“No one has to do everything…everyone has to do something.” These are only a few among many words of encouragement repeated by Green Dot representatives on a daily basis. Representatives of a fast growing awareness group known as Green Dot; a group determined to stop if not help reduce violence whether it be dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or everyday bullying.

Green Dot began about six years ago when it was tested at the University of Kentucky proving it to be successful on college campuses. Since then it has been implemented in high schools, among many, Bryan Station High School.

Students are chosen by teachers to participate in training sessions consisting of group activities, in depth discussions, and survey questions. These activities not only contribute to dealing with real-life scenarios but they also bring a sense of unity to the training sessions, which is essentially Green Dot's overall objective.

While a red dot symbolizes “an act of violence or a choice to allow that violence” a green dot symbolizes “any behavior, choice, word, or attitude that promotes safety.” And even though green dots outnumber those who cause harm, the problem in itself is the inability to speak up. Speaking up can be a person’s first reaction, but it may not come so easily to others. Certain obstacles or situations may make it difficult for any individual to interfere. Green Dot training will help students find ways around those obstacles. As said by Senior Darren Stevenson, “When students do their job in speaking up, it will cause situations to not occur.”

Not only does Green Dot’s mission consist of training students but also influencing a red dot’s decision. “Through Green Dot, things like violence and harassment won’t be the norm,” said Stevenson. Other Bryan Station students like Sophomore Danielle Commodore strongly believe that in the long run “people will think more before they do something.” It’s important to feel secure, especially in any learning environment where there are teenagers who can be easily influenced. “People will be able to be more comfortable around their peers and not scared to be made fun of,” mentioned Commodore.

Spreading Green Dot awareness would still not be enough. It’s crucial that along with educating others, we take the initiative ourselves.