How is your chapter making an effort to get students to speak up about their knowledge of destructive activities taking place or ones that are planned to take place prior to a terrible event occurring?

RESPONSES:

My chapter meets every other Saturday for 2 hours. We open up with a brief discussion on violence in our community. Most of our discussions relates to negative activities that occur at our school. We plan to start a recruitment campaign to invite our peers to attend our meetings. ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL

Our school hasn't had that big of a problem this year. Which is very good news. If someone in our group knew about something violent that was going to happen, the person would hopefully confront them and try to find a more peaceful solution to the matter. I say hopefully because not everything works as we would like them to. If that doesn't work then I would get the principal, or some other authority involved to make sure that no one gets hurt. ~ Wesley Rossdeutscher School, Chandler High School, OK

My chapter promotes the different hotlines that you can call when you know a destructive activity is going to occur. Then if a student does find something out, they know what to do so a terrible event does not happen. ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC

We encourage students to inform us about destructive decisions that are going on by offereing an anonymous box. That means that a person can write down the event and slip it into the box without anyone knowing who wrote it. ~ Amber Bivins, Chapel Hill High School, NC

At Montbello High School we have Crime Stoppers and we give a rewards to those students who tell us if there is a fight that's going to happen or if someone tagged up the school or anything of that matter. We have a Crime Stoppers locker where students can put a note if something is going to happen and they can make it anonymously or if they wish to call or tell oue SAVE advisor. We have stopped fights, found out who tagged the bathrooms because of Crime Stoppers. ~ Christian Gonzalez, Montbello High School, Denver, CO

If a student is interested in starting a SAVE chapter at their school, what three things would you tell them about SAVE?


RESPONSES:

Three things that I would say about someone starting a save chapter:

1. Students have the opportunity to get involved in a positive activity and stay out of trouble.
2. It's a good organization for youth to be a VOICE in the community to discuss their concerns.
3. The group is fun and we get to engage in team building activities and leadership skills.
~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL

If a student was interested in starting a SAVE chapter at their school I'd start off by telling them about SAVE's purpose ("decrease the potential for violence in schools and communities by promoting meaningful student involvement, education and service opportunities in efforts to provide safer environments for learning"), a little of the history of the origin of SAVE (shooting of Alex Orange) and how useful having a SAVE chapter at their school could be. ~ Katie Weart, Central Cabarrus High School, Concord, NC

I would recommend to any student looking to start a chapter to first off find a small group of friends who are willing to commit the time and brain power needed to get the message out! Other things I would also recommend would be planning school-wide activities and fund raisers so that you have money to make more ideas available to you! ~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin

I would tell them that SAVE is one of the best and most helpful school orginazations created. In our school it has decreased the amount of violence by over half. If set up right it can effect the whole school and even the community. The lives of people can be effected by the how much your SAVE Chapter reaches out. People could change for life from the testimonials and lesson plans used. I wish you all luck with your SAVE Chapters! ~ Wesley Rossdeutscher School, Chandler High School, OK

If a student is interested in starting a new SAVE chapter, I would tell them that right away they will be helping to improve their school. I would also tell them to try to get all their friends to join and that being a member of SAVE is a blast! ~ Amber Bivins, Chapel Hill High School, NC

If a student is interested in joining SAVE, I would tell them that SAVE is a student-run organization, it for students by students and that we are the ones who make the decisions about what happens. SAVE lets you speak out about what goes on in your school and stop everything that goes on in our school and communities regarding violence. I would also say that its another way to be a leader. SAVE gives you that leadership that will help you in the future. -Christian Gonzalez Montbello High School, Denver, CO

If a student is interested in starting a SAVE chapter, the three things I would tell them about SAVE is that it is important be to be organized, creative, and dedicated. SAVE is something to be passionate about, but it takes a lot of hard work. But with planning and time, you can really make a difference in your community. - Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC

The July Question of the Month comes from a SAVE student: I will be President of my SAVE chapter and was wondering how we can recruit more members?

