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STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE ~ FORUM
The SAVE
Student Forum is an on-line way to talk with other students and adults. It is
also an easy way to ask questions related to SAVE and youth and/or school violence. If you would like a question posted on the
forum, please email it to forum@nationalsave.org. If you would like to respond to a question,
please email forum@nationalsave.org
and remember to include the question you are responding to.
QUESTIONS POSED:
Since many schools are out for the summer, students will be on the
Internet more frequently. How can you protect yourself from a Cyberbully?
Cyber Bullying or Electronic
Aggression incidents are currently dominating the news, how is your SAVE Chapter addressing this issue?
March 31 - April 4 is National Youth Violence Prevention Week, how
will your SAVE chapter celebrate this week?
February 4-8 is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and
Awareness Week, how does your SAVE chapter help to prevent Dating Violence?
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?
What service projects will your SAVE chapter be conducting over the holidays?
If a student is interested in starting a
SAVE chapter at their school, what three things would you tell them about SAVE?
What is your SAVE Chapter doing for America's Safe Schools Week, National SAVE Day and the National SAVE Rock-A-Thon?
What is your best back to school safety tip? How is your SAVE chapter assisting in Back to School Safety efforts?
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?
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?
How is your SAVE chapter addressing relationship violence in your school and community?
How is your SAVE Chapter participating in National Youth Violence Prevention Week
(March 26-30, 2007)?
What suggestions do you have for students who encounter bullies?
How will your SAVE chapter help the less fortunate this holiday season?
How is your SAVE chapter responding to the gang issue in your school and community?
What activities will your SAVE Chapter be conducting over the summer?
Since March, 10 U.S. schools have successfully foiled student plots of death and violence. How is your chapter helping to prevent violence as the school year comes to an end?
On January 16, 2006 the nation recognizes the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and
his dedication to end violence and discrimination in our society. Do you know of a student that is "Living the Legacy" of Dr. King
through work with SAVE? If so, please briefly describe his/her work in violence prevention.
How has your SAVE chapter connected students in a meaningful way to your school and/or community?
How is your SAVE Chapter assisting in the
Katrina relief effort?
What would you like to see your SAVE Chapter accomplish this year?
How has your SAVE Chapter addressed the needs of students with disabilities in your school or community?
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?
How does your chapter raise funds or gain sponsorship?
What service projects has your chapter conducted?
What are ways that your SAVE chapter makes meetings fun, exciting, and informational?
Many SAVE chapters will be promoting crime prevention for the month of October. Does anyone have any suggestions for activities, awareness events or projects?
What can your SAVE Chapter do to improve relationships between students and teachers/school administration?
I would like to start SAVE in my school...
How has SAVE Made A Difference In Someone's Life?
How is Your SAVE Chapter Remembering the 1 Year Anniversary of 9.11?
Since many schools are out for the summer, students will be on the
Internet more frequently. How can you protect yourself from a Cyberbully?
RESPONSES:
The Internet can be a wonderful source of information and communication, but it can also be a dangerous place.
If you are being cyberbullied, make sure that you keep records of any harassing or threatening emails, comments, etc.
Don't ever respond to these comments, as these can just fuel the bully's behavior. Talk to a parent or adult you
trust about what is going on. Lastly, while online, just follow the Golden Rule--Treat others like you would like
to be treated. If you don't want to be harassed over the Internet, treat others with the same respect that you
ask for. - Amanda Krebsbach, Mukwonago High School, Mukwonago, WI
I have never caught myself in a situation involving cyberbullying and I intend to try my hardest not to.
I use facebook and I make sure to never accept a friend request from someone that I do not know. That is the
best thing that you can do; never start contact with someone that you do not know. If you find yourself being
cyberbullied, make sure you tell an adult immediately. The adult will understand and it is better to not wait
while things get worse. For future preference, where can I find the question and do I send it to you? I feel
like things have just started and I've already messed up. I won't let it happen again. - Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC
Believe it or not cyber bullying is becoming a bigger deal now that almost everyone has Internet access,
cyber bullying can only get out of hand only if you let it. Every website you visit like the most popular ones
(Myspace, Facebook or Yahoo etc.) have a place where you an report harassment, hate speech and any other incident
that has occurred to you in that website. Another thing is to keep a watchful eye out for strangers because some
people aren't always who they say they are. Be especially careful when talking to any stranger on the net they might
be dangerous or worse. And remember, you can always talk to someone you trust you like a friend or an adult, chances
are they will understand what you are going through. - Gerardo Ruiz, Montbello High School, Denver, CO
The way you can protect yourself from Cyberbullys is to never answer message from people you don't know.
