Mayor Proclaims October Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, Cites Youth Network’s Work

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo has proclaimed October 2026 as Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in the city and the week of Oct. 18-24 as United Against Hate Week.

In the proclamation, dated Oct. 6, Gordo credited the Pasadena Youth Network with raising awareness of bullying and its long-term negative effects on youth. The network is a coalition of local youth groups. It will hand out Wellness Kits this month with student leaders from local schools, Gordo wrote.

Writing on behalf of the City Council, Gordo said he supports “the effort to raise awareness of the dangers associated with all forms of bullying.”

The mayor defined bullying as physical, verbal, sexual or emotional harm or intimidation intentionally directed at a person or group. It often targets race, religion, ethnicity, gender or people with disabilities, he wrote.

People who are bullied are more likely to develop physical, emotional or learning problems than those who are not, according to the proclamation. Students who are bullied often fear riding the bus, going to school and attending community activities, Gordo wrote.

The Pasadena Youth Network draws members from five groups, according to the proclamation. They are Day One Youth Advocates, the Pasadena Public Library Teen Advisory Board, the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center, the Pasadena Youth Ambassadors and the Realizing Opportunities through Skillful Employment program, known as ROSE.

The network gives young people forums for civic engagement, Gordo wrote. It also creates chances for them to take part in decisions on matters affecting youth.

This month, the network will partner with student leadership from local schools to distribute the kits. The network will also “stand in solidarity against bullying by wearing blue during World Bullying Prevention Month,” the mayor wrote.

The goal is to raise awareness that “bullying or negative behavior which infringes on the safety, welfare, or well-being of students is not to be tolerated,” according to the proclamation.

Gordo also wrote that bullying prevention awareness is aligned with the city’s engagement with Pasadena United Against Hate initiatives.

United Against Hate Week begins Sunday, Oct. 18, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 24.