RESPONSES:

We can recruit more members by explaining what the program is about and letting them know how violence is effecting our community and the world, and also tell them how fun it is to be a member and tell them all the fun activities that we do. ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL

I am in a similar situation! I am starting a chapter at my high school! What I am doing is talking to my friends to try and get them to join! Another thing that I find helps is placing eye-catching posters around school! Make sure to make them as colorful and busy as possible but still to the point! A table at the freshman orientation will also help to get freshman interested and hopefully join your chapter! ~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin

This fall we will place announcements on our school news and in the school newspaper. ~ Brett Powers, Medicine Lake High School, WA

Here are a few ideas my group has thrown around: Have current members try and bring friends or siblings if they aren't already members; Have members talk to people personally to try and recruit them. It makes the people you're trying to recruit feel that they are being thought of, and they feel like they are important and they make a difference and that you care about them as a person. ~ Cayla Folsom, Parkview High School, Georgia

You can recruit more members by getting the word out to everybody about SAVE. A good start would be having an assembly and getting a bunch of people to come and check it out. We had freshman come and talk to us about the different programs and we told them about SAVE , so they got involved. ~ Christian Gonzalez, Montbello High School, Denver, CO

I think that you could recruit more members for your chapter by creating posters and putting them up on the walls around the school in places where your peers are sure to go. (Bathrooms, Cafeteria, Gymasium, etc.) Also, another way of getting the word out would be to put in a few words on the announcements describing SAVE's message and its purpose in your school. Keep it brief and to the point, and ask in an energetic way "who wants to join in on the fun?" And, at your schools next pep-rally, get the SAVE members involved and out there, your peers will definately be aware of the club and may be inclined to join. But, you hav to keep it active and always, always, ALWAYS have something going on. Make sure that everyone knows, and ask the members you do have to invite friends. Hope this helps and good luck with your efforts!! ~ Katie Weart, Central Cabarrus High School, Concord, NC

A good way to recuit members is first to make your SAVE club better known. You can put posters up around your school letting students know what SAVE is, make announcments saying recent projects your SAVE club has done, or organize a peace rally to get the students excited about non-violence. You can also personally invite people to join. You can ask friends to come to a meeting, or make invitations you can hand out to anyone and everyone to invite to an upcoming meeting. Good luck and I hope you can recruit more members by doing these things! ~ Casey Story, Garner Magnet High School, Garner, NC

People are mostly good... After saying that you can talk to people about SAVE but it should be in a way that they can relate. Each person can relate to violence because it is a part of everyone's lives. Youth from churches would most likely join because it would make a difference and that is what they believe in...But every person is affected and you need to find a way to relate to each person individually. ~ Wesley Rossdeutscher School, Chandler High School, OK

A good start would be to let everyone know that SAVE is a serious club and is to be trusted. You can do this by putting up flyers or airing annoncements that show what activities SAVE has done in the past and the impact that it has already made. For example, tell everyone about the successful national rock-a-thon. Once people see that SAVE actually gets things done, they will definitly want to be apart of it. Also, one of the best ways to get the word out is word-of-mouth. Get your friends involved and start a chain reaction! ~ Amber Bivins, Chapel Hill High School, NC

How is your SAVE chapter addressing substance abuse issues in your school and community? How is your chapter helping students to remain drug and alcohol free in regards to Prom Activities and End of Year activities?

RESPONSES:

Farmville Central High School conducted prom promise. It is where each student that is going to prom signs a pledge that states that they will not do drugs or drink alchol on the night of prom. Then one day during the week of prom we have a drunk driving simulation were we put on drunk driving goggles and drive a golf cart though a course to simulate drinking and driving. We also had a wrecked car brought in to have a visual rememberance of what drinking and driving could do. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School

I am sad to report that today I learned of a student's death over the weekend who had OD on drugs (ecstasy and cocaine) and had suffered from alcohol poisioning. She had partied too much on Cinco de Mayo and died during the night, her younger brother found her the next morning. I am a firm believer in keeping kids aware of the effects of substance abuse. Poway's SAVE chapter students are advocates for drug free youth and we bring experts on campus to talk about the effects and extremes of alchol and drugs. My hope is that all students learn how to have fun in other ways and realize that these substances harm your body. Students always say "I'll try it once," but that one time becomes an addiction that is hard to pull away from. Please ask for help from friends, staff, or famiy if you are having issues with drugs and alcohol. You can get help, there is no reason why anymore students should die from substance abuse. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

How is your SAVE chapter addressing relationship violence in your school and community?

