Our founder, Stephen Tako, experienced bullying from a young age and started Motivated To Act with the hopes of fostering empathy and kindness in the hearts of children around the world through anti-bullying books, short films, and curriculum.
Motivated To Act focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, discrimination and other negative behaviors by introducing carefully crafted, evidence-based anti-bullying curriculum to children in Primary Schools. Its unique “Confident Life™” educational program teaches children empathy and inclusion in place of apathy and distrust, while increasing active participation of each student. Motivated To Act delivers effective and measurable solutions to conquer bullying through innovative storytelling, art, and film. It is not only the recipe for success for the young audience, but also is a must-have guide for teachers, home-school parents, and other academic institutions. It offers desperately needed hope to every young child affected by bullying, loneliness or even poor sportsmanship. It also enables parents to keep an open communication with their children to help recognize early signs of bullying and put a stop to it. Each contribution allows Motivated To Act to continue their mission of creating effective programs while partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals. This collaboration of efforts is crucial to make a positive impact on children in their formative years.
- Motivated To Act was named after CEO Stephen Tako’s first book which was written to help people overcome the negative habits or thoughts that may surround them from being the victim of bullying. The book, titled Motivated to Act – published in 2012, was written to help people find the motivation to act upon their true dreams and purpose in life.
- One of the San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools is working with Motivated To Act to pilot the “Confident Life™ Program. Teachers and students will work with the complete program for grades K-3rd and provide valuable data on measurable goals. Once the program has been fully vetted at this school, MTA will provide opportunities for other schools to participate.
- Our books are in the process of being translated into multiple languages to help people who have immigrated to the United States as well as having our books available for regions across the globe.
- The first two Junga the Dancing Yeti® films have garnered eleven international film nominations with seven WINS for Narration, Best Family Short Film, Concept, Original Song, Animation & Best Director. The 3rd film will have its World Premiere at the official Motivated To Act Launch Party on April 26th at the UCSD Faculty Club.
- The books being used in the Educational Lesson Plans are from the Junga the Dancing Yeti© series. Endorsements of these books are from Dr. Mike McQuary, Ed.D. SDUSD Board Trustee – District C; Sylvia Whitlock, Ph.D. in Education, Psychotherapist (MFT); Maria George, Child Development Professor; Dr. Kathie Mathis, Psy.D, D.D, NCP, CEO California Cognitive Behavioral Institute; Tanya Brown, Author, Life Coach and Speaker against Domestic Violence; Patricia Summerland, Professional Wrestler, TV Star (GLOW); and Former NFL Players: Brian Sipe, NFL MVP, Quarterback & Cleveland Browns Legend; Bob Golic, Cleveland Browns, Television Actor, Radio Personality & Dave DesRochers, Seattle Seahawks & Founder of The 1st & Goal Foundation.
- Confident Life™ Program: Winner of the Child Safety Network® 2023 Safe Family Seal of Approval for Innovation in Curriculum; includes the following:
- Customized Lesson Plans for students K-3rd grades
- Junga the Dancing Yeti® book series
- Film Adaptation of the Junga the Dancing Yeti® book series
- Interactive Activities for young students
- Teacher & Parent Guides
- Key Word/Phrase Posters
- Program Evaluation
- Personalized Certification of Completion
- Multicultural Programs
- Monthly/Yearly Membership
- Book Sales/Exhibits
- Film Production / Public Service Announcements
- Social Media Campaigns
- Partner Organization Events
- Music and Dance Productions / Fundraisers
- Life-Size Junga Character Appearance
- “Confident Life™” Anti-Bullying Program
- Junga the Dancing Yeti® book & film series
- Junga the Dancing Yeti® backpacks and school supplies
Interview with VoyageLA: http://voyagela.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-stephen-tako-of-san-diego/
Interview with Cleveland.com: https://www.cleveland.com/community/2022/10/brian-sipe-joins-former-valley-city-resident-in-new-anti-bullying-project.html
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- Junga’s Creed: “Be a Leader and Do What’s Right!”™
- “Break free and use your gifts.” – Stephen Tako
- “Intentionally hurting others and bullying them is not being a winner. True winners play by rules that are fair and honest.” – Coach Hawksie from Junga the Dancing Yeti© in Yeti, Set, Go!
- “The ability to forgive someone is not always easy, but it is often the best thing to do.” – Grandma Yeti from Junga the Dancing Yeti© Meets Heidi
- MTA has donated books to libraries in Cape Town, South Africa with the assistance of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and Sister Cities International
- MTA has provided funding and a presentation on sportsmanship to the Tierrasanta Cougars football team
- MTA has provided funding, books and anti-bullying presentations to schoolchildren in Poland and to Ukrainian schoolchildren refugees
- Stephen has done live readings of his anti-bullying books to libraries, to a primary school in Scotland, the Battered Women’s Shelter in Akron Ohio, to the non-profit Reading Legacies, and to Oasis-San Diego for their book-giveaway program. He also donated his time to present his anti-bullying films with Q&A sessions at a pediatric dentist’s patient appreciation event.
- Stephen is on the Board of Directors for the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club. As an anti-bullying advisor with the Child Safety Network, Stephen has testified in public hearings supporting anti-bullying causes. He has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, several beach and park clean-up functions and has assisted with fundraising efforts for YMCA and The Entrepreneur Academy. He volunteers his time and financial skills with Junior Achievement by providing the Better Money Habits financial program to primary schoolchildren. He has served food to families visiting at Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Hospital as well as at homeless shelters. In April 2023, Stephen volunteered with RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) as a weekend retreat Facilitator.
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Motivated To Act is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our EIN is 92-0242971. Ask your tax preparer for specifics on any tax related questions.
All learning institutions, including public, private and home-schools as well as additional youth-oriented organizations.
Not at this time.
The program is still in its pilot stage in San Diego, California. It is expected to be available in the United States in 2023 before expanding to more countries in 2024. The programs are being translated into 8-10 additional languages with more to follow.
This program will be developed into at least 8-10 additional languages.
If your school is in the USA, Yes. Please email our staff at info@motivatedtoact.org to request a Registration Form and a representative will reach out to you with details.
We are a non-profit organization that works with schools and other youth organizations to provide curriculum to help children. Our goal is to help schools of all economic levels. Please email our staff at info@motivatedtoact.org to request the Registration Form and a representative will go over your needs and associated pricing.
Please click here to order additional books.
We are planning to have a life-size Junga the Dancing Yeti© character available to attend public events later in 2023.
We are working on Phase One of our program which is designed for children K-3rd grades. Phase Two will be released at a later date for grades 4-6th.