If you have an harassing message from someone alway tell a trusted adult. Always save and print the message
the Cyberbully sent you. If the bully continue to harass you report them to you local internet police. - Jonai Lloyd, Laney High School in Wilmington, NC
You can protect yourself from a Cyberbully by only communicating with people you know on the internet.
If you are talking to someone you don't know and you're feeling uncomfortable with the conversation,
tell someone you are close to. Don't keep that bottled up inside. - Danielle Diaz, Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM
I can protect myself from a cyberbully by not going in chat rooms, on particular sites, or by not talking to strangers!! ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL
A way to help prevent cyber bullying is to avoid bad situations with people online. If someone starts to bully you report it to the websites admin and try to get it resolved in a calm manner. Arguing
with them won't solve anything, it will only make it harder on one if not both of you! ~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High, Wilmot WI
A way that I would protect myself from Cyberbulling is going on sites that will be safe for young teens. Also I would
stay away from any thing that you do not no about. ~ Nigel Cox, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC
Students should always take caution while on the Internet. If anyone ever threatens or verbally abuses you on it,
you should block the user from whatever site you are on and report it to a trusted adult. You
should also never talk to anyone you do not know or post personal information on the web. ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC
Cyber Bullying or Electronic Aggression incidents are currently dominating the news, how is your SAVE Chapter addressing this issue
RESPONSES:
My chapter has helped with the growing problem of cyber bullying or electronic aggresion incidents by letting students know how to prevent
it. We had a booth had lunch with information about it which many of the students came to ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC
To help use the internet for prevention of substance abuse our chapter decided that more advertisments against it are necessary!
Using popular sites such as YouTube, MySpace, FaceBook, and any other sites that are regularly visited could be used to help to prevent teens from
purchasing both legal and illegal drugs. ~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot WI
The Internet could be used to prevent substance abuse among youth by communication, different programs, and
websites that tells you why you shouldn't do it, what it causes, and what could happen. ~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL
March 31 - April 4 is National Youth Violence Prevention Week, how
will your SAVE chapter celebrate this week?
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
February 4-8 is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Week, how does your SAVE chapter help to prevent Dating Violence?
RESPONSES:
My Chapter helps prevent dating violence by going around the school and talking to the youth/students about
dating violence and how you can prevent it and if someone is in a abusive relationship (etc.) they need to get out quick or get help!!
~ Brehanna Jordan, North Chicago High School, IL
At Wilmot, our whole school covered domestic and dating violence in October! While our chapter was at the time unable
to do anything to assist, other organizations in our schools stepped up to the plate and fundraised for the cause!
Student Council sold home-made purple bracelets, posters were hung up all over the school stating statistics on the subject,
and a dance was even held! Overall it raised awareness and entertained the student body, which in the end helped the
students of Wilmot understand that when either you, or a friend, are in a violent relationship the best thing to do is speak up!
~ Kalynn Kowitz, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot WI
Our SAVE Chapter has a skit about dating violence that we perform to help get
other people aware of dating violence. Also if dating violence happened the person could come to one of the SAVE
members and the SAVE member would tell someone in authority. ~ Wesley Rossdeutscher School, Chandler High School, OK
Dating violence is a huge problem in high school. Luckily we have adults who can help those in need.
Our SAVE advisor is a great source if we ever need anything. If someone is having problems with their partner we
usually go and tell our advisor and seek for her help. She is great at giving advice and many young people get alot
of good things from her. ~ Christian Gonzalez, Montbello High School, Denver,CO
My school recently had a freshman open house, and on our display we showed articles about preventing internet and dating violence.
We talked to the people who stopped by our display and many read the articles. ~ Casey Story, Garner High School, Garner, NC
For National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Week, we will try to put posters up with statistics
and tips. ~ Rafael Grillo, Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School, NC
My SAVE chapter had a speaker come and take about dating violence last year. She discussed how both men and women are victims and signs that
lead to dating violence. There are many ways to be in a harmful relationship besides physical violence. My chapter helped in making the students at my high school more aware of these dating
facts. Dating is great, as long as it's done right. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA
My chapter holds little discussion groups hat talk about waht to do if you are in a abusive teen realtionship and how to prevent violence in
a teen dating relationship. We also talk about how to solve the problems that come along with dating. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC
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 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 (excasty and cocain) and had suffered
from alcohol poisionoing. 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 realtionship 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
How is your SAVE Chapter participating in National Youth Violence Prevention Week (March 26-30, 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
Cyber Bullying or Electronic
Aggression incidents are currently dominating the news, how is your SAVE Chapter addressing this issue?
