“I believe that everybody has the right to live in a community where they feel safe, included, valued and accepted regardless of differences. I pledge to be respectful of others and stand up against bullying whenever and wherever I see it.”

These powerful words have been said by more than 140,000 people in the London area over the last two years.

“The Pledge is a community-wide initiative that seeks to raise public awareness about bullying — in schools, at work and at home,” according to thepledgetoendbullying.ca. “With the support of our caring individuals from schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and the media, we can make an impact.”

The Pledge is aiming to change our culture, and it's had a positive impact so far. In surveys following campaign in 2011 and 2012, principals from the Thames Valley District School Board reported positive changes and increased awareness about bullying and bullying prevention among the majority of students at their schools.

Join the community in taking The Pledge at 10 a.m. on November 18 or any day that week.

For more information, go to thepledgetoendbullying.ca.