Adventures in Lifelong Learning lecture to cover effects of bullying

BEMIDJI, Minn. (March 8, 2011) — Pauline Winge, a social worker at Bemidji Middle School, will discuss bullying as part of Bemidji State University’s Adventures in Lifelong Learning lecture series.

The lecture will be held Tuesday, March 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Optivation’s off-campus facility at 3801 Bemidji Ave. N. in Bemidji.

Bullying has had a devastating effect on students, families, schools and communities. Winge will discuss the current trends in bullying, give some pointers on what schools are doing to address it, and what community members can do to recognize the symptoms of bullying and support intervention efforts.

Winge is part of Bemidji Middle School’s Student Mental Health Awareness Team, providing basic problem-solving, crisis intervention and teacher consultation services. She also is a referral agent for community services.

Adventures in Lifelong Learning was formerly known as the Academy of Lifelong Learning. The organization’s board of directors voted unanimously over the summer to transition the branding of the organization away from a formal classroom experience to reflect a less intimidating adult learning style.

Adventures in Lifelong Learning is organized exclusively to provide opportunities for continuing education in the Bemidji area. The program intends to help participants improve critical thinking skills and to appreciate the diversity of human experience through varied and lively discussions.

Spring 2011 Adventures in Lifelong Learning schedule:
March 15: “Gender, Bullying and Harrassment in School,” Pauline Winge, social worker, Bemidji Middle School.
March 22: “Intergenerational and Lifelong Learning, and What BSU/NTC is Doing to Promote It,” Dr. Richard Hanson, president, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.
March 29: “Poor Farm,” Cecilia McKeig, Beltrami County Historical Society.
April 5: “Honey Bees: ‘Honey! Bees in the Garden’,” John Arneson and Les Hiltz, beekeepers.
April 12: “BiCAP Programming,” a panel presentation led by Deb Allison, BiCAP executive director.
April 19, “Camp Rabideau – Future and Present,” Dan Evans, director, U.S. Forest Service.

For more information, contact Optivation at (218) 755-4900 or optivation@bemidjistate.edu.

About Optivation
Optivation is an off-campus venture operated jointly by Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College designed to increase collaboration between the University, the college, and the business and technology sectors of the northwest Minnesota region. Staffed by veteran business and entrepreneurial professionals, Optivation delivers targeted training and education systems to help organizations succeed in a changing world. Through its affiliations with the University and the technical college, Optivation is able to tap into an unparalleled network of people and technology across the state of Minnesota.
For more information, visit Optivation at http://www.optivation.org.