The Incredible Power of Names

Have you ever thought about the extraordinary power of your name? A name is the first and most basic building block of a person's identity. It signals the connection point between an individual and society. Every name also carries a story and heritage and underpins its bearer's sense of self.

We tend to think of names in humbler terms. Yet their unseen power has made names a favored weapon of oppressors and bullies for centuries. The withholding, mispronunciation, redefinition, and erasure of names is an everyday occurrence, not only in the world's conflict areas, but in daily life.

The mission of The Names Alliance is to educate people about the importance of names and promote human connection and respect. Through coalition-building, workshops, and awareness raising, we hope to elevate recognition about the power of names, fight their use as a weapon, and foster respect for the diverse names and identities that comprise our rich human tapestry.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to:

• Raising Awareness: Educating people and communities about the power of names and increasing respect for names as a form of identity. 

• Building Understanding: Leveraging the power of names to promote diversity, connection, and understanding between individuals and cultures. 

• Supporting Individuals in Distress: Offering resources and support to people who experience name-based bullying or prejudice, helping them navigate challenges and reclaim their identities.