Buddies Not Bullies

10/19/2026

BE THE ONE — Challenge #3: KNOW WHAT TO DO

Being kind matters. Knowing what to DO matters, too.

Sometimes we see or hear something that doesn't seem right. An unkind comment. Someone being embarrassed. A situation that makes us uncomfortable.

We don't always know what to say or do in the moment. But having a few options in mind can make a difference.

This week's challenge: KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.

Take a look at five ways you might respond: INCLUDE • DISTRACT • SPEAK UP • GET HELP • CHECK IN.

Choose three to become familiar with. Then pick one and think about how you might actually use it. What could you say? What could you do?

And if an opportunity arises, use what you know. You don't have to go looking for something wrong to make a difference.

One person CAN change what happens next. BE THE ONE.

10/15/2026

YOUR MOVE!

Have you found your way to ADD SOMETHING GOOD this week?

Maybe you asked one more question instead of changing the subject. Shared something you know. Made room for someone else's idea. Or stayed to finish the last little bit when everyone else was ready to leave.

There isn't just one way to contribute something good. And it doesn't have to be a grand gesture.

What's your move this week?

10/13/2026

🎄 Your next night out comes with something beautiful to take home!

Join us for Sip Happens. Wreaths Get Made.—a relaxed evening of Christmas crafting, laughter, and good company.

Create a wire or grapevine wreath, or design a holiday table runner/centerpiece. All supplies are included, with plenty of greenery, ornaments, ribbons, and festive accents to make it yours. No experience needed!

📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; creating begins promptly at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
📍 Washington Chamber of Commerce, Lower-Level Conference Room
323 West Main Street, Washington, MO
🎟️ $65 per person
🥨 Light snacks provided. Bring your favorite beverage and your own snack if you’d like.

Attendance is limited to 30 guests—invite a friend and reserve your spots!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sip-happens-and-wreaths-get-made

Hosted by Buddies Not Bullies®.

10/12/2026

How do you help the children in your life find healthy ways to cope with their emotions?

10/12/2026

Credit: Paul Avellino

10/12/2026

BE THE ONE. ADD SOMETHING GOOD.

YOUR MOVE!

We all have something good to bring to the table. Sometimes it's our attention, an idea, a little extra effort, or simply making room for someone else's contribution.

This week's challenge: Choose one way to contribute something good—and follow through.

Not sure where to start? We've shared five ideas to get you thinking. Or come up with one of your own!

One person CAN change what happens next. BE THE ONE.

10/05/2026

BE THE ONE Challenge #1: NOTICE THE GOOD
We notice the loud stuff. The rude comment. The argument. The person who gets embarrassed. The thing that goes wrong.

But a lot of good happens much more quietly.

Someone makes room. Checks back. Stops laughing when a joke goes too far. Gives someone else credit. Notices who's standing alone. Decides not to forward the screenshot. Helps without being asked.

This week's challenge: CATCH 3. TELL 1.
Catch three people doing something good this week.

Then pick one and tell them you noticed.
“Hey, I saw what you did.”
“That was really nice of you.”
“You didn't have to do that. I noticed.”

No posting required. No form to fill out. You don't even have to tell us.

Just don't let all the good go unnoticed.

One person CAN change what happens next. BE THE ONE.

10/01/2026

This one stopped me for a minute.
Buddies Not Bullies began with a belief long before there was evidence to prove it: we have the power to make the world a better place.
I held onto that belief when the numbers were small, when the path wasn't particularly clear, and when there wasn't much applause.

Eventually, belief became action. Action became programs. And programs gave us evidence that what we were doing really could make a difference.
More than 20 years later, I still believe what I believed then:
One person can change what happens next.

And maybe you've wondered whether there might be a place for you in what we're building. There is. BNB needs people willing to bring their time, talents, ideas, and energy to the work—whether that's volunteering with us or taking a larger role in helping guide where we go next.
Sometimes getting involved starts with simply raising your hand.

BE THE ONE.

Starting something before anyone believes in it can feel lonely.

The numbers are tiny.

Nobody is particularly impressed.

Even people who care about us may not understand why we keep going.

They are looking at the current result.

We are looking at what it might become.

Then we reach a point where we have to answer an important question.

Would I still do this if nobody clapped yet?

Most worthwhile things have a quiet stage.

A stage where the vision makes more sense to us than it does to anyone watching.

There may be very little evidence.

There may be no recognition.

Belief often has to come before evidence.

Otherwise nobody would ever make it far enough to produce the evidence.

10/01/2026

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

This year, Buddies Not Bullies is focusing on something simple: the difference one person can make.

We hear “be kind” and “don’t bully” a lot. This October, we’re taking the next step: What can ONE person actually do?

Throughout the month, we’re asking our community to BE THE ONE.

Every Monday, we’ll post a new challenge for the week—something small enough to do, but meaningful enough to matter.

First challenge comes Monday.

One person CAN change what happens next. BE THE ONE.

08/31/2026

💙✨ THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR SPIN TO WIN FUNDRAISER! ✨💙

Our Spin To Win fundraiser has officially come to a close, and everything has been finalized!

We want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to each and every one of our amazing participants and supporters. 🫶

Whether you participated in a spin, shared our posts, encouraged others, donated, or simply followed along and supported us throughout the fundraiser—your support truly made a difference.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity, excitement, and encouragement you brought to this fundraiser. 💙

This fundraiser may be finished, but our gratitude for you continues.

Thank you for showing up, supporting our efforts, and being part of this journey with us. We couldn't have done it without you! ✨

With heartfelt appreciation,
THANK YOU! 💙🫶✨