RESPONSES:

In my school I have worked it out with my school staff to have an announcement made about addressing relationship violence and other forms of violence in my school and community ~ Rafael Grillo, Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School, NC

My SAVE chapter has addressed relationship violence with our student body by having a speaker come in and talk on the topic with teens. She shared with us not only physical abuse, but also mental and emotional. Methods were brought up such as date rape, and how violence starts off small. The speaker was great and the students really enjoyed her. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

What suggestions do you have for students who encounter bullies?

RESPONSES:

First off, no matter what they say, YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON. That's all there is to it. If someone can't see you for who you are, well tough for them. I'm in 8th grade and have been teased about something or other for quite a bit of my school life. In elementary school and 5th grade, it was because I read a lot and was generally a smart kid (I really don't mean to brag). When I got to 6th grade, I started getting into Japanese manga and anime, and started learning how to speak Japanese. I was only teased more because I enjoyed something that wasn't "cool", and subsequently, I became even more of a "weird girl" than before.

I have had a group of very supportive friends since 5th grade who likes the same things I do and we get along really well. However, I was on a different team than all of them (our school divides each grade into teams; 6-2, 8-1, ect) and I was bullied both for my anime obsession and for not having very many friends. It got to the point where I dreaded the classes the housed my tormenters, and by the time I got to 7th grade I was ready to snap at the first person to take a shot at me. I became rather sharp-tongued towards anyone that had ever talked about me either to my face or behind my back, and I continued along my merry way with reading manga and learning Japanese. When I started talking to myself in Japanese to try and calm down, they would mimick me horribly and "speak" right back to me. I started drawing, which gave a small outlet to get at least a bit of my anger out, and I re gained a bit of politness towards the "popular" set.

One day when I was in the lecture hall, there was a poem written on my desk. I read it, and it felt like this person knew exactly what was happening to me. When I finished, I felt like crying. Eventually, I found out who wrote it, and now I can talk to my "onii-chan" (big brother) when I have a bad day. I also got into writing and listening to music, which has helped me feel so much better. One of My Chemical Romance's music videos actually showed me how to get here (thanks so much you guys!)

So now, I'm in 8th grade. Everyone still takes a jab at my hobbies, but I'm learning how to ignore them- turn up the music in your head. School will never be easy for me, or anyone who gets bullied. But the people who do the bullying hurt only themselves. Those of us who get bullied grow up to be better people than them, because we know what to feels like to be alone. ~Alli R, MA

As a victim of bullying, I can relate to Georgia Economou's experience. I began being a victim of bullying in Mexico in the first grade. I was somewhat sensitive back then, so kids began making jokes about me. They were just doing what friends would do, but since I had never experienced this, I took what they said seriously and got upset. The kids obviously found this funny, since they stepped up the jokes to actual bullying. They always made dry jokes about me and did stupid things in class like start rumors about me and throw things at me. Anything negative revolved around me. I tried to talk to the teachers, but they didn't do much, although they really couldn't considering the amount of peers involved. Things really started getting bad in the second and third grade when they actually started physically harrasing me. One time while I was at a party, a group of kids ganged up on me, threw me on the ground, and pushed me back down every time I tried to get up for about half an hour. Another time in a party, some kids found it funny to actually try and drown me, and if it wasnt for me jabbing my elbow into the kid holding my head down, I probably would have passed out. Some things that I learned along the way that helped me survive elementary school were always staying away from the problem kids. At first I tried to confront them, but this usually ended with painful blows to me. Then I just stayed away from everyone who had a problem with me. Another strategy that really helps is just saying Stop and walk away. It is a lot more useful than people sometimes make it out to be.