RESPONSES:
My chapter has helped with the growing problem of cyber bullying or electronic aggresion incidents by letting students know how to prevent
it. We had a booth had lunch with information about it which many of the students came to.
What suggestions do you have for students who encounter bullies?
RESPONSES:
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 bully’s. 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
Question Posed: How is your SAVE chapter assisting in Back to School Safety
efforts?
RESPONSES:
Our SAVE chapter had a part in the "Get Involved" assembly for the freshman where all the
clubs in our school had a few minutes to say why they should join and what they were about. SAVE read the names of all our
Warriors that had passed away, some due to violence and that we are here to do as much as possible to prevent that.
We started it off with the "Stop the Violence, Pump up the Peace" chant that this years summit did. That got the freshmen
really pumped! Then we read the names and I spoke a little about SAVE and why should they join. It was a really good turn out.
Now we are working on getting as many new members as possible and making this a really good year for the Montbello SAVE chapter.
We are going to spread the word and put up posters and try to get as many new people involved with SAVE. ~ Christian Gonzales, Montbello High School, Denver, CO.
As the school year begins, SAVE is being promoted to new and returning students at the club fair and through announcements made throughout the school. The first meeting of the year will allow students to become reaquainted with the goals of SAVE and to plan a successful
year, packed with events that promote SAVE. We are looking forward to helping create a safe, healthy and peaceful year at school!
~ Marissa Shapiro, Syosset High School, Syosset, NY
Since Paisley IB school does not have a SAVE chapter set up already, we will be working hard this year to be able to implement a
SAVE chapter this school year, as part of our back to school safety efforts. We hope that by working with the students and faculty
of the school, we will be able to spread and promote the message of crime prevention, peaceful conflict resolution, and community
service early on in the school year. As part of our back to school safety efforts, we plan to raise awareness about SAVE and get
enough members in the beginning of the school year, in order to be able to establish a successful chapter as early as possible.
~ Rafael Grillo, Paisley IB Magnet School, Winston-Salem, NC
Our SAVE Chapter students will be promotting the club at Freshman Orientation to get new kids involved in a positive aspect
of high school. Also we will be promoting SAVE through posters in the school at the beginning of the year and by participating in the
SAVE Rock-a-thon. We want to spread SAVE 's message in hopes of keeping our students safe.~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA
Question Posed: How is your SAVE chapter responding to the gang issue in your school and community?
RESPONSES:
I am blessed to live in a community where there is very little if any at all gang violence. Poway is an upper suburban family area.
We never hear or see gang violence, though still know it exists. Our SAVE chapter educates on what gang violence is and how to help
reduce it in schools and communities. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA
My school is responding to the gang issue by researching the gangs that are in our school, and community so we can find ideas and tools to help us better our school
and community. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC
Question Posed: 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
Question Posed: Since March, 10 U.S. schools have
successfully foiled student plots of death and violence. How is your chapter helping to prevent violence as the school
year comes to an end?
RESPONSES:
Our SAVE chapter has pinned up posters all over the school from the “Speak Up” campaign.
The posters encourage students to ‘speak up and save lives’ by reporting any weapon or related threats. They also have the
1800 SPEAK UP hotline, so students feel comfortable reporting anonymously. ~ Taushia Brooks, Crookston High School, Crookston, MN
My SAVE Chapter participated in Prom Promise. We informed students that violence can occur before, during and after prom,
especially when alcohol, drugs or risky behaviors occur. We encouraged students to be drug and alcohol free and to associate with friends who take the same stand. The chapter also provided options to students in case they find themselves in
uncomfortable situations. ~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC
We have many clubs on campus where kids can turn. Also friends usually tell an administrator. Our school is pretty good
at making everyone feel welcome. We talk a lot about situations and host weeks that are dedicated to non-violence. SAVE is
another aspect where kids can come to if they feel unsafe or not apart of the school. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway, California
Question Posed: On January 16, 2006
the nation recognizes the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and
his dedication to end violence and discrimination in our society. Do you know of a student
that is "Living the Legacy" of Dr. King through work with SAVE? If so, please briefly describe his/her work in violence prevention.
RESPONSES:
Yes, I do know someone. I met this person when I was in middle school. The young man was in all of my classes in 6th and 7th grade. The young man was
having some trouble with his anger. He was getting suspended time after time over fighting. So one day I decided to try to introduce SAVE to him. I did not think
he would listen to me but he did. I invited him to the next meeting and he came. After the meeting he thanked me and joined the club.
