Growing Bolder May/June 2013

Page 14

Growing Bolder Kids

Hail to the Chief At 10, Kid President’s Message of Love Has Inspired Millions. by Jackie Carlin

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an kids change the world? We believe they can if they start Growing Bolder, like “Kid President.” He’s the inspirational 10-yearold who’s taking the Internet by storm. Robby Novak is on a mission to make the world less boring and more awesome, and he’s connecting with people everywhere, including President Barack Obama, a regular co-star in the Kid President videos. And it all started with a dream. Brad Montague, Robby’s brother-in-law, knew that the youngster

You can see all of Kid President’s videos and read updates as well as buy merchandise at kidpresident.com, a site that Robby declares “is paid for by my mom.”

was special. So, according to Brad, the pair made a video for friends and family “to show that kids have voices worth listening to,” and that when they have the encouragement of engaged grownups, amazing things can happen. What may be most amazing is the incredible and infectious spirit Robby has — with a belly laugh and deep dimples, he’s in love with life. But he’s overcome some incredible obstacles. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone syndrome, he’s had more than 70 breaks and spent much of his life hospitalized or in casts or wheelchairs. But you’d never know it from the way he dances — or the way he reminds us that “love changes everything, so fill the world with it.” His pep talk video has more than 19 million views, a number that seems to astound both Robby and Brad, who make the videos with a simple camera and set — no fancy equipment or special crews. “It’s just us having fun and hoping we create something that makes people happier than they were before they clicked play,” says Brad. “Our hope is that each episode is received with the same love that started this whole adventure.” Kid President says it best: “Love changes everything. So fill the world with it.” ■

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Tune in to Growing Bolder TV on WUCF-TV. For times, visit growingboldertv.com. Also, listen to Growing Bolder Radio on WMFE 90.7 Sundays at 7 a.m. Here are some other ways to stay in touch: Comments and Suggestions: feedback@growingbolder.com Insider Newsletter: growingbolder.com/gbinsider Social Media: facebook.com/growingbolder Growing Bolder Magazine: growingboldermagazine.com or free at any Central Florida Walgreens 14

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