11 saved#4,942 of 6,224

No Name-Calling Week

Turn ridicule into respect this No Name-Calling Week - let's empower each other through kindness and acceptance in our schools.

Tuesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATENo Name-Calling Week (GLSEN, 3rd full week January)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYViolence Prevention

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Shout positivity from the rooftops on January 15, as we dive headfirst into No Name-Calling Week! This week-long celebration grew from the seeds of empathy and understanding, and aims to nurture a culture of respect and kindness, especially in schools. It was inspired by the popular young adult novel "The Misfits" by James Howe, where a group of students raised awareness about the harm caused by name-calling. To date, this week has become an annual observance where individuals, in schools, communities, and workplaces, pause and recommit to ending name-calling and bullying. As we kick off this momentous week, let's spread the word, extend kindness, and make our world a little brighter and more compassionate!

TIMELINE

No Name-Calling Week Timeline

"The Misfits" Publication

Young adult novel "The Misfits" by James Howe, which discusses the harmful effects of name-calling, is published.

First No Name-Calling Week

Inspired by "The Misfits", GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing initiate the first No Name-Calling Week in schools across the United States.

Expanded Scope

No Name-Calling Week grows into a bigger campaign, reaching more schools and communities across the nation, promoting kindness and acceptance.

Recognition From Popular Figures

Prominent figures, including Ellen DeGeneres, begin promoting No Name-Calling Week on major platforms, boosting its reach and impact.

Global Scale Activism

No Name-Calling Week is observed across the globe in many countries, emphasizing the universality of kindness and respect.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and organizations celebrated No Name-Calling Week virtually, continuing the tradition of promoting kindness and lowering instances of bullying.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate No Name-Calling Week

Create a kindness banner

Get together with your classmates or colleagues and create a banner that celebrates kindness and respect. Hang it in a visible area as a constant reminder of the commitment to refrain from name-calling and bullying.

ORGANIZE

Organize a compliment day

Switch things around and encourage everyone to say something kind about their peers. By creating an environment of positivity, you can counteract the culture of name-calling.

HAND

Hand out kindness cards

Prep small cards with uplifting messages and hand them out in school or at work. This simple act can make someone’s day and create a ripple effect of kindness.

HOST

Host a respect workshop

Invite a speaker or create a presentation about the effects of bullying and the importance of respect. Understanding each other’s experiences can create empathy and reduce negative behaviors like name-calling.

START

Start a kindness journal

Start a journal documenting acts of kindness that you observe or take part in. This can serve as a personal reminder of the good around you and provide inspiration on how to spread kindness further.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why No Name-Calling Week is Important

It can Initiate Long-lasting Behavioral Change

The activities associated with No Name-Calling Week such as organizing a respect workshop, handing out kindness cards, or maintaining a kindness journal can initiate long-lasting change in individuals. These activities not only engage participants during the week but also encourage them to embody kindness and respect in their daily lives beyond the week, leading to a more empathetic and understanding society.

Promotes Awareness and Change

No Name-Calling Week is an excellent awareness campaign that promotes change in areas such as schools where name-calling and bullying are most rampant. It highlights the destructive nature of these practices and helps to cultivate a culture of kindness and respect. By spreading awareness, it brings attention to the issue at hand and advocates for positive behaviour change.

Encourages Positive Interaction

No Name-Calling Week encourages positive interactions between peers. It promotes an environment of positivity, respect, and kindness, by urging individuals to say something kind about their peers rather than resorting to name-calling. This fosters better communication, understanding, and harmony among individuals, creating a more conducive learning or working environment.