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Created in 2016, Sydney's Smiles Inc. is a non-profit organization, started by 10th grader Sydney Brett, to
help spread awareness about the different types of bullying that exist, and the negativity it has on
children. Sydney speaks at public schools and different community events to let students know that
they are not in this alone.
Mission Statement:
Sydney’s Smiles aims to equip kids with the tools they need to end bullying in their immediate environment.
By teaching self-advocacy, empathy and how to be an “up stander” instead of a “bystander”, this non-profit
organization is dedicated to the idea that everyone has a right to be respected for who they are, and
everyone can play a role in creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance.
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There are many different forms of bullying that unaffected individuals do not even realize. Bullying is a huge part of society today whether people want to face the problem head on or not. |
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My goal is to spread awareness about all different types of bullying and the negative
effects it has on children, speak at public schools, and letting students in the community
know they are not alone, and life does get better! -Sydney Brett
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A recent event held was a Charity Fashion Show to |
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Sunglass LA had the opportunity to ask Sydney some questions about her organization, what it means to her, and why she wanted to start it.
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A. I felt there needed to be more done to help stop children from being bullied. I was a victim
of bullying both physical and verbal, and not only by my peers but by my teachers as well. Not
wanting other children to feel as I did, I wanted to help other children to take a stand against
being bullied.
I have dyslexia which also was a reason for my bullying and I wanted to remove the negative stereotypes
of children living with invisible disabilities. I have not let having dyslexia get in the way of my hopes and
dreams for the future.
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A. Being only 15 and with very little business experience I was overwhelmed with the amount of
paperwork I needed to get my charity started. I finally was able to do it and was fortunate to have my
mom help me sort through the paperwork. When I first started to organize and create my fashion
show I was not sure how it would turn out I literally sent hundreds and hundreds of emails to all
different celebrities and business owners and what was one of the most rewarding experiences that
kept me going was when CEOs of companies would write me and donate products because they too
had dyslexia or when a celebrity like Taylor Swift sent me baskets because she was bullied those
moments made me want to work harder and make the event even better.
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Q. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CONSTANT SOURCE OF MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU DO?
A. My mom has always told me that I have a great inner strength and a lot of determination and I
think she is correct. I think after being bullied you have a choice to make to either be upset and
basically fall apart or to fight against the bullies and show the world how strong you are and
that's what I chose to do.
Q. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE WORD POSITIVITY MEANS?
A. I guess for me positivity means looking at the bright side. I think being positive is not always easy
and at times I definitely am not but then I need to reflect on all the good things and people I have
in my life and how fortunate I really am.
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Q. IF YOU COULD GIVE SOME ADVICE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A. I would tell future generations to start accepting people for who they are and looking for
similarities rather than for differences I would also encourage everyone to get involved in
community service and charity. I think many people who start to volunteer will be surprised at
how much fun they will have when they're giving back and how good it feels to help someone else.
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A. I am an avid dancer, trained in many styles of dance at Miss Colleens Elite Dance Centre
in Rockville Centre, NY. My favorite styles of dance are jazz and modern. I am also involved
in pageantry and currently holding the title of New York Junior Teen for the USA National Miss
Organization. Throughout pageantry I found my passion for community service, and I am a
recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards (bronze, silver and gold) for my many
hours of community service. I have also received citations and awards from various local and
State politicians.
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Your voice matters.
There are many different ways you can get involved with this organization and cause.
1) Donate - Your support provides the resources that Sydney's Smiles needs in order to fund school programs and events.
2) Start a chapter of Sydney's Smiles Inc. & find ways to stop bullying by talking to your school.
3) Share your story with Sydney's Smiles and send them a note and they will feature it on their website.
4) Put on a fundraising event to support Sydney's Smiles Inc.
5) Make a pledge to stand up for others and stop bullying.
6) Like Syndey's Smiles on social media and spread the word.
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