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Agenda Item No. 5(C) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION Declaring October 14-20, 2012 as "Freedom from Bullies Week" WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito has an interest in promoting the social and economic well-being of its citizens; and WHEREAS, that well-being depends upon the existence of healthy and productive environments that are safe and abuse-free; and WHEREAS, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance; the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Typically the term is used to refer to behavior that occurs between school-aged kids but adults can be repeatedly aggressive and use power over each other too; and WHEREAS, bullying happens in many forms, verbally, socially, physically and through the use of technology ( cyberbullying), and takes place in many environments such as in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and in homes; and WHEREAS, in April 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2012-24, in recognition of the "Choose Civility Initiative," a campaign which fosters collaboration with organizations throughout the community. The resolution states that concern for the common good and well-being of all citizens is one of the highest virtues of American Democracy. Civility is a core value of a well functioning community and underscores a community's general health, wellness and quality of life and depends in great part on how community members treat each other; and WHEREAS, bullying is a universal problem that affects people regardless of their age, gender, culture, religion or nationality; and WHEREAS, "Freedom from Bullies Week" is promoted as a national effort to prevent bullying in the workplace however the City Council wishes to promote freedom from bullying not only in the workplace but also in our schools, neighborhoods, homes and on-line and encourage residents to prevent bullying through education and awareness. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City ofEl Cerrito hereby proclaims October 14-20, 2012 as "Freedom from Bullies Week" in the City ofEl Cerrito. Dated: October 16, 2012 William C. Jones III, Mayor