It's No Name-Calling Week (January 23-27, 2006) in participating schools in the U.S. How this week came to be was actually inspired by a book aimed at young readers. It's accessible enough to get at your nearest local chain bookstore (I think).

No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled "The Misfits" by popular author, James Howe. The book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. Though they lose the election, they win the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a "No Name-Calling Day" at school.

If you want to help put an end to bullying in your school, check out some of the resources. Better yet, get organized!

Labels: culture, education