In 2009, a man named Lee Wilson came face-to-face with the harshness of bullying when his own son faced a situation with a bully that turned physical. With this happening, Mr. Wilson stepped up, this experience pulling him to create a community program that needed to make kids and teens aware of the bullying within their own communities, including ways to help prevent it. Thus, the Teen Nation Tour was born!
The Teen Nation Tour is a peer-to-peer community service program that prides itself on educating and entertaining youth about bullying in a way students can relate and that is through the power of music.
Aiming toward schools, this tour features young music artists from across the country who are known for their top music hits appearing on radio shows, YouTube, television and more. Not only do these amazing young people take the time to share their experiences and knowledge of bullying, they also perform concerts at different venues.
They recently ended their 2014 Tour in December. Now, the Teen Nation Tour will be ready to hit the pavement starting this January 2015 coming to a city near you with their 2015 Teen Nation “”Timeout” To End Bullying” Campaign. Their plans are all set to visit over 20,000 kids in schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, children’s hospital and other youth organizations. An amazing part of this tour is where Teen Nation will choose a nominated student in each city they visit to award the Teen Excellence award.
The tour plans begin on January 12th making stops in Dallas, Texas; San Antonio, Texas and Austin, Texas then picking back up in the fall heading up the west coast to Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona and so many more wonderful places!
Many performers will be joining the Tour this year, including the face of the Teen Nation Tour and headliner, JRyan. Others joining in on this fantastic campaign are Dylan Rey, Simply Rayne, Aingea Venuto, Celeste Kellogg, Jared Salas, RebelMann, Faith Marie, Jeremiah Jay, Savannah Garza, Rudi Alizah, Colton Jacobson, Kaylin Roberson and Delaney Ann!
It’s truly amazing what Teen Nation Tour has accomplished so far in the last few years for many communities. They began with only with a few cities back in 2012, but Teen Nation Tour has grown in 2014 to reach more than half a million people — more than 330 schools and venues in over 40 cities in 22 states! And this year, they’re ready to reach even further!
Perhaps one day, every community in the country will join them in the fight against bullying; helping to raise awareness and learning prevention methods.
Did you know that bullying has become one of the greatest widespread issues children, teens and young adults face a lot of these days? What some people don’t know is that it can happen anywhere, not only in school or on the bus. Bullying has no limitations or restrictions as it can range from simple teasing and name-calling to a severe physical altercation to a nasty text message you receive on your phone.
Many different forms of bullying exist that you or someone you know might be dealing with/have dealt with such as:
- Verbal – insults, mean jokes, teasing, etc.
- Physical – hitting, kicking, physical attack upon a person, etc.
- Indirect – cruel rumors, purposeful exclusion from group/activities, etc.
- Cyberbullying – an electronic medium-type of bullying which can consist of text messages, emails, chatrooms, IMs, etc. Also fits in with “Indirect” bullying.
If you or someone you know has experienced any form of bullying, help make a stand and say “TIMEOUT!” as it’s time to stop!
For more information on the amazing Teen Nation Tour, please head to www.TeenNationTour.org!
