This was given to us to share by the Downriver Federal Credit Union Mark Tremper

Posted on March 2nd, 2013 by Richard Paul

Press Release
Contact: Mark Tremper, 313-460-0438
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Credit Union Partners with Local Schools to Prevent Bullying
MARCH 4, 2013, LINCOLN PARK, MI– With bullying gaining the increased attention of individuals, schools, governments, and
employers across the nation, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union (DCFCU) has joined the fight against bullying
by providing the Duck Sense Bully Prevention Program to local Downriver schools.
The Duck Sense Bully Prevention Program was developed by Bully Prevention Expert, Richard Paul, and through a series
of speaking engagements for DCFCU, a partnership was formed to begin providing his curriculum at no cost to principals
and teachers who are seeking to prevent bullying in their schools. The program includes both a written curriculum that
can be used by the teachers in the classroom and a special all-school assembly featuring the puppets and ventriloquism
of Richard Paul.
“Any type of help we can get to get this problem under control is helpful. I will tell you that this program is wonderful,”
says Andrew Sueta, Principal of Foote Elementary, whose school had 372 students at their Bully Prevention Assembly to
kick off the new program. To date, there have been 5 Lincoln Park elementary schools where this program has been
implemented, all with positive reviews from the parents, teachers, principals, and students. The Credit Union is currently
making plans to make this program available to more schools with the help of other Downriver businesses.
“The credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ is rooted in the principle that everyone deserves respect,
regardless of income, education, appearance, or beliefs,” explains Mark Tremper, the coordinator of the bully
prevention program and Vice-President for the Credit Union, “Showing respect is foundational for a strong community
and participating in a program that encourages respect for others is right in line with how we do business as a not-forprofit
financial institution serving those who want an alternative to the ‘big banks’.”
Richard is a high energy school assembly speaker, education conference presenter, and ventriloquist. He shares his
passion for bully prevention education to audiences in both the United States and Canada. Born with a birth defect (his
right arm is missing three fingers and shorter than his left), he knows first-hand how it feels to be bullied. He shares
with his audiences various stories and strategies to help students who are targets of bullying. He reinforces why bullying
is wrong, and why it needs to be reported.
Richard Paul is a published author and member of International Bully Prevention Association, Association for Conflict
Resolution, National Self Esteem Association, Michigan PTA, Michigan Education Association, National Speakers
Association and Charter member and former President of the Central Macomb Optimist Club. His mission is to change
the world “one duck at a time” by motivating students to appreciate and respect each other. He promotes parental bully
prevention involvement and give students and teachers the tools needed to get involved, speak up and put an end to
this international crisis. Information about Richard and the Duck Sense Bully Prevention Program can be found at
www.ducksense.com.
Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution founded in 1942 and is owned and
controlled by over 19,000 members with four office locations, including Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Woodhaven, and
Wyandotte. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in 18 Downriver communities.
Businesses or other legal entities located in these communities can utilize the services of the credit union, as well. To
learn more about the Credit Union’s bully prevention initiative, contact Mark Tremper at 313-460-0438. More
information about the Credit Union can be found at www.downrivercommfcu.com.
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