January 24, 2012

“The Misfits” Author James Howe Shares No Name-Calling Week Video Message

GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week is well underway in thousands of schools all across the country. The nationally recognized event is aimed at addressing name-calling and bullying in schools.

The week-long event was first organized by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing with more than 50 participating organizations supporting the week-long event including the National Education Association and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

DID YOU KNOW? This is the ninth annual No Name-Calling Week. The event was first organized in 2004.

There’s been a lot of buzz around this year’s event. Media have reported about No Name-Calling Week taking place in communities like Phoenix, Fort Scott and Asheville. Massachusetts went a step further with Governor Deval Patrick designating January 25 as “No Name-Calling Day” in the Bay State.

Even Boy Scouts America endorsed No Name-Calling Week.

FUN FACT: Schools participating in No Name-Calling Week can download a variety of lesson plans, activities and other suggested resources. There have been more than 27,000 downloads of our materials in the past 30 days alone.

GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week was inspired by “The Misfits,” a young adult novel written by James Howe. The story follows four students who have each experienced name-calling and decide to run for student council on the platform of creating a “No Name Day” at school. Ever since, James Howe has continued to support the annual week-long event organized at all grade levels.

Thanks to our friends at Simon & Schuster, James Howe made a video to share with No Name-Calling Week participants and supporters. You can watch his message below.

ARE YOU PARTICIPATING? Let us know if No Name-Calling Week is taking place in your school by sending us a tweet or letting us know on Facebook.