BAFP UPSTANDERS
IT'S EASY TO GET FRIEND STRONG!
STUDENT 'UPSTANDERS' STAND UP FOR PEERS IN KINDNESS AND AGAINST BULLYING!
The mission of the BAFP is to support student 'bullying prevention and kindness activists' and their adult allies - or, in one word... UPSTANDERS! Participation in the Friend Mail Program, Kindness Clubs, or any BAFP initiative makes you a celebrated BAFP Upstander! Speak up, reach out and be a friend!
Roles and Awards of Distinction
for BAFP Upstanders
NEW FOR MAY 2026!
After 10 years of growing our Ambassador family, we have refined to 2 Ambassador roles.
(Yes, an Upstander can be both!)
Kindness Ambassadors
A Kindness Ambassador for the Be A Friend Project can be a student or adult, family group, company or community group. A "Kindness Ambassador Letter of Integrity" will provide more details and must be signed to make the role official.
A Kindness Ambassador uses their name, voice and reputation to bring meaningful strength and allyship to our mission of student-led kindness, inclusion, peer advocacy and bullying prevention. The Kindness Ambassador publically stands with the BAFP as part of our friend-strong community, creating a safer, more
empathetic and inclusive world where every child belongs and is celebrated for being who they are.
Friend Mail Ambassadors
Any individual or group who sends a letter, artwork, video and/or a thoughtful gift to a Friend Mail Recipient is a Friend Mail Ambassador! Groups who send Friend Mail consistently will receive a certificate.
GET AWARDED! 💝
BAFP UPSTANDERS ARE CELEBRATED & SUPPORTED!
FRIEND MAIL PROGRAM:
SCHOOL+ GROUPS
When a class, school, organization or any group of Kindergarten - college youths sends a BATCH of Friend Mail, virtually or through the mail, that group will receive a FRIEND MAIL AMBASSADOR CERTIFICATE for the school season. (Always be sure to include your return address to make this possible.)
INDIVIDUALS
Individuals (youths and adults) will receive a FRIEND MAIL AMBASSADOR CERTIFICATE and a BAFP WRISTBAND after ongoing participation of sending Friend Mail to all recipient's in one school year.
KINDNESS CLUBS:
KINDNESS CLUBS receive KINDNESS CLUB REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES, a KINDNESS ACTIVITY LIBRARY, SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT-OUTS, SUPPORT, EXCLUSIVE NEWSLETTER and earn a PIN on the global map of BAFP registered Kindness Clubs.
ANNUAL CHALLENGE WINNERS receive PRIZES BASED ON ACCUMULATED POINTS for completing Kindness Challenges - from exclusive WINNER STICKERS to PIZZA PARTIES.
TEEN KINDNESS BOARD:
BAFP UPSTANDERS (ages 13-19) can apply to serve on the national, prestigious Teen Kindness Board with like-minded bullying prevention and kindness leaders committed to making a difference - and help to guide the "KIDS FOR KIDS" programming of the BAFP. Being on the TKB is a great addition to your applications and resumes, a source for recommendations and service hours - and enthusiastic support to your personal mission. TKB members also receive exclusive member hoodie sweatshirts and more merch - at no cost!
"EVENING WITH FRIENDS" ANNUAL FUNDRAISER:
HONOREE:
*2024: Joyce Chapnick, Principal of Main Street School, Irvington, NY
ANAHATA ALTRUISM AWARD:
Awarded annually to an individual whose enduring support has been essential in advancing and sustaining the Project's life-saving mission.
*2025: Mark T. Bertolini, CEO (Oscar Health, Aetna, Bridgewater Associates)
*2026: Dr. Frank E. Lucente, Author of scientific publications, Doctor and Educator of Medicine
LEGACY OF AIDAN AWARD:
Given each year to a young person (26 and under) who has distinguished themselves through longstanding, self-motivated volunteer service to the mission of the BAFP as a peer advocate and bullying prevention & kindness activist—just like Aidan Duver. Awardees will have each positively, passionately, and purposely impacted young lives and contributed to creating a kinder, more caring world for all.
*2025: Brielle Diaz Withers, Boston Conservatory, NY
*2026: Kimberly Edge, Rutgers University, NY
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST AWARD
Awarded to a high school student whose essay, script or video that best fulfills the year's prompt among hundreds of applicants, clearly demonstrating passion and a deep understanding of bullying prevention and kindness activism. The recipient stands out for their creativity, insight, and drive to make a meaningful impact.
*2024: Yulai Woodruff, Ooltewah, Tennessee
*2025: Abigail Saucedo, Chicago, Illinois
*2025: Raameen Farhan, Hackensack, New Jersey
SUPER AMBASSADOR SCHOOL AWARD
An exceptional distinction and plaque awarded for ongoing SCHOOLWIDE participation in the Friend Mail Program.
*2021: Main Street School, Irvington, NY
'UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR' AWARD
A distinction and plaque awarded to an individual or group of people for extraordinary empathetic and voluntary actions in support of children surviving bullying.
*2019: Amazon Relay Operation Center, Tempe, Arizona
*2020: Michelle Lancaster, Bushland High School, Texas
More Ways to Help!
Spread the Word
You can help spread our message and grow our mission by asking your friends to follow us on Social Media! The more followers, the more we can attract sponsors and funding.
BAFP Social Media
Super Ambassador Hall of Fame
(Awarded 2018-2022)
The Super Ambassador distinction was awarded between 2018-2022. Individuals and groups (students and adults) who consistently participated in the Friend Mail Program and/or exceptional bullying prevention and kindness initiatives involving the BAFP received SUPER AMBASSADOR CERTIFICATES.
