No Name Calling Week

January 18th – January 22nd 2021

History of No Name Calling Week

No Name Calling Week was inspired by the popular young adult novel The Misfits by 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, sexual orientation, and gender expression. The friends create a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. The No-Name Party wins the support of the school’s principal for their cause and their idea for a “No Name-Calling Day” at school.

Motivated by this simple act, GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, created this holiday consisting of over 60 national partner organizations since 2004.

How to Observe No Name Calling Week

Launch a program at your school.
Visiting Simon and Schuster Publishing and GLSEN websites to learn more about No Name Calling Week and how to get involved.
Read James Howe’s novel The Misfits.
Promote an art exhibit or essay competition.
Watch a documentary about bullying, such as Bully by Independent Lens on PBS.
Review your school’s policies and make changes that will impact students now.
Use #NoNameCallingWeek to share your story and experience on social media. Spread #KindnessInAction everywhere you go!