October is National Bullying Prevention Month

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dance—and make a statement against bullying—by joining PACER's Unity Dance Day on Wednesday, Oct. 26. That's the day when schools, students, community organizations, and businesses around the world can unite with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in music and dance to bring awareness to bullying prevention.

PACER's Unity Dance Day can be held anywhere – at schools, malls, or in homes. The performances can be followed by activities designed to inspire people to take action in their communities to prevent bullying.

"The culture of bullying won't end until people across the country take action and show children and teens that they care," said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. "The Unity Dance Day celebrates the influence of music and dance as a powerful avenue to reach kids and teens about the bullying prevention message."

Schools and community organizations can find everything they need to hold a Unity Dance Day in PACER's online toolkit, available at PACER.org/bullying. The toolkit includes the designated song for the dance, the choreographed dance moves, and additional materials and resources.

The song for the event, "You Can't Take That Away From Me," was written by Nashville songwriters Tim Akers and Libby Weaver. Akers, the father of a child with a disability, has seen firsthand the struggles and frustrations that some children deal with because they are viewed as "different." Performed by 11-year-old Tristan McIntosh, also of Nashville, the song speaks about the importance of teaching children to recognize that personality and character are more important than popularity and outward appearances.  

The Unity Dance Day is part of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Month of October. Throughout the month, organizations and individuals can show their support for the cause by visiting PACER.org/bullying and disseminating bullying prevention resources, signing the online "The End of Bullying Begins with Me" petition, and participating in Unity Day on Oct. 12 by wearing orange and hosting different activities.

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center provides creative and interactive resources that are designed to benefit all students, including students with disabilities. It offers educators, students, families, and individuals the tools they need to address bullying in schools, recreational programs, or community organizations. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call 952-838-9000.

About PACER Center: Based in Minnesota, PACER Center is a national parent center serving all youth, with a special emphasis on children with disabilities. Learn more at PACER.org or call 952-838-9000; 888-248-0822 (national toll free). Paula F. Goldberg is the Executive Director of PACER Center.

Contact: Julie Holmquist
Julie.Holmquist@PACER.org
952-838-9000, National toll free 888-248-0822

SOURCE PACER Center

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pacer.org