That is the stark message from Joe Fiduccia, owner of the world's only Hasbro-approved replica of Optimus Prime from Transformers: Age Of Extinction. Who has pledged to use his replica of Optimus as a symbol of hope and encouragement for children around the globe. Creating what he calls an 'elite force against bullies'.

Optimus and Joe travel all over the country with Optimus, visiting schools and encouraging children to join 'Team Prime' and rise up against bullies through a very unique and fun presentation. Fiduccia and his family recently brought their replica truck to the Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. Which also happens to be in their own backyard. 

They contacted the school's principal, and within 2 weeks, Optimus was waiting outside for the children.

"We do a lot more than just park the truck on school grounds," explains Fiduccia. "Typically we have a 25-30 minute presentation about rising up against bullies. But we have modified our approach for a post-COVID era, where most schools are not permitted to hold assemblies of any kind. We came up with a much shorter socially-distanced presentation which we can deliver to one or two classrooms at a time over the course of several hours. And even just a five minute discussion with these children still manages to get the point across." 

Fiduccia has helped students understand that they are not alone in how they feel, and has positively motivated thousands of them. The students also walk away with anti-bully pledge cards that they can choose to sign.

"I know what it's like to be bullied. I have been bullied my entire life. Even as a grown adult, it still happens more often then you think. But there is a major difference between now and back when I was in elementary school. Because now I understand that in most cases, it's the bullies who are the ones that have their own issues and struggles they are dealing with. They are just choosing to bully myself and others because of a perceived weakness or just plain jealousy. They also bully others to take their minds off of the major stresses in life that are weighing them down. Almost like a cry for help."

Fiduccia goes on to say: "these kids will question why the bullies keep coming after them. As if they did something to deserve it. But I want them to realize that in most cases, a bully's attack has nothing to do with anything they said or did. And that they should never let a bully stand in the way of living their life and pursuing their dreams. Just as I did with Optimus Prime."

"I fully realize that not all of the children believe in Optimus or our mission against bullies. But regardless of what they believe in the world of Transformers, I never want them to stop believing in themselves and their potential. So even if just one child walks away that day with a newfound sense of confidence in joining Team Prime, I'll take it. Because that is one more individual who has pledged with us to make the world a better place."

If you would like to sponsor a bully awareness school visit in your neighborhood, you can read more about this very unique program from here. You can also send us a message to request more information.