Communities Urged to Plan Events for October's National Bullying Prevention Month

Join PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center and be Champions for Children!

MINNEAPOLIS, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities nationwide are urged to plan for October's National Bullying Prevention Month, a project of PACER Center, and take an active role in the movement against bullying by using resources at PACER.org/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 PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, which sponsors the month. The PACER event, which began in 2006, drew intense interest and evolved to Bullying Prevention Month in 2010.

"There are 160,000 children staying home from school each day in this country for fear of bullying," Hertzog said. "Who is going to help those children feel safe at school? We need organizations and people to plan events and activities that educate communities about this issue."

Organizations and individuals can take an active role during the month by visiting PACER.org/bullying and choosing to be:

Partners—National organizations can collaborate with PACER to share and disseminate the resources for National Bullying Prevention Month with the community.

Champions—Nonprofits, schools, and community groups can use resources at PACER.org/bullying to plan activities. Organizations and a link to their website will be listed on PACER's website, along with a list of any activities or events they are planning in connection with the month.

Digital Petition Signers—Anyone can sign "The End of Bullying Begins with Me" petition to strengthen the cause and influence legislation to protect students.

Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying Event Organizers—Groups can kick off the month on Oct. 1, raise awareness, and offer prevention resources as they host a four-mile run and 1.5-mile fun walk/roll. They can plan a Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying by using PACER's free toolkit available at PACER.org/bullying.

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).

Contact: Julie Holmquist
[email protected]
952-838-9000, National toll-free 888-248-0822

SOURCE PACER Center