- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessMental HealthSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 7
- Holiday emoji:
- 🫂
Make the First Move Day arrives every April 7, dedicated to combating the pervasive issue of bullying. This vital observance aims to raise awareness, honor victims, and encourage proactive steps toward a kinder world. Join the movement by speaking up, offering support, and advocating for empathy.
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Expected Make the First Move Day Deals
Make the First Move Day focuses on awareness and support rather than commercial deals. Non-profit organizations like PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and StopBullying.gov will likely amplify their campaigns, encouraging donations and volunteer efforts. Brands such as Target and Starbucks, known for their community initiatives, may run donation-matching programs or highlight anti-bullying resources. Educational institutions and youth programs often host workshops and awareness events, sometimes with corporate sponsorship from companies like Cartoon Network, which has a history of anti-bullying messaging. Look for opportunities to contribute to fundraising drives or participate in local advocacy efforts. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as April 7 approaches.
Platform Guide for Make the First Move Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MakeTheFirstMoveDay. Share stories of kindness, support, or how you’ve stood up against bullying.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #MakeTheFirstMoveDay. Join conversations about bullying prevention and share resources for support.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MakeTheFirstMoveDay. Post about local anti-bullying events or share personal pledges of kindness.
Make the First Move Day Hero
Rachel Joy Scott
History of Make the First Move Day
Bullying can occur in many places, such as schools, workplaces, and other communal places. The earliest forms of anti-bullying awareness and anti-bullying movements in the U.S. can be traced back to the early to mid-90s. Back then, several U.S. states began considering anti-bullying legislation as this issue became increasingly significant and recurrent.
Georgia was the first state to pass anti-bullying legislation in 1999. From then on, all U.S. states and several other countries around the world have passed anti-bullying laws. In addition, many anti-bullying programs have been organized and implemented with the goal of eliminating bullying and creating bullying recovery treatments. These programs are set to counter the consequences of several bullying-related issues.
The idea behind Making the First Move Day is that bullying victims are often hesitant to speak about their experiences and seek professional help. As such, accompanying bullying victims is the first and, probably, most important step in their recovery. As such, anti-bullying programs will experience significant development.
In 2018, Greshun de Bouse, an entrepreneur and anti-bullying activist, founded First Move Life Coaching, a company specializing in bullying prevention programs and recovery coaching. This company later founded the first observance of Making the First Move Day in the same year. Encouraging bullying victims to voice their experiences is one of the main goals of this annual observance. As such, it can be a major step in developing anti-bullying movements and similar initiatives.
Make the First Move Day timeline
Dan Olweus, a Norwegian psychologist, publishes his book “Aggression in Schools,” which is considered the first scientific study on the effects of bullying.
Georgia becomes the first U.S. state to establish a legal framework for bullying.
California becomes the first to pass a law addressing cyberbullying in particular.
On April 7, the first Making The First Move Day observance is founded by First Move Life Coaching by Greshun De Bouse
How Businesses Can Celebrate Make the First Move Day
Local businesses can honor Make the First Move Day by fostering a culture of kindness and respect within their workplaces and communities. Consider hosting an anti-bullying workshop for employees or sponsoring a local youth organization’s awareness event. Restaurants could offer a ‘Kindness Combo’ with a portion of proceeds donated to an anti-bullying charity, while retail stores might promote books or resources on empathy and conflict resolution. Highlighting organizations like PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center through in-store signage or social media can also raise vital awareness.
Make the First Move Day FAQs
When is Make the First Move Day?
In 2027, Make the First Move Day is observed on Wednesday, April 7, reinforcing its message of empathy and action during the workweek.
How many people are affected by bullying?
Data consistently shows that millions of young people are affected by bullying annually. In 2027, this number is expected to remain significant, underscoring the holiday’s ongoing relevance.
What is the impact of bullying?
Bullying can have severe and lasting consequences, including increased risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation for victims. It also negatively impacts bystanders and even bullies themselves.
What does 'Make the First Move' mean in this context?
The phrase encourages individuals to initiate positive actions: reaching out to someone who seems isolated, speaking up against unkind behavior, or starting a conversation about preventing bullying. It emphasizes personal responsibility in fostering a supportive environment.
How to Observe Make the First Move Day
Help raise awareness about bullying
This special observance is all about communal gathering and support. The most important thing to do is to help raise awareness about bullying. There are usually many initiatives, talks, and collaborative efforts organized for this day. Make sure to check out the one organized in your city.
Read about the issue
There is so much literature published on the issue of bullying and its effects. From published research papers and studies to books and autobiographies, learning about the several forms of bullying is the first step in raising awareness.
Celebrate with victims
In order to help improve the situation for many bullying survivors, celebrating with them on their special day would not only be an engaging and rewarding experience, but also a significant gesture to help the victims of bullying.
5 Interesting Facts About Bullying
The most common type of bullying
Verbal abuse is the most widely occurring form of bullying.
Bullying is a widespread epidemic
Bullying is a common issue in the U.S. and other countries, affecting many schoolchildren, with one in five students being bullied in the U.S.
Teens skip school due to bullying
Many teens face bullying in schools; as a result, school becomes a hostile environment that they try to avoid, with 160,000 teens skipping school in the U.S.
Bullying and social anxiety, and depression
There is a direct correlation between many psychological ills and experiences of bullying.
More bullying for people with physical disabilities
Kids with special health needs are three times more likely to be bullied.
Why Make the First Move Day is Important
Bullying is still a pressing issue
Despite the numerous initiatives taken during the last few decades, bullying is still a significant issue requiring urgent attention. As it can happen in many places, this issue is still somewhat elusive.
This day addresses the effects of bullying on mental health
According to numerous studies, exposure to bullying can have lasting effects on mental health to varying degrees. Considering its effects, bullying is a traumatic experience.
It promotes building a safe school environment
Bullying is practiced mainly in schools, often rendering them hostile environments for schoolchildren. This is almost always damaging to the learning experience and education of most students. This day sheds light on the practices and initiatives necessary for making schools a safe place for children and teens.
Social Media Tips for Make the First Move Day
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