Hey There, Listen Up
This letter is NOT about me. It IS about dealing with major concerns about the mental health issues facing our children and young people. We cannot afford to ignore a growing problem in our society while waiting until it affects us personally. My heart is in the right place on this matter, so read on to learn how, together, we can make a difference.
Founder's Letter
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are confronting a critical issue in our society: the escalating mental health crisis among our children and young people. This letter addresses major concerns and underscores the need for proactive measures. One of the most pressing issues is school shootings, with 346 incidents occurring in 2023, averaging almost one per day. The emotional toll on students, parents, teachers, and communities is far too significant to ignore.
Many perpetrators of school shootings have a history of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. Preventing school shootings is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. History tells us that the problem of school violence will never completely disappear. While some programs focus on limiting the damage rather than addressing the root causes, I advocate for teaching social and emotional skills that are often not learned at home these days. This helps create a supportive environment where students can better connect with each other.
I also believe that the broader solution lies in changing the culture of society. My plan is to present positive messages to students at all levels, promoting Positive Mental Attitude, Gratitude, Compassion, and our “Be a Bluebird” initiative, which highlights twelve character-building qualities. Integrating these efforts with our plans to enable troubled students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities further develops their physical and emotional health.
We cannot afford to ignore this problem while waiting until it affects us personally. The mental health of our children and youth is paramount, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the support and resources they need.
Through Bluebird Awards, we strive to create defining moments in children’s lives, setting them on a path to future success and happiness. Our work will continue to inspire and uplift, one child at a time.
Sincerely and with kind wishes to all,
Rod Miller,
Founder, Bluebird Awards
My Personal Opinion
When I read disturbing information like the following, I felt compelled to learn more and address the root causes.
*"The share of children and teens who die each year declined for nearly three decades and leveled off in the 2010s. Then, in 2020, the rate began to increase. By 2021, it reached its highest rate since 2008.
Although this coincided with the pandemic, the virus itself accounted for a small share of the increase. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the growing childhood death rates between 2019 and 2021 were primarily due to firearm injuries, drug overdoses, and car accidents."*
While many attribute ‘gun violence’ to the weapons themselves, I believe the core issue lies in the mental health of the individuals involved. Our mission is to make a positive impact by encouraging all children and youth to discover their purpose in life through participation in sports and other learning activities.
My commitment to making a positive impact led me to found Bluebird Awards and help by providing life-changing experiences for children and teens. Our goal is to help them discover their passions, build self-confidence, and lead successful lives.
My dedication to this cause stems from my own experience as a fatherless child and my belief that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and realize their potential. Through Bluebird Awards, we aim to create defining moments in children’s lives, setting them on a path to future success and happiness.