S.T.A.R. by
KAR
S.T.A.R. stands for:
★ Speak up for yourself and others ★ Think about your words and actions ★ Accept others ★ Reach out
My Story
From elementary school to my freshman year of college I was bullied. As I got older the bullying got worse. I experienced every form of bullying, not only from my peers but also the parents of my bullies. Not only did the bullying happen in person, it also happened online. There was no escape from it. I asked for help from teachers and my principal but there was no avail to what I was experiencing. I stood up for myself but it didn’t stop, it even continued after I graduated from high school. This lead me to move out of state for school and limit what people knew about me from what I was posting online. After moving away from my hometown the bullying stopped. I shouldn’t have had to move away from my hometown to be able to feel safe. All of my experiences led me to start S.T.A.R. by Kar. To be the person I needed when I was younger.
Why buddy benches?
Growing up there were times were I was left out and had no way to reach out to others. Making friends can be difficult especially if you feel isolated and alone. Buddy benches work as a place for a student to sit if they are feeling left out, in need of a friend, or just a place to take a break. It acts as a signal for other students to recognize that someone is in need of a friend, and allows and easier approach to making a new friend.
Buddy benches encourage friendships in schools. All of us just want to feel included and like we belong and buddy benches can help!
I work with school administration, students to educate them of the purpose, and teachers to help encourage students to use them. When we set them on a path to be a friend to those who need one we are creating a space for kindness and understanding.
Buddy benches are special seating areas placed in schools and parks to foster kindness, inclusion, and friendship. They provide a safe, visible space where anyone feeling lonely or in need of companionship can sit, signaling to others their desire to connect. These benches encourage children to practice empathy, build new friendships, and create a more inclusive environment. The work of providing buddy benches is made possible by Star by Kar, a dedicated initiative that relies entirely on donations. Every bench placed is a testament to the generosity of communities coming together to support mental well-being and inclusivity for all.
