The phrase stems from the comments of some of Jodee’s former classmates at her 20-year reunion. Some apologized, some forgot that they had ever said or done anything, and some said, “You still remember that? You’re too sensitive – we were just joking around.”

Well, to the person being bullied, it’s not just joking around!

As Jodee traveled the country speaking to students, parents, teachers, and other professional groups about the issue of school bullying, she noticed that the phrase resonated with her audiences. It’s NOT Just Joking Around!™ instantly became the social mantra of students and teachers across the country!

With that, Jodee and her team at The Blanco Group developed two programs for schools that we offer - free of charge - for you to download.

On this page you will find two links. One is the “INJJA Hero of the Week”™ program, and the other is the “INJJA Encouragement Club.”

The “INJJA Hero of the Week”™ program was developed specifically to honor “bystanders” for having the courage to speak up against bullies. It does so without creating trouble for the bully, or victimizing the outcast even further. It is an anonymous, and it works. We welcome you to download and implement it in your school or within your organization. In less than two semesters you will see a real shift in your social climate, provided you follow the instructions.

The “INJJA Encouragement Club” is an after-school or lunchtime program for students. It also can be implemented by a church youth group, a YMCA, or any other organization. The club doesn’t have any requirements except to simply show up. It is designed to bring together students of all different interests, talents, skills, and backgrounds in order to foster an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance, empathy, and compassion. Like the Hero of the Week program, it takes a little over a semester to work, and it is successful world-wide.

The Blanco Group welcomes your input and feedback. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact The Blanco Group at info@jodeeblanco.com or at 708.478.5726.

For It’s NOT Just Joking Around!™ t-shirts, rulers, pens, awards, mugs, etc. please contact Dee at The Blanco Group at dee@jodeeblanco.com or 708.478.5726.