Unite Against Bullying on Unity Day, Oct. 9

Supporters nationwide will "Make it Orange, Make it End" during PACER's National Bullying Prevention Month

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a show of support for the 13 million American children who are bullied each year, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center is inviting everyone to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 9, during National Bullying Prevention Month. Since Unity Day's debut in 2011, thousands of people in schools, communities, corporations, and online have come together across the county to "Make It Orange, Make It End."

"Nearly one-third of all school-aged children are bullied each year," said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, which sponsors Unity Day and National Bullying Prevention Month. "We need to show students that they're not alone. Unity Day is the time to send a national, unified message that bullying is no longer acceptable in our society."

Anyone can join the cause during October by wearing PACER's official National Bullying Prevention Month T-shirt. The campaign is a partnership with CustomInk, the "design online" custom T-shirt company, as part of its "Be Good to Each Other Campaign" that encourages people to take a stand for kindness and tolerance by wearing bullying prevention T-shirts. Proceeds support PACER's bullying prevention programs, and more information is available at PACER.org/bullying/nbpm.

In addition to wearing orange, people can update their Facebook status with the Unity Day message, "Share" and "Attend" the Unity Day Facebook event, or make a statement about bullying by holding a Unity Dance. Students will distribute orange "Unity" ribbons, write "Unity" on their hands or school binders, or participate in Project Connect by creating a visual representation of coming together in unity to prevent bullying. A free student event planning guide is also available to help teens organize local Unity Day events.

PACER originated National Bullying Prevention Month in 2006 to raise awareness of the issue. National partners of the month include the National Education Association and the American Federation for Teachers, PTA, and many others.

About PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center provides creative, interactive resources that are designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities. It offers educators, students, families and individuals tools to address bullying in schools, the community, and online. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call (952) 838-9000 or (888) 248-0822 (national toll free).

Contact: Sarah Busch ([email protected])
(952) 838-9000, National toll-free (888) 248-0822

SOURCE PACER Center