MAPE leaders increase commitment to combat workplace bullying Oct. 25, 2016

When MAPE’s Anti-Bullying Task Force started brainstorming ideas for a month-long slate of activities that tied into October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, the task force had no idea how big its little idea would soon become. PACER and MAPE worked together to secure a proclamation from Gov. Mark Dayton that proclaimed October as National Bullying Prevention Month in Minnesota. But the group didn’t stop collaborating there.

Anti-bullying training crowd

The momentum continued Oct. 19, Unity Day, a day dedicated by PACER every year to “join together against bullying – united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.” On Unity Day, the task force hosted another anti-bullying training with national workplace bullying expert Gary Namie. The task force hoped 50 MAPE leaders might be interested in the event. More than 100 registered.

Namie with MAPE members at anti-bullying training

The interactive, daylong training featured best practices in utilizing the policy to combat bullying in the workplace as well as a special visit from Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, who reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the policy’s effectiveness.

“Policies are not worth the paper they're printed on unless we find a way to successfully implement them,” Smith said, before opening up the discussion to member questions.

Lt. Gov. Smith anti-bullying training

Many members shared their thoughts, suggestions and stories with Smith, who listened intently and offered feedback. She also said that the following day she and Governor Dayton were scheduled to meet with agency commissioners and she would discuss some of our members’ suggestions with them. Smith agreed with members who said there needs to be a culture change from the top down regarding bullying and retaliation in the workplace.

MAPE will continue to keep Smith in the loop, since she’s promised to be our advocate for the policy in the Governor’s Office.

Attendees also heard three success stories from members across the state who were successful in filing complaints against their agencies under the policy. Namie conducted both a morning and afternoon training on the psychology of bullying and how to utilize the policy. Todd Kohl from the Employee Assistance Program also spoke and attendees had a chance to break into small groups and work through real-life scenarios that we’ve seen in dealing with bullying situations.

The day closed with a call to action for members to volunteer to serve as regional leads, a role developed by the task force to be the eyes and the ears on the ground and the lead in assisting members through the complaint process. More than 20 MAPE members stood up and committed to joining the ranks of regional leads at MAPE.

We’re always looking for more regional leads, so if you’re interested, please email Kathy Fodness or Ashley Erickson. More info about what a regional lead is, as well as all the resources MAPE provides for anti-bullying efforts, can be found in MAPE's Anti-Bullying Toolkit.