Empowering Youth Through ACTober Against Bullying Campaign
This October marks a significant milestone as Act To Change unveils its inaugural digital initiative, ACTober Against Bullying. October is designated as National Bullying Prevention Month, focused on fostering kindness, encouraging inclusion, and standing together against bullying in all forms.
Aya Hashi, the Youth Changemaker of the Year for 2025, articulated, "Act To Change has cultivated an atmosphere where youth are emboldened to express their voices for a fairer society, aspiring to eliminate hate and bullying fundamentally." This sentiment drives the campaign, aiming to engage young people to make a real difference.
A range of supportive brands is lending their strength to this cause:
Support from Notable Brands
Act To Change, in collaboration with Google Play, has expertly curated collections of resources aimed at children, featuring Teacher Approved kids' apps and high-quality videos promoting kindness and diverse backgrounds. These resources will be prominently showcased on YouTube Kids home screens, helping children develop resilience while combatting bullying.
The popular personal care brand, eos Products, is also onboard, enhancing Act To Change’s message of empowerment. They have pledged support through a significant donation, amplifying efforts to promote youth empowerment.
Likewise, Covry, recognized for its inclusive eyewear tailored for all face shapes, has released a limited-edition, luxe microfiber lens cloth designed by the campaign's Youth Ambassadors. The entirety of proceeds from this product will directly benefit programs aimed at empowering AAPI youth and fostering inclusive communities.
The Urgency of the Cause
Soukprida Phetmisy, the Executive Director of Act To Change, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "In a troubling trend, 9 out of 10 AAPI youth have faced bullying based on their race this past year. ACTober is positioned to elevate these experiences, driving collective action from companies, creators, and community members to foster a safe and inclusive environment for our youth."
Many well-known personalities are joining forces to promote this campaign, including Anna Cathcart, Ryan Alexander Holmes, and Bowen Yang. Cathcart expressed, "Act To Change empowers AAPI youth to feel significant and proud of their identities. Leading with kindness enables us to create a culture where everyone feels they belong." Bowen Yang added, "Growing up Asian in non-reflective spaces can implant the notion of not belonging. Act To Change is changing that narrative, showing AAPI youth that uniqueness is something to celebrate. Kindness and community are key to making that happen."
Maulik Pancholy, a co-founder of Act To Change, reinforced the organization’s unwavering commitment to fighting bullying. He stated, "Since the inception of Act To Change, we have remained dedicated to ending bullying through proactive measures and impactful actions. We hope this campaign inspires more individuals to take a stand within their schools and communities, forging inclusivity for all youth."
Goals of ACTober Against Bullying
As part of its initiative, Act To Change hopes to raise $250,000 to support youth-driven projects while expanding their anti-bullying outreach nationally. They aim to gather 10,000 pledges against bullying, demonstrating a united front against this pervasive issue.
Sumi Parekh, Chair of the Board for Act To Change, declared, "By the end of the year, Act To Change is set to make a remarkable impact on the anti-bullying landscape through its ongoing programs and awareness initiatives. Our work heavily relies on the generous support of our partners and community members, and we are grateful for their contributions."
The initiative invites everyone to take part, encouraging pledges and donations through Act To Change’s website.
About Act To Change
Act To Change is a prominent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating bullying and hate in the AAPI community. Through education, community outreach, and advocacy, they empower youth to create positive change. You can follow Act To Change on Instagram to stay updated on their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACTober Against Bullying?
ACTober Against Bullying is a campaign launched by Act To Change to promote kindness and inclusivity, coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month.
How can I support the ACTober campaign?
You can support ACTober by participating in their pledge initiatives, making donations, and spreading awareness about the importance of standing against bullying.
What organizations are collaborating with Act To Change?
Notable collaborators include Google Play, eos Products, and Covry, each contributing resources and support for anti-bullying initiatives.
Why is this campaign important?
The campaign addresses the severe reality of bullying faced by many youth, especially in the AAPI community, and works to foster a safe and supportive environment for all kids.
Where can I find more information about Act To Change?
For further details, including how to get involved, visit the official Act To Change website.
