October: Join #HatNotHate for Anti-Bullying Month

The month of October is a big one when it comes to bullying awareness and prevention. Lion Brand has teamed up with STOMP Out Bullying™ this year to take this issue to the next level with our #HatNotHate campaign. We’ve asked crafters to knit or crochet a blue hat, and wear it on World Day of Bullying Prevention, which is October 1. Blue is the color of solidarity and awareness, so you can wear your blue hat all month long, because October is Anti-Bullying Month. For more information, and pattern ideas, read on.

Wear Your #HatNotHate This October

STOMP Out Bullying™ is the leading national anti-bullying and cyber-bullying non-profit organization, and we’re proud to join their team. The organization provides tools to kids, schools, and families, so they can learn to respond to bully behavior quickly and consistently. Since 2005, STOMP Out Bullying™ has become a leader on this issue dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying in schools, but also cyber-bullying and other digital abuse. In addition, it educates against homophobia, LGBTQ discrimination, racism, and hatred. We’ll be joining some of the school visits to talk more with students about how to create a positive culture for everybody. This year, we’re using crafting to make a difference.

Craft, Wear & Hashtag

With your help, we hope to create a new ‘craftivist’ movement to send the message that bullying is unacceptable. Since a hat can be worn daily, you can demonstrate your commitment to end bullying every time you wear it. We’ve created 23 knit and crochet patterns, and we want you to whip one up. When you share a photo of you in your blue hat and hashtag #HatNotHate, you’ll add to the online community of support and solidarity. While blue hats alone won’t eradicate bullying, increasing awareness is the first step to changing an entrenched culture.

Let’s Raise Awareness Together

Let’s start a craftivist movement this October and keep it going all year long. The impact bullying has can last a lifetime, so let’s start making a difference now. Whether you want to make a hat for yourself or gift to a friend, let’s use crafting to end bullying. Join our #HatNotHate campaign to create an atmosphere of kindness and understanding that will spread, one person at a time.