WHO WE ARE

In 2010, Stand for the Silent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was established by high school students in Oklahoma City, OK, deeply moved by the story of Kirk and Laura Smalley’s son, Ty Field-Smalley. At just eleven years old, Ty tragically took his own life after being bullied for over two years and subsequently suspended for retaliating. Stand for the Silent was created to provide Kirk and Laura with a platform to share their heartbreaking story and offer vital education and tools aimed at preventing such tragedies from affecting other children and families. Their mission is to continue making a positive impact on young lives by increasing awareness of bullying and its profound consequences.

Since May 2010, Kirk and Laura Smalley have traveled to over 6,700 schools, connecting with more than 4.5 million students. Their commitment was recognized on March 10, 2011, when they met privately with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House before attending the inaugural White House conference on bullying.

The Program

The Stand for the Silent (SFTS) program tackles the critical issues of school bullying and teen suicide through an engaging, factual, and emotionally resonant methodology. With the active involvement of student leaders, Kirk Smalley shares his deeply personal and inspirational story, directly illustrating the life-altering and sometimes fatal consequences of bullying. This distinctive approach cultivates empathy and understanding among students, often providing them with a new perspective.

A central objective of the program is to initiate a local SFTS chapter within each participating school. These chapters are composed of students dedicated to creating positive change and ensuring their peers no longer suffer from bullying. At the conclusion of each event, pledge cards are distributed to students who commit to “stand for the silent.” This pledge embodies the principles of respect and love, and fosters hope and aspiration. Above all, it reinforces the fundamental message of the Stand For The Silent program: I AM SOMEBODY

To download a copy of Stand for the Silent’s Form 990, click here.