scribing the situation where bullying occurred. The boxes are located out of plain sight so the person submitting the form can remain anonymous. This encourages kids to speak up in writing if they’re afraid to do so verbally. One of these locations is in Hillside Youth Center/ Teen Zone. The directors, along with Christian, have noticed the difference the boxes are making. Christian says, “The information kids submit is able to help supervisors know what to look for, address the situation and deal with it accordingly.” Christian takes time to speak at local Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as several elementary schools, about bullying and what students can do to stop it. Along with Bully Boxes, Christian created a Bully Proof Survival Kit that’s handed out to all of the students where he speaks. These survival kits contain candy with witty sayings such as, “Be a ‘Lifesaver.’ Report bullying!” They also contain a card for students to write down any bullying they endured or witnessed, as well as an informational card with resources to help end bullying. One of those resources are Christian’s own website he created — ChristianAshford.com — to expand his outreach. The website also provides personal information along with his mission and how you can help the cause. As for the future, Christian has big plans for his Bully Proof initiative — he aims to have Bully Boxes distributed nationwide to Boys &
Girls Clubs and schools. He spoke about all the hard work that goes into it, from putting together all of the boxes to contacting schools and Boys & Girls Clubs to “sell” his Bully Box. He says, “While it’s hard work, it’s worth every bit even if it only helps one person.” Christian also has big plans for himself. He’s starting the last semester of his senior year of high school. He’ll be receiving his acceptance to West Point in February and plans to join the military and Aviation Branch. He’s excited to become the first pilot in his family, and says it was growing up in a military family and finding such a strong community here at JBLM and other bases where they’ve lived that led him to want to join the military. He plans for his Bully Proof initiative’s future as well as his own to grow together through volunteer work and continuing to reach out to Boys & Girls Clubs and schools. Christian also has a new project on the horizon. Spending the last four years in the Pacific Northwest, he has increasingly noticed the issue of homelessness. Seeing the impact his anti-bullying initiative has, he wants to expand his reach to the homeless community as well. He’s planning on organizing a statewide fundraiser for homeless youth and their families. He plans to make care packages with all of the essentials, such as soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as blankets. Christian represents the best of JBLM’s youth fighting to make a change in our community. JBLMmwr.com
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