezri
Fiona
Francesca
Gianna
Izaiah
Jess
Jordan
Josh H.
Josh P.
Julia
Lexie
Luke
Makena G.
Makena S. (T-shirt artwork designer and graphic designer)
Miles
Nikki
Payton
Rivers
Rosie
Shelby
Sofie B.
Sonia
Sophie C.
Talia
Tony
Veenwar

Special thanks to Theatre of Peace actor Makena Summers who was our t-shirt artwork designer and graphic designer.

Act Like You Matter is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID: 47-4349423

Act Like You Matter’s Mission: To empower young people to find their voice, be part of the solution, and change the way their generation treats each other, so that schools and communities are places of acceptance and tolerance, where empathy and kindness are second nature, and each child can rise to their full potential, without fear of being bullied.