Nicholas Domingo, Captain Encouragement, Rotary Club of New Berlin, New Berlin Rotary Using compassion to trounce violence and bullying
 
Captain Encouragement, aka Nicholas Domingo, brought an important message to our meeting on Sept. 14.
 
Domingo knows bullying all too well. One day during second grade, he was stomped on and dragged across the playground. The incident left a permanent impression on him. "Bullying is an extremely serious thing," he says.
 
His program, the result of just "bouncing ideas around in my head," is borne out of a desire to make a difference. While traveling the country he would routinely compliment people and tell them they mattered. Studying our culture, he noted the negativity and violence in much of our media and entertainment. Even superheroes were not immune, using force to overcome evil. "Young kids believe they can punch their way through anything," he says. Cast as a superhero for TV programs, he knew that was the proper vehicle to connect with youth. Out of this came his firm, Call To Inspire, and alter-ego, Captain Encouragement. Now 25, he launched his program in March 2016.
 
A resident of Twain Harte, Calif., Domingo visits schools across the country to teach children about non-violence and anti-bullying. "To change the world," he says, "you have to change the mindset." By using a superhero character, he hopes to show kids that being compassionate is "cool." One goal of this program is to lower the incidence of suicide, a leading cause of death among those aged 14-24.
 
Domingo teamed with a writer (also a victim of bullying) to produce a comic book and poster. They are offered for sale online and during his presentations. Proceeds support the entire effort.
 
Is the message getting through? "I really like what you're doing," a 7-year-old offered one day. "I think this is what my age group should see."
 
A member of Twain Harte Rotary (Twain Harte, Calif.), Domingo joined because he saw the good work Rotary does. Though he has a full time position in Twain Harte, he--er, Captain Encouragement--offers his message when he can. Upcoming speaking engagements include visits to a Rotary club and schools.
 
For more information or to book Captain Encouragement, visit his website, or call 951-852-2257.