I eventually left Mexico, and moved to Kentucky. There I had some minor problems, but I was able to deal with them. What really helped me was just ignoring the sour jokes some kids made, and taking it in light. I didn't let the comments get to me. Having a group of trusted friends was really helpful as well. Even throughout middle school and high school in North Carolina, this helped me greatly. No matter what problems you were having, you could always count on your group of close friends to back you up. This really helps with one's self-esteem as well.
Also, in North Carolina during the seventh, I was not so much bullied as set aside by my peers, for being different. What helped me greatly was having a trusted adult to go to and be able to talk problems out with. The trusted adult that helped me throughout my integration into North Carolina was my counselor, Ms. Foster. Some of my other teachers helped me as well.

Basically, as long as you don't let things get to you, stay away from those who bully or bother you, have a group of people you can rely upon, and keep your beliefs solid, then you can deal with almost any obstacle people may throw at you. ~ Rafael Grillo, Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School, NC

My suggestion would be to try and use words, also tell an adult about the bully so someone else knows and can give you advice. Never result to fighting when it comes to a bully. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

Some suggestions that I have for a student that encounter bullies: 1) If you encounter a bully, work with the bullies to see if you can find some common ground and keep yourself from getting hurt. 2) Sometimes it is best to give the bully what they are asking for and then go and tell an adult or someone that can possibly help you. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC

People are always saying that you should forget the past and move on to the future, easily said than done. The day that I was graduating from high school was a beautiful, sunny day. Most of the kids were thinking parties, freedom, college. Only one thought was going through my mind, 7 years of pain and humiliation are finally over. For me bullying came in two forms, physical and mental. The first time a boy hit me, was in the 7th grade. We were standing in the lunch line and he punched me square in the jaw. I never did anything about it. Never reported it, never cried. Just stood there and took it. Thus it all began.

He was a popular boy and part of a popular group. Him and his best buddy became my biggest tormentors. Verbally and physically. You name it, I got it. Even though I never told anyone about it, the teachers knew about the abuse, some witnessed it. However, no amount of scolding, or punishment stopped these boys. I remember an incident vividly. We were in gym class and one of the boys began punching me and pushing me. His buddy, my nemesis, continued punching me as well. I fell down on the gym floor crying, the only time I ever did that. Well, when my 7th grade teacher found out about it, she took the side of the boy, who said I had started it. I was punished for being the victim. So, I was in a no win situation. I never told my parents about what was happening. I was raised in a Greek family and my parents were not supportive of me. If I told them what was happening, they only would have said it was my fault.

When I graduated from grammar school and went on to high school, it began all over again. The funny thing is, it was never the girl's who hit me, it was always the boys. It seems that every time one bully stepped aside, there was another one who stepped in. One time a boy was making nasty comments about my Mother. I snapped, and pushed him. He responded by grabbing me by my hair and throwing me up against a wall. Of course, the whole school knew about this. I immediately was labeled again. I had no friends of course. Who would want to be friends with someone like me? Unfortunately, I was not the brightest student. I admit it. You would never know it if you saw me now. So, I was always placed in a lower group, and this meant being in classes with losers who tended to be bigger bullyies. During my sophomore year, a new group of tormentors came after me. The ringleader being a boy who not only beat me physically, but he made it very clear that if I told anyone, I would regret it further. He once kicked my locker door closed on my hand. I sometimes would walk down the hallway in school and get smacked in the head. When other kids witnessed this, they would always ask me why I took it. Why didn't I fight back? How could I? I was one girl amongst a group of at least 5 boys!!! It may seem that it could not get any worse. It did though. It continued all the way through my high school years. Funny that some people think that high school can be the best years of your life. In my case, it was always a matter of survival. When graduation time finally came around, I began to feel that I would be free soon. However, all of my fears followed me wherever I went. I was scared that I would run into the boys who tormented me in college. I could get close to no one. The walls were solidly built around me and could not be brought down. Upon entering college though, things did begin to change. The kids were nicer. No one knew about my past, I began to slowly make some friends. The fear remained buried though. There was always a shiver of fear that went up my spine when I passed a group of boys. My self-esteem had taken a beating as well. I could not accept compliments from people. I always thought very little of myself, and this greatly affected any relationship that I had.

