Bullying expert and author to speak at Blaine PAC

By Oliver Lazenby

Educational psychologist, best-selling author and public speaker Michele Borba is coming to Blaine on Monday, September 19 to talk about the power of empathy in children.

She’ll speak from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Blaine school district’s Performing Arts Center. The event is free and open to everyone.

Borba’s talk will focus on her new book, “Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.”

The book discusses what Borba calls the empathy advantage, and how important empathy is for succeeding in school, work and relationships.

“The goal is leaving parents with tips and ideas for things they can do at home to create more empathy,” said Randy Elsbree, federal and special programs director for the school district.

Borba will work with district staff and students throughout the day, starting with a two-hour session with school staff.

Monday is a late-arrival day for students, and a training day for staff. More than 50 staff members are reading Borba’s book right now, Elsbree said.

The event is a follow-up to topics covered in past training days, such as how adverse childhood experiences impact kids.

“Our hope is that by creating and developing empathy the students will treat one another better and the culture and climate of the schools will become more positive,” Elsbree said.