Hello all,

 First I want to thank all of you who have supported my music adventures over the last year or so, particularly those of you who have performed or recorded with me, who have come out to a performance, or who have been gracious enough to book me in your establishment.  Now I am asking for you to take that support up a notch.

 I am writing asking that you support a cause that has become very important to me over the past few years, and that is programs aimed at helping to reduce the incidence of bully and teasing that goes on in our schools, both public and private and at all levels—elementary, middle, and high schools.  As a recent report in the D&C underscores, incidents of bullying are particularly rising among middle school age students.  A recent national survey reports that 60% of all middle and high school students report being the victim of either verbal or physical bullying by their peers.

 At the local level I have been involved in addressing this issue during my four year tenure on the Rochester Board of Education. During that time and since leaving the BOE in January 2006, I have become familiar with the work of several local organizations that are leading efforts here in Monroe County and the Rochester Metro Area to combat this growing problem.  In particular the Gay Alliance of the Genesse Valley (GAGV), the Community Taskforce on Bullying Prevention (CTBP), and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) have been working in our schools with students, teachers, and administrators to reduce the incidents of bullying and to make our school safer for our children.

 These groups often do their work with inadequate budgets and resources. This is where we all can help.  I have decided to help through music, by dedicating the release of my second CD of original music “No Apology” to the GAGV, GLSEN, and CTBP and the work they do.

 On Sunday, June 11 from 3:00 to 5:30 at Lorraine’s Food Factory (777 Culver Rd) I will be having a CD Release Party for “No Apology” that also will be a fundraiser for these three organizations. The cost of the fundraiser is $25 for a single attendee and $40 for couples with the proceeds from that event going directing to the GAGV, GLSEN, and CTBP.  All those who donate will also receive a complimentary copy of “No Apology.”  In addition, those who wish to contribute but cannot attend also will receive a copy of the CD.

 Please take some time and review the two attachments.  The first is an invitation/registration form for the event.  The second is an information “fact sheet” about the growing bullying problem. 

 I would also encourage you to forward this e-mail and attachments with your endorsement to others whom you know that you believe would be interested in supporting this cause.  The more people we reach the more we can help these organization carry on their good work.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to call or contact me.

 I thank you for your time and I thank you in advance for your support.

 
Warmest Regards,

 Jim