Now that I think back to this, I know it may have been prevented. There just didn't seem to be any options open to me at the time. I just couldn't tell my parents this. It would not have done any good. Teachers and school administrators would not have done any good either. However, in this day and age things are different. Programs are being set up regarding bullying, guidance counselors have made it more possible to have kids come to them and talk to them about what's happening. SAVE is invaluable to kids who are suffering through this. I encourage, no, I beg kids who are going through this to take advantage of what's offered to you via these programs. Please don't think that by telling it could get worse, it can't get any worse, please remember that. By telling, you may be saving another kids life.

By the grace of God, I did come out of this whole. I finished school, have a wonderful job and good friends. I'd like to say that I am successful. I still think about the incidents and sometimes even cry about them. However, I think that maybe God allowed these things to happen to me to help me become a more compassionate person. To think of other people's feelings first. My self-esteem is still low, and it's a struggle every day, but I think that I will be o.k. And I want others to know that they will be o.k. as well.~ Georgia Economou, NJ

March 31 - April 4 is National Youth Violence Prevention Week, how will your SAVE chapter celebrate this week?

RESPONSES:

SAVE Fort Wayne is encouraging participating schools to attend Round Table conferences on the campaign's "Unite In Action Day" scheduled for Friday, March 27th at the Old Fort YMCA. The challenges highlighted for 2009 were proposed by the campaign's Youth Advisory Board and will include: Promoting Respect and Tolerance, Managing Anger, Resolving Conflicts Peacefully, Supporting Safety and Uniting in Action.

The Eagle's Nest Youth Center SAVE chapter will be focusing on Bullying, Intimidation and Relationships this week. They will be having a basketball game on March 25 where youth will develop character through competition. On March 26 they will join other area youth at Old Fort YMCA for a panel discussion on violence and Sunday the week will culminate with a teen dance. The challenges highlighted for 2009 were proposed by the campaign's Youth Advisory Board and will include: Promoting Respect and Tolerance, Managing Anger, Resolving Conflicts Peacefully, Supporting Safety and Uniting in Action.

Eastern Greene will culminate a week of activities with a SAVE Rock-a-thon fundraiser on April 3-4, 2009.

Townhall II will display 1100 pinwheels each representing one abused child in Portage County from April 21 - 23, 2009 and a team for Bowl Against Abuse (sponsored by the Children's Advocacy Center in Ravenna, OH) will be created for an event on April 25, 2009.

For Youth Violence Prevention Week, my club will put up posters of Violence Prevention. We are also having our annual Grim Reaper Day. Every member in our club will wear a black shirt with a violence sttastic. Each member will represent a victim to violence. It makes an impact on our school because students can not only hear the statistic, but also see it. ~ Cassady Tetsworth, Northwest High School, Greensboro, NC

National Youth Violence Prevention Week falls on our Spring Break so we decided to do it the week of April 20th. We will be doing Purple Ribbon Day to remember our fallen Warriors and promote peace. We will hang our SAVE flag and Violence Statistics posters in the halls. Each SAVE member will be going to the 5th hour mentoring classes and having discussions around violence prevention and what students in MHS can do. Finally, we will be handing out Sour Punch Straws with messages attached, "Don't punch, have a Sour Punch" and "Be sweet, not Sour". ~ Kris Bethscheider, Montbello High School, Denver, CO

