Hollywood Popular Artists

Apr 9th 2012, 21:52

Seventeen year-old anti-bullying activist, Caleb Laieski, is a force to be reckoned with. After being bullied in school, the teen took matters into his own hands and headed to Washington D.C. to seek justice. Last year, Caleb spent weeks lobbying Congress to do more to protect LGBT students from harassment. After that, he met with nearly 200 legislators and members of the Obama Administration. Plus, he met President Obama himself (as well as VP Joe Biden), and suggested that the White House hire a LGBT youth advocate. Now Caleb is taking his crusade to Phoenix, Arizona. Last month, he was hired by Mayor Greg Stanton's office to cultivate bullying diversity awareness in the community.

Caleb was recommended to serve at Mayor Stanton's office by the nonprofit One In Ten, which is dedicated to serving and assisting LGBT youth. In 2008, Caleb co-founded his own organization, Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination. Last year, he was named Echo Magazine's Man of the Year. Not too shabby for a seventeen year old, right? We caught up with Caleb to congratulate him on his new gig, and get the 411 on what's next.

MTV Act: Congratulations on your exciting new position! Are you the first teen ever appointed to a mayor's office?

Caleb Laieski: We don't know that for sure. However, I am the first youth to be appointed to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton's office. As far as making national history, I have not found any coverage so far on another teen making it to a mayor's office.

What are some of your plans of action to raise awareness about bullying in your community?

During my time in this office, I will strive to see the dropout rate decrease, intervention by school administrations steadily increase, and the suicide rate rapidly decline. We are continuing to discuss goals and potential projects, as this position was just launched last week.

You've accomplished so much at a young age. What advice do you have for kids who want to make a difference like you?

The first step would be that I encourage youth to be strong and speak out when they see something that is wrong. From there, I encourage youth to reach out to local organizations and partner with their work.

If you could say one thing to America to help someone being bulled what would it be?

I would like our youth out there to know that they have someone fighting for them within the government, and that they should never hesitate to reach out to resources when needed.

 

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