Unite Against Bullying on Unity Day, Oct. 12 and Unity Dance Day, Oct. 26

Wear Orange and Dance During PACER's National Bullying Prevention Month

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center invites everyone to wear orange on Oct. 12 and dance on Oct. 26 during National Bullying Prevention Month in October as a show of support for children who are bullied. PACER originated National Bullying Prevention Month in 2006.

People can learn more about Unity Day on Oct. 12, and Unity Dance Day on Oct. 26, and find many other ways to share the bullying prevention message by visiting 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," says Julie Hertzog, director of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, which sponsors the month. "Unity Day and Unity Dance Day are perfect times to do this!"

Unity Day: "Make It Orange and Make It End" – October 12
On Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 12, everyone can wear orange and link together—in schools, communities and online—to send a message of support to students who have experienced bullying. Students can unite against bullying on Unity Day by wearing the color orange, using the resources on PACER.org/bullying, handing out orange "UNITY" ribbons at school, or writing the word "UNITY" on their hands or binders. Facebook is partnering with PACER by posting information about Unity Day and other PACER activities on its safety, educator, and privacy pages during October.

Unity Dance Day (Flash Mob Dance) – October 26
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, people everywhere can come together in song and dance to raise awareness for bullying prevention by organizing a Unity Dance Day. Schools and community organizations can find everything they need to plan a Unity Dance Day in PACER's online toolkit. The toolkit includes the designated song for the dance, the choreographed dance moves, and additional materials and resources. Facebook is a partner of PACER for Unity Day.

The toolkit is available at http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-dance-day.asp.

Organizations and individuals can also take an active role during National Bullying Prevention Month by visiting http://www.pacer.org/bullying and choosing to be Partners or Champions during National Bullying Prevention Month or signing the digital petition pledging, "The End of Bullying Begins with Me."

National partners of the month include the National Education Association and the American Federation for Teachers, PTA, and many others.

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
[email protected]
952-838-9000, National toll-free 888-248-0822

SOURCE PACER Center