Community Engagement

Say It Straight

A program to combat bullying is a long-term investment in Southern Indiana's kids

The groundwork for IU SON, Bloomington’s Say It Straight program began nearly three years ago when IU SON, Bloomington received a generous gift from the estate of Dr. Anita Aldrich, with a request that the gift be used to meet the health needs of South Central Indiana. Prior to her retirement, Dr. Joyce Krothe (then Assistant Dean of IU SON, Bloomington) and Clinical Assistant Professors Dr. Kim Decker and Derrick Garletts conducted a large-scale community assessment to identify Southern Indiana’s most pressing health needs – with substance abuse identified as the primary need to address.

Armed with this information, Dr. Decker and Centerstone Program Manager Matthew Clay – as part of the newly-funded Aldrich Project – began mapping out a strategy for implementing a communication assertiveness program in Morgan and Monroe Counties’ elementary and middle schools. 

The result – Say It Straight – is an evidence-based assertiveness training program that empowers students (ages 6 – 15) in their everyday conversations. Through role plays, imagery, body sculptures, and open dialogue, Say It Straight helps students build self-esteem and self-control, reducing their sensitivity to negative peer pressure that can lead to poor self-image, over aggressive behaviors, and the potential for substance abuse.
Young boy with outstretched hands containing words "stop bullying" printed on the the palms

From its humble beginnings, Say It Straight now operates in four counties, six school systems, nine schools, and three after-school programs, reaching over 400 students each semester.

The principles behind Say It Straight were first implemented in the early 1980s, when researchers, led by Dr. David E. Golden and Dr. Paula Englander-Golden, discovered that there is a direct correlation between a child’s self-esteem and the ability to express emotions constructively and that child’s ability to avoid self-destructive behaviors later in life.

“One of the great things we’ve also  learned,” says Clay, “is that assertive behavior can actually be taught in the same way that you might take, say, a math class or a science class.”

“The strength of Say It Straight,” says Decker, “is that assertive behaviors can be taught to all ages in six 45-to-60 minute segments. This program builds resiliency, helping kids feel empowered to take into account their own feelings – and the feelings of their friends and family members – when dealing with situations in a kind, direct manner.” 

Under the direction of Decker and Clay, these six segments are being taught by student nurses from IU SON, Bloomington in classrooms throughout Southern Indiana. From humble beginnings, Say It Straight now operates in four counties, six school systems, nine schools, and three after-school programs, reaching over 400 students each semester.
Young girl with downcast face

Studies show there is a direct correlation between a child's self-esteem and the ability to express emotions constructively, and the child's ability to avoid self-destructive behaviors later in life.