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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Waking up early on a Saturday morning to head outside in the rain can be tough, but not as bad as battling bullying.

Many in Poughkeepsie were doing both Saturday morning during an anti-bullying walk at the Walkway over the Hudson. Among those in attendance were local officials, who showed up to support the organizations taking on the issue.

Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive said, “The event today has taken months to organize and despite the weather there are a good number of people hear today to say that bullying is just not acceptable in any of its forms and to encourage people to really stand up and be heard."

Rep. Nan Hayworth, of the 19th Congressional District said, “We'll welcome the day when ever, not only every child, but every person who is here feels that he or she can be the person that they are without fearing that they're going to be assailed or attacked for that reason."

According to some studies, at least one-third of children are bullied in school. A small percentage of those children report the offense.

For professionals fighting bullying on a daily basis, the notion that bullying is just a part of life is not acceptable.

Dr. Michael Caldwell said, “Bullying is not just a regular part of growing up. It impacts a lot of young people and old people in our community. We need to learn more about what bullying is, who are the bulliers, who are the kids being bullied, and know that every single person in our community has a responsibility."

The walk was sponsored by the mediation center for Dutchess County. Those who are being bullied can seek help at the mediation center.