He found new ways to control his anger and ways other than violence to deal with his problems.
~ Michael Register, Farmville Central High School, Farmville, NC
I believe a student at my school named Katie Halyman is living the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
through her deeds abd actions. While trying to receive her gold award
in her girl scout troop, she put on a tea party for the women's shelter. Katie did this to make all
the women feel equal and to lift their problems off their shoulders for at least one day. ~ Gerard Wheeler, Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC
In our SAVE chapter here at school there is not one certin individual who
sticks out as "Living the Legacy" promoting it in a way such as King.
Everyone is committed to the purpose of SAVE though, and stands for the
message SAVE is all about. We do it together, as a team. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway, CA
Question Posed:
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
Question Posed: What would you like to see your SAVE Chapter accomplish this year?
RESPONSES:
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
Question Posed:
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
Our SAVE Chapter is open to all who want to join and our SAVE Club treasurer happens to be a student with disabilities. We have not done a specific
outreach although we have worked with kids of domestic violence amd foster families. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, San Diego, CA
Question Posed: 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
Question Posed: How does your chapter
raise funds or gain sponsorship?
RESPONSES:
Before I share this with you, I wanted to let everyone know that our group
did an AMAZING job fundraising last year-$5,000 last year alone!! But it
definitely wasn't easy, it being only our second year in the school, and
only 20 members!! We were very creative about everything. We started off
the year by selling Krispy Kreme donuts by the dozen, made bead bracelets
that spell out 'SAVE', we held a concert with bands from all over Minnesota
called 'Rock against> violence'. We also sold coupon booklets, received a
mini grant from the National SAVE Organization, and we were able to get
petty cash from our school's Board of Education. We also held a '$.50 To
Wear A Hat Day' on a Friday (with the principal's permission) were the
students could pay $.50 to get a ribbon around their wrist that excused
them to wear a hat all day-they liked that idea! ~ Taushia Brooks, Crookston High School, MN
Our club is the recipient of a $1000 award for a
Seatbelt and GDL Project checkpoint we conducted at a football game on
October 22, 2004. Our goal was threefold: to raise the awareness levels of
the students, parents, and visitors on state laws on seatbelt safety,
booster seats for infants and toddlers, and the Graduated Driver License
program. The monies will be awarded in May to deserving seniors who have
worked in our SAVE Chapter and to pay for registration to the SAVE Summit. ~ Joan Walden, Ragsdale High School, Greensboro, NC
The Chicken Shack has agreed to assist in sponsoring the SAVE
program at Gompers Middle and High School here in San Diego. We have 2 meetings per month, and once a month they will provide food for
everyone involved. Another business getting involved in the community! ~ Patrick J. Wafer Sr.,
San Diego City Schools Police Department, San Diego, CA
More Fundraising Information
Question Posed:
What service projects has your chapter conducted?
RESPONSES:
Our SAVE chapter sponsored a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by having
homerooms compete in a penny war. After three weeks of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and lots of dollars, Shelby Junior High collected over $8,000 and was the top fundraising school in the state of Michigan.~ Kim Twarowski, Shelby Junior High, Shelby Township, MI
The SAVE chapter at Cherokee Middle School in Springfield, MO responded to the recent
disaster from the tsunami in East Asia by working in conjunction with our Student Council and
Character Education Program to raise over $9,500.00 for the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.
Our character word of the month was Cooperative. We put that word in action to cooperate with the other
clubs and the entire school community to promote a day for donations. The response was tremendous as we
collected envelopes of money that morning. Our students learned first hand that we can impact
these victims' lives in a positive way, even though we are half way around the world!~ Julie Peck, Cherokee Middle School, Springfield, MO
Our SAVE chapter had a successful time collecting food and toys this holiday season.
We also sold candy after school to raise money for T-shirts and to donate funds to needy community organizations.
To see a picture of this chapter in action, click here.
~ Jeri Johnson, Cedarbrook Middle School, Wyncote, PA
One of the service projects that my SAVE chapter conducted was making Christmas card for people who dont have
enough money to have the kind Christmas they would like. We also went to an elementary school and taught the kids about
Christmas in all parts of the world. Another project we did was to taking gifts to the elderly to the rest home.
