ORANGE COUNTY, CA — October 29, 2026 — With a shared commitment to creating safer, more compassionate school environments, ASEZ STAR — the student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God — hosted a School Violence Prevention Forum at the Orange County Church of God.
The forum aimed to raise awareness about bullying and school violence while encouraging students to become advocates for kindness, empathy, and mutual respect through the “Shoulder to Shoulder” campaign. The initiative emphasizes the importance of standing together, supporting one another, and building positive relationships to create school environments where no student feels excluded or alone.
The event brought together ASEZ STAR members from Orange County, Torrance, Cerritos, Temecula, and Riverside, alongside distinguished community leaders and professionals. Guest speakers included Sarahi Carrillo, a community service and mental health services coordinator; Officer Andrew Guerrero, a school resource officer from the City of Fontana; and Shalini Quattlebaum, an attorney and Miss Nevada pageant winner in 2024.
Building a Warmer and Safer School Environment
Throughout the forum, ASEZ STAR members took the lead in delivering presentations that emphasized the importance of preventing school violence through everyday acts of kindness, understanding, and consideration.
Through the “Shoulder to Shoulder” campaign, students encouraged their peers to recognize the impact of their words and actions, stand against bullying, and support those who may feel isolated or discouraged.
Guest speakers reinforced these messages by sharing their professional experiences and perspectives. Carrillo, the City of Anaheim’s Mental Health Services Coordinator, highlighted the importance of communication, kindness, and positive relationships in supporting students’ emotional well-being and academic development.
One of the most memorable moments of the forum was a heartfelt performance by the ASEZ STAR student choir. The students performed “The Words of Mother’s Love Bring Peace” campaign song, conveying a message of love, encouragement, and unity. Their performance received a standing ovation from attendees, including guests, family members, and community supporters.
Beginning of Peace: The Words of Mother’s Love
In addition to promoting school violence prevention, ASEZ STAR students introduced the World Mission Society Church of God’s global “Beginning of Peace: The Words of Mother’s Love” campaign, demonstrating how simple expressions of kindness can help create a more peaceful society.
The campaign is held in connection with “Mother’s Love and Peace Day,” observed on November 1, and aligns with the United Nations’ International Day for Tolerance on November 16. It encourages individuals to practice the warmth, consideration, and compassion associated with a mother’s love in their daily interactions.
Through nine expressions of Mother’s love—including greetings, gratitude, apologies, understanding, respect, encouragement, and compliments—the campaign promotes meaningful communication and stronger relationships within families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
By introducing this initiative, ASEZ STAR members encouraged students to become peacemakers in their own schools, beginning with simple words such as “How are you?”, “It’s okay. I understand,” and “Can I give you a hand with anything?”
Through these small but meaningful actions, students hope to foster school communities where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
Following the forum, attendees participated in interactive team-building activities designed to strengthen cooperation, friendship, and unity. These activities provided opportunities for students to put the forum’s message into practice by working together and demonstrating consideration for one another.
Small Acts of Unity, Lasting Community Impact
The students’ efforts to promote kindness and prevent school violence received recognition and encouragement from local community leaders.
Westminster City Councilwoman Amy Phan West presented ASEZ STAR with a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of the students’ dedication, volunteer service, and commitment to addressing bullying.
Expressing her support, Councilwoman West thanked the students for “standing up against bullying, against intimidation,” recognizing their willingness to speak out and take action for a safer community.
Carrillo also expressed admiration for the students’ commitment and the positive influence of their volunteer activities.
“I think that this group is doing amazing work,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of encouraging and empowering young people to make a difference.
The recognition reflected the meaningful impact of students who voluntarily dedicated their time and energy to addressing an important issue affecting their peers and communities.
Student Volunteers Leading Change With the Heart of a Mother
Behind the successful forum were several weeks of dedicated preparation by ASEZ STAR members, whose commitment extended far beyond the day of the event.
Balancing their academic responsibilities with volunteer service, the students devoted countless hours to organizing the program, coordinating community outreach, preparing educational presentations, rehearsing performances, and planning interactive activities.
From the initial preparations to the final moments of the forum, members worked together with a shared purpose: to spread the warmth of Mother’s love and create a safer, more welcoming environment for their fellow students.
Their dedication demonstrated the spirit of ASEZ STAR—young people voluntarily taking action to address challenges within their communities and inspire positive change through sincere service.
Rather than simply raising awareness about bullying, the students sought to lead by example, showing that preventing school violence begins with treating others with dignity, offering encouragement, and extending a helping hand.
Through the continued practice of the “Shoulder to Shoulder” and “Words of Mother’s Love” campaigns, ASEZ STAR members of the World Mission Society Church of God hope to inspire more students to participate in building peaceful school communities.
With the heart of a mother and the determination of the youth, ASEZ STAR students will continue taking the lead in spreading love, fostering unity, and creating positive change—one kind word and one thoughtful action at a time.
