Yubbie is the nickname given to author Joe Wojcik during his childhood. Bullies labeled Joe Yubbie because he was different. He was overweight. The name-calling was just a part of the bullying, and the pain he experienced had an impact on him even as he grew through his teens to adulthood.
The stories in this workbook are based on many of the events in Yubbie’s life even though some of the names, characters and situations are fictional. It is important to understand that even when the writer took certain liberties in telling the stories, the hurtful emotions Yubbie experienced in each story are real.
The good news is that Yubbie grew up to be a powerful man now called Joe the Biker. Over the years he learned a lot of valuable lessons. Those lessons have helped him become strong, fit and talented. He became a Black Belt in martial arts, rides a motorcycle, scuba dives, plays the guitar, lifts weights, and is a fitness trainer. And, oh by the way, no longer a shy, self-conscious boy, his passion is to help kids throughout the world overcome bullying. Yubbie a.k.a. Joe the Biker today is still different looking, but now he is proud of it!
So the stories you will read are about the big Joe the Biker, adult Yubbie, crusader against bullying! And about the kids he helps. He’s big powerfully built with a bald head and huge white horseshoe mustache under kind blue eyes. Those blue eyes can get as fierce as his deep voice when he sees someone being hurt. But his heart is gentle and his goal – to help. Many people misunderstand him when they look at him dressed in his black leathers with wrap around glasses and skullcap. Because Joe the Biker looks different, most think he’s a bad biker, mean and tough. The funny part is that he only looks that way. He is still the kind, gentle Yubbie who was targeted by bullies when he was young like you.
Each story is a message, a lesson to be learned to help stop bullying if it is happening to you or someone else. Parents and educators: Don’t let the bullies destroy any child’s childhood or impact their future. One of the most important aspects of warding off attacks by bullies is building healthy character. Each chapter includes effective exercises in character education.
Bring the children in your charge on a magical journey with Yubbie and help them become more self-confident in their ability to deal with the effects of bullying, no matter who is the target.
Say NO to Bullying Today is a compelling program that has been extremely well received by students, teachers, and administrators. The program:
- Uses a multi-sensory educational approach using right/left brain.
- Provides students with tools necessary to deal with bullying proactively.
- Is formatted to help build character through thought and discussion-provoking homework assignments, exercises, and classroom activities.
- Provides educators with specific tools and techniques to detect bullying at their school.
- Is designed to be used over a six-month period on a monthly basis to optimize its effectiveness.
- Provides parents with information and resources on nurturing and bullying.
- Is designed for students in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades.
- Includes a DVD of Joe the Biker’s presentation, a Student’s Workbook, Educator’s Guide, and Parent Booklet.
- Provides teachers with an in-service training.
- Provides presentations to parents.
- Program effectiveness is determined by a pre and post program questionnaire.
