Programs: Say Something Week 2016, October 24 – 28
Did you know that when it comes to violence, suicide and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident takes place? In fact, in four out of five school shootings, the attacker told people of his or her plans ahead of time. Additionally, seven out of 10 people who complete suicide tell someone of their plans or give some type of warning or indication.
Imagine how much tragedy could be averted if these individuals said something?
Please join Sandy Hook Promise for Say Something Week this October 24 – 28.Last year, almost 200 Promise Leaders from 32 states brought Sandy Hook Promise’s first ever Say Something Week to a school or youth organization in their community. These efforts collectively trained and empowered over 205,000 young people to recognize threats – especially in social media – and Say Something to a trusted adult.
To send a letter to a school or youth organization in your community encouraging them to join Say Something Week,
click here.
Advocacy: Taking Action Locally
Promise Leader Eileen from Maