I mad
e the case here back in May that there should be a national week or month for cleft lip and palate kids in the US, just as there is in the UK. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait for some good news on this front.. There’s already time set aside for bullying prevention, a cause cleft affeted kids rally behind because of the fierce bullying most of them experience growing up.
No Bullying Month—October
Bullying Prevention Month was started by PACER, a national parent center serving all youth, with a special emphasis on children with disabilities. PACER is a major partner of the National Education Association (NEA), which has long supported PACER’s programs and has participated in National Bullying Prevention Month since PACER began the program in 2006.
PACER stands for a clunky bunch of words (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) which somehow founder Julie Hertzog and others chose when they started their the National Bullying Prevention Center a while back. The Center provides statistics about bullying from time to time. My last blog itemized some of these stats.
It was a fitting way to kick off National Bullying Prevention Month. This year’s theme “The End of Bullying Begins with Me,” reminds students, educators and parents that we all need to take individual action when it comes to bullying, like standing up for a girl who was targeted by a small group of students in Michigan. The theme also fits perfectly with NEA’s Bully Free It Starts With Me campaign, which kicked off this year’s Bullying Prevention Month with a drive to get more caring adults to take the Bully Free pledge.
Here’s PACER’s pitch for October activities:
“Join the movement! The End of Bullying Begins with Me: that’s the message during PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month in October. It’s a time when communities can unite nationwide to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, outreach, and education. Resources from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center make it easy to take action.
PACER created the campaign in 2006 with a one-week event which has now evolved into a month-long effort that encourages everyone to take an active role in the bullying prevention movement. PACER offers a variety of resources to use during October — and throughout the year — to inspire, educate and involve others to join the movement and prevent bullying where you live. Check out all of the different events and activities and make plans to get involved. Remember, the End of Bullying Begins With You!
Show Your Support
- Register your school or organization as a Champion Against Bullying
- Add your name to the digital “The End of Bullying Begins With Me” petition
- Sign up for the Bullying Prevention Newsletter
- Talk in your community about bullying prevention and local activities.
Special Events
Unity Day – Wednesday. October 22nd
Make it ORANGE and make it end! Unite against bullying!
What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together—in schools, communities, and online—and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity.
Run, Walk, Roll [your wheelchair] Against Bullying
A family-friendly event held by schools, businesses or communities to show the nation’s commitment to keeping students safe while at school, in the community, and on-line. The event can be accompanied by pre-and post- activities such as games for kids, speakers, music, prizes and dance.”
So, try to do your bit against bullying this month—October—and every month if you can.
My latest book, PRIVILEGED KILLERS, is a true story about a half-dozen Dark Triad people in my everyday life - narcissists, manipulators, and psychopaths. Three of 'em murdered people, and one came after my wife and me. Print and e-book versions of this (and CLEFT HEART) available at Amazon and elsewhere online. Also at your local bookstore.
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