Local non-profit uses multicultural dances for bullying prevention

SAN DIEGO — A new non-profit is hitting the scene with a “dance-a-thon” to support youth mental health and anti-bullying.

The multicultural event, which was hosted by non-profit Motivated To Act, took place at Torrey Pines Church in La Jolla Saturday morning. October marks National Bullying Prevention Month.

With every move, 11-year-old Alex Yang and the Tiger Cub Dance Club danced to support anti-bullying.

“We have to stop bullying,” he said. “I mean it’s not really that good, to me it sounds messed up, I don’t think the bullies realize how they are treating people.”

For Yang, the cause is personal, having experienced bullying himself.

‘Fallen Star’ art installation at UCSD reopens for free tours

“It made me feel left out,” he recalled to FOX 5 about the experience. “I didn’t fit in with everyone. (It) made me feel bad, and I don’t want others to be treated like that.”

Motivated To Act — the new anti-bullying organization — hosted the multicultural dance-a-thon to bring attention to youth mental health. Stephen Tako, the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit said that showcasing cultural differences can help kids learn not to bully others.

“It’s a great understanding — a multicultural way of helping children learn that we are all here and yes, we are different and that’s good that’s a good thing,” Tako said.

As well as events like the dance-a-thon, Motivated to Act promotes a storytelling-based, anti-bullying curriculum to help promote healthy mindsets in kindergarten to third grade students.

“Our programs help children with their self-esteem,” Tako said. “A child that has a higher self-esteem is far less likely to be bullied because of the tools they have to build themselves up or to turn away from the bully.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.