Anti-bullying advocate Jodee Blanco will present “Please Stop Laughing at Me” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Blanco’s presentation is sponsored by The University of Findlay’s College of Education. There is no cost to attend.  

Blanco’s presentation shares the name of her bestselling book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me: One Woman’s Inspirational Story.” She also authored its sequel, “Please Stop Laughing at Us: One Survivor’s Extraordinary Quest to Prevent School Bullying.” Blanco will be available for book signing following her presentation.  

“Please Stop Laughing at Me” has been recognized as an essential resource by the National Crime Prevention Council, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Association of Youth Courts, Special Olympics, the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Teaching magazine and other state and local organizations such as law enforcement coalitions and school safety groups.      

In addition to her books, Blanco’s unprecedented approach to shifting the social dynamic of America’s schools is saving lives and making headlines throughout the United States. She presented “It’s NOT Just Joking Around!™,” her acclaimed anti-bullying program, to a combined audience of more than 500,000 students, teachers and parents nationwide at the behest of such entities as The United States Department of Interior, The United States Department of Justice, The National Catholic Educational Association, The American School Counselor’s Association, the Illinois Association of School Boards and scores of local school districts.   

Blanco has successfully intervened in numerous bullying related attempted suicides and acts of student retaliation. She is a respected crisis management consultant and expert witness in the areas of school violence and peer abuse, and is frequently called upon by the media as an expert interview.  

A tireless advocate for the shunned and forgotten student, Blanco’s rare understanding of why kids abuse other kids comes from a deep personal place. From fifth grade through the end of high school, she was rejected and tormented by her peers simply for being different and knows first‑hand what it’s like to contemplate retaliation. As an adult, she decided to go public with her story because she was frustrated by society’s misconceptions about the true cause of the school tragedies such as the Columbine shooting, the Phoebe Prince suicide and countless other examples that put into stark light the tragic consequences of school bullying.  

Blanco lives in the suburbs of Chicago. For more information on Blanco, visit her website at www.jodeeblanco.com.