On March 23, we will host a Staff vs. Student basketball game with a $3 admission. On March 24, we will participate in the Hats Off to Violence Day where staff and students can pay $1 for wear a hat. All participants will receive a SAVE sticker to place on the hat. Wednesday, March 25 is West Charlotte Purple and Orange Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear purple and orange. There will be a prize for the most creative outfit. At 7:00pm there will be a Candelight Vigil in the Circle in the Front of the School. March 26 is the SAVE Walk Against Violence where staff, students, clubs and the community will be invited to walk with us. On Friday March 27 we are having the SAVE Dance 3-6 Student/Staff Dance Contest, Best Dressed and Rip the Runaway Contest. ~ Tammy Broadaway, West Charlotte Senior High School, Charlotte, NC

Well, my school has decided to participate in the Relay for Life. Some may ask what this may have to do with National Youth Violence Prevention Week...I feel like we are walking the violence out not just with the school but also in the community. We will be sharing information about SAVE with fellow walkers and the community. It will be a great way to get our information out and give back to the community at the same time. ~ Nigel Cox, Farmville Central High School, Greenville, SC

For National Youth Violence Prevention Week we are doing something for each day. Monday we are building a wall of intolerance. On Tuesday, we are putting ribbons on every fourth seat in the cafe - because 1 of 4 people are victims of violence. Wednesday, we're doing mix-it-up day. Thursday we're having a guest speaker. Friday, we're putting up the SAVE flag and reading off names of people who have died as a result of violence. ~ Jonai Lloyd, Laney High School, Wilmington, NC

My chapter plans to do an assembly and do a couple of skits pertaining to violence and why you shouldn't do it and put up posters all over the school. ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, Chicago, IL

My chapter hasn't finalized plans yet for National Youth Violence Prevention Week, but I think a good idea is to talk about a different type of violence in schools (like bullying, guns, etc.) each day of the week and ways to prevent it. ~ Casey Story, Garner Magnet High School, Garner, NC

2008 RESPONSES:

My chapter hasn't really talked to much about Prevention Week, but I think its a wonderful idea to post posters and flyers or just to go around your school and talk to the youth. But before the week comes we will definitely have our plans together! ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL

Actvities planned at Moore Intermediate School in Florence, South Carolina can be viewed here.

Our SAVE Club Members will present Bullying skits during school wide assemblies. Students in every grade level will have an opportunity to attend the assemblies. Activities leading up to the assemblies include sharing "Bully Blockers" on the school's morning television show, SAVE Club Members leading class meetings about Bullying, and administering a school wide Bullying survey to students. Students really enjoyed the Bully Blockers examples, and often approach me in the hallways to let me know what Bully Blockers they've used. ~ Diane Allen, Fuguitt Elementary, Largo, Florida

The Wilmot chapter is planning on placing posters around the school with facts about violence to raise awareness and prompt students to join the fight againgst violence! ~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot WI

My chapter has not yet discussed how to celebrate National Youth Violence Prevention Week, but I think it is a good idea to celebrate each day with a different theme of SAVE. You can use the week to remind everyone why it is important to prevent violence in your school. ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC

2007 RESPONSES:

Our SAVE Chapter had discussed going to another local school, either elementary of middle and giving a lesson about SAVE 's message. I think there are so many ways to participate in National Youth Violence Prevention Week either by volunteering, helping a friend, or just being there for someone in need. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway, CA

For National Youth Violence Prevention Week, my SAVE chapter and I will be trying to recruit more members into our chapter, and possibly putting up posters. ~ Rafael Grillo, Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School, NC

What activities will your SAVE Chapter be conducting over the summer?