~ Gerard J. Wheeler, Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC
We could go Christmas caroling hold a canned food drive in our school,
adopt a family with problems spurred by violence, donate items to good will,
pick a name off a tree for childrens Christmas gifts, or help clean up Bond Park. ~ Channing Shor, Middle Creek High School, Apex, NC
Our service project this month is to send a few boxes of toiletries and
toys to Russia to help the kids in that country who's families can't afford to celebrate Christmas. ~
Victor Bands, SAVE Chapter President, J.H. Rose High School, Greenville, NC
Our SAVE chapter conducted the 2nd annual Coat Drive to benefit area residents through the community shelter. We have collected over 200 coats
within the last two years. We put drop boxes in all three school offices,and we advertise in the local paper, and with flyers around town. As you
know, in Minnesota it can get kind of cold during the winter months...so this was a great way for us to connect within the community.
~ Diane Seegers, Paynesville Area High School, Paynesville, MN
At Canyon View our SAVE club conducted a food drive. We collected 10 barrels of food that
went to the local food bank. We are also working on two fundraising projects, one for Make-A-Wish and one
for a local battered womens shelter. ~ Bonnie Loparo, Canyon View Elementary School, San Diego, CA
Our SAVE chapter is going to adopt a family and get them presents and a tree. We also are
discussing going down to a Battered Women's Shelter to read
Christmas stories to the Mothers and Children. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway CA
Question Posed:
What are ways that
your SAVE chapter makes meetings fun,
exciting, and informational?
RESPONSES:
We make meetings fun by allowing the group to go off topic a
little. If someone brings up something funny that happened to them or an upcoming event we talk about it for a while, which usually
ends in hysterical laughter because we have some humorous people in the club. Also most of the club
knows each other from classes or other clubs so its fun to come after school and hang out.
As for the informational part, we are busy planning for violence Prevention Week so we can take
that to the highest level possible by getting media coverage and possibly a story in the news.~ Channing Shor, Middle Creek High School, Apex, NC
We always serve popcorn at our meetings and our members always have some new great idea. Usually our meetings are quick, and down to business.
I am hoping to have meetings every now and then on the weekends and have a movie night and just become closer,
maybe work on some of those great team building activities. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway CA
Some of the ways that we make our SAVE meeting fun and exciting is that we have fun and get excited about coming to the meetings. Also we require that you have 95% of attendence to attend the summit in Raleigh. Another thing we do is that we hold events for those that attend. - Gerard Wheeler, Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC
Question Posed: Many SAVE chapters will be promoting crime
prevention for the month of October.
Does anyone have any suggestions for activities, awareness events or projects?
RESPONSES:
Some suggestions that we are doing for crime prevention is having a step show. The step show takes place on National SAVE Day. The step team incorporated statistics about violence and staged a fight to stop violence. So projects that can happen is that watching a movie or reacting the Alex Orange story for your student body.
~ Gerard J. Wheeler, Highland School of Technology
SAVE members could perform a skit about crime prevention. Act it out at lunch in front of everyone. The SAVE club
could do a survey for the kids to see how much they know about the crime in their community. ~ Heather Hernandez, Poway High School, Poway, CA
Question Posed: I would like to start SAVE in my school. A person came to our school to
talk about Black History Month and started chaos between the black and white
students, to the point where 3 black students pointed a bb gun to a white
student's head, and violence is happening more and more than it usually does
in our school (which is a lot). I want to start it, but I'm not sure what I
could talk about, or do, in the club. Like, I know we would talk about
violence and how to prevent it, but how would we put it into action? You dont
even have to post this if you dont want to. I just want a response, please.
This means a lot to me. Thanks for your time. --Jaime; West Haven, CT
RESPONSE: Jaime, Thank you for contacting National SAVE. We have heard of situations
like yours from some other students around the country. SAVE believes that
every student should be able to attend a school that is safe and secure, free
of fear and conducive to learning. SAVE can be a vehicle for bring diverse
views and experiences together for the safety of everyone at your school.
students against> violence Everywhere...
- engages students in meaningful violence prevention efforts within their school
and community.
- empowers youth with knowledge and skills necessary to provide service to their
community and school.
- encourages positive peer influences within the school and community through
violence prevention efforts.
- educates students about the effects and consequences of violence as well as
safe activities for students, parents, and the community.
We have a step by step guide for helping you get started with SAVE. Click on
the following link:
Getting Started or call our office at toll
free 1-866-343-SAVE(7283) to request a mailed copy. Be sure to register your new chapter with National SAVE so that you can be a
part of our expanding network of chapters nationwide and receive our new lesson
plan on Diversity. We applaud your initiative to take a positive step towards
a safer school by implementing SAVE. Please keep us informed.
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