PACER’S National Bullying Prevention Center has been sponsoring National Bullying Prevention Month since its inception in 2006, when it started as a week-long event, focused on raising awareness and empowering individuals to take action against childhood harassment. In 2010, the week expanded to encompass the entire month of October, offering free online activities, information, and awareness building throughout the month.

This year, the month features both a Unity Day, to be held on October 12, and a Unity Dance Day, scheduled for October 26, in order to raise awareness, and send a message of support to those students who have experienced bullying. Community events will take place across the country, as schools, community centers, businesses, and nonprofits, organize to raise funds and spread the bullying prevention message. These activities include bullying prevention based musicals, walks/runs, raffle dinners, benefit concerts, “flash-mob” dances, and more.

Schools and community organizations interested in planning a Unity Dance Day flash-mob can find everything they need in PACER’s online toolkit. Those wanting to take individual action can do so by signing the digital petition pledge, or by hosting or participating in a community event. For other ways get and stay involved year round, visit the National Bullying Prevention Center’s “Get Involved!” page.

Other national partners of the month include the National Education Association, National PTA, the American Federation for Teachers, and over 20 others.