RESPONSES:

Over the summer our club does not get together. We only do activities in the school. Eventually we would like to work at a local summer camp where children of domestic violence go to get away from problems. Its a safe area for them have fun and be kids. The camp is called Camp Hope. Our club has visited it last summer and hope to soon spend our vacations there as counselors. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

Our SAVE Chapter likes to take part in what we call "Ox Cart Days" each summer. We will be forming a team for the bed races and constructing a float for the parade. Our main goal in taking part of "Ox Cart Days" is getting our name out there. It's a great way for the community to hear about us, as well as a great way to get interest for potential members. ~ Taushia Brooks, Crookston High School, Crookston, MN

Our chapter over the summer is going to be working on next school year. We are going to be planning the up comming activities and anwork on the rule and regulations of the club. Also we are going to work on getting our SAVE chapter more out in the community and more well known in the school. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC

How has your SAVE chapter connected students in a meaningful way to your school and/or community?

Our SAVE chapter sponsored Mix-It-Up Lunch on November 15. Teachers and students participated. A Bingo Ice Breaker sheet was placed on each table. We also had nametags for every student to complete. Four teachers used this activity to assign extra credit for students who participated. ~ Ami Parker, Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC

Something new we tried this year was part of Domestic violence Awareness Month, October. Our group created posters with the grim statistics of domestic violence right here in our own community. We had members holding them at every stoplight, and we all received a lot of feedback from the community. Many motorists slowed down to read the signs, and gave a lot of honks in approval of our standing up against> violence. The students felt like they were really listened to and taken seriously by the public, and they were eager to go out and do other projects in the community. ~ Taushia Brooks, Crookston High School, Crookston, MN

Konnoak is expressing ways of caring by serving pumpkin and apple pies to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day!!!! They are also helping with Operation Christmas Shoe box through the Billy Graham Ministry and will be attending church together as a group this Sunday to dedicate the shoeboxes!!!! - Denise McCoy, Konnoak Elementary School, Winston-Salem, NC

We hold an annual community clean up, host different events at the school, and not only do we participate in the purple ribbon days, but we do this on the anniversaries of students that have died at our school. ~ Amber Virtue, Montbello High School, Denver, CO

My SAVE chapter has spread the word around school about SAVE to students that did not know what it was about. We have also connected to the community by visiting local businesses to raise awareness and seek donations. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC

We have gotten several freshmen involved with our club as well as the returning upper classmen. With a grand total membership of 20 members our club is steadily progressing. ~ Channing Shor, Middle Creek High School, Apex, NC

Our SAVE Club has connected students in the school and community by coming up with a new plan to do service projects once a month for our community. This month we are going to go down to a shelter in downtown San Diego where we will feed the homeless Thanksgiving dinner, a few days after Thanksgiving. We have connected students to our school by hosting a tailgate kick off event where all the students could come to a safe place to have fun and eat. It got kids school spirit up and informed them about SAVE. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

What is your best back to school safety tip? How is your SAVE chapter assisting in Back to School Safety efforts?

RESPONSES:

My best back to school safety tip is for students to meet new and positive people by joining clubs in your school. This way if your normal friends are doing something you don't agree with you can hang out with another group of friends. S.A.V.E at my school helps out with the back to school safety efforts by helping with freshman orientation. Members of save and other students that would like to help are assigned a group of freshmen to help throughout the school year. They help them get around the school, with tutoring, and bringing them to club events and other activities such as football games and etc. ~ Carl Miles Jr., E. A. Laney High School, Wilmington, NC

The best back to school safety tip is: stay positive, keep yourself around positive people because this will help you stay out of trouble and make an successful path in life. ~ Nigel Cox, Farmville Central High School, Greenville, SC

Our best back to school safety tip for parents would be to make sure your child is getting to school safe, whether it's walking (taking the safest route), taking a bus (knowing the rules), taking their bike (knowing the laws) or you personally driving them there (make sure they wear their seatbelt). For students, make sure you know what environment your in. Learn about the people around you and who to avoid. Join a club, that'll get you more involved and you'll make new friends!! Our SAVE chapter is assisting in Back to School Safety Efforts by having adopt a freshman, so the new sudents can get to know the school better. And we will also be encouraging students to join SAVE in order to get them involved in school and to join a positive program. ~ Dinh Doan & Candy Gonzalez, Montbello High School, Denver, Co.

