“The reason you should accept people the way they are is because everybody is different and people have feelings as soft as feathers.” — Nana-Wadieh, Grade 3, 826NYC
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we’re excited to partner with Cartoon Network for the fourth year in a row to foster a culture of inclusion in the classroom through the power of writing. This year marks a special milestone for Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up initiative, which is celebrating 10 years of impact.
For the last ten years, Cartoon Network’s award-winning campaign has reached millions of kids across the country to raise awareness of the issue of bullying and ways to prevent it. At 826, we’re big believers in the power of inclusion and kindness in shaping healthy communities; that’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up initiative to center students’ voices and perspectives as they speak up against bullying and stand up for others.
“At Cartoon Network, we value the voices of kids above all, especially when it comes to the issues most central to their day-to-day lives. We are so proud of our partnership with 826 National, now in its fourth year, and all the ways our work together supports and amplifies kids’ writing and storytelling around inclusion.” —Jill King, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Partnerships, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Boomerang
Inclusion-themed writing helps students think critically about the many traits and differences that make us interesting and unique. Making space for discussions around empathy and inclusion allows kids to look inward and healthily process their feelings and insecurities. Oftentimes, the result reflects outwards, with students behaving in a more compassionate way.
Throughout the month, we’re inviting students to join the conversation with Write for Inclusion, a series of writing prompts, 826 Digital lessons, and a publishing kit designed to sharpen their social-emotional learning skills. Lessons and other resources will be published weekly on 826 Digital, starting next week with a Write for Inclusion Educator Guide that comes with a customizable calendar and a writing tracker to keep track of students’ progress.
We’re encouraging teachers, parents, and caregivers to download these resources and ignite conversations (and writing projects!) around empathy and inclusion. This campaign culminates on World Kindness Day, on November 13, with a special celebration of students’ hard work throughout the month. Stay tuned for more on that, and let’s stop bullying before it starts!
“At first, Handlebar did not want to listen to them, but eventually he reflected Craig’s sad expression when he realized he had hurt Craig’s feelings.
“I’m so sorry for treating you like that. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course,” said Craig. “Friends have their disagreements at times, but really good friends know how to forgive.”–Gabriela T., Grade 8, 826 Valencia