As school starts back my chapter is trying to get the word out about SAVE. My best back to school safety tip would be to let students know now that no matter what happens throughout the year, it's okay to tell. Your SAVE chapter can communicate this. ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC

Always be safe going to and from school! Be sure you have a ride to scool and know that you can trust the person or people with whom you are riding. Also pay very close attention at school bus stops where traffic might be heavy. Once school starts my chapter will be giving handouts during the first week of school discussing back to school safety. ~ J.P. Wilson, Ira High School, Ira, TX

Responses from the academic year 2009 to 2010 :

My best back to school safety tip is to drive safely. Parking lots are going to be filled with vehicles and people running around. We must stay aware of our surroundings and watch closely to everything happening around us. ~ Hannah Froh, Chandler High School, Chandler, OK.

I would like to accomplish not getting into fights and to stay out of trouble. I am kinda of a gothic person that really nets to get better. That is what I want to acomplish. ~ Brittany Yoey, Hayes Middle school, W.V. This year I would like my SAVE Chapter to get out in the community and get the word out about SAVE. I would like for the community to be aware of SAVE and know what SAVE is for and about. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Middle School, Farmville, NC

I would really like for my SAVE chapter to do more cummunity service, we have done a lot but I believe that the community can use a lot more help. ~ Darius Bush, Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC

I would like to see our chapter to gain some underclassmen so that I know the club will continue to grow in the future. Also to have planned activities similar to last year on National SAVE Day, and also during violence prevention week have a few activities.
~ Channing Shor, Middle Creek High School, Apex, NC

I would like to see my SAVE Chapter grow with student envolement. We have a lot of members, but I would like to see our club branch out to all the different groups on campus. Also, I would love to see SAVE Week be a great success and get publiczed more.
~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

This year, the Montbello SAVE chapter has many things we are trying to accomplish. Our main goal is to somehow get difibulators in our school, by either writing grants, or raising money. Along side that project, we have many other activities that we are trying to do, such as our annual community clean up, particpating in National SAVE Day, Peace Week, violence Prevention Week, and mini activities around the school. All in all, it looks like it is going to be a good year for the Montbello SAVE chapter.
~ Amber Virtue, Montbello High School, Denver, Colorado

How has your SAVE Chapter addressed the needs of students with disabilities in your school or community?

RESPONSES:

We make every effort invite all students in our activities through our school's daily announcements, posters, flyers and often include personal one on one invitations. As sponsor, I have gone to speak directly with our intellectually and vision impaired classes about our various activities, student friendly resources and community agencies. During some of our pledge drives we have taken the materials directly to the classroom. We have several special needs students in our club. We have one special needs student who has been a member of our club for 3 years. She has taken part in presentations and has lead discussions, in her classroom, related events, activities, and shared helpful information and is a great advocate for our club and what it stands for. She participated in our car wash, was very instrumental during Red Ribbon Week in handing our ribbons and lollipops and she has two assisted with our middle school presentation on Bullies. This year one of the special need classes has occasionally acted as couriers distributing necessary announcements and ertinent information to the faculty and student body. They have done an excellent job and have agreed next year to be our official SAVE & SADD club courier! They will address and deliver notices to faculty and club members and the general student body about upcoming events. We are excited about this proposed cooperative endeavor. ~ Margaret Shortreed, Parkview High School, Lilburn GA

Do you feel that the incidents of violence in schools and communities increase as spring approaches and, if so, how does your school or agency address this potential for an increase?


RESPONSES:

I think that violence does increase because everyone is eager for summer break and the feeling of "not caring" sets in. We don't really have a set plan to help reduce this in our school because although the not caring feeling sets in there isn't and increased number of fights in our school particularly. ~ Channing Shor, Middle Creek High School, Apex, NC

Here in San Diego, and at my high school, in my opinion, violence does not increase as spring approches. If anything everyone is in a better mood because of the beautiful sunny weather outside. At my school, springtime is a time for the beach and friends at my school. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA

How does your chapter raise funds or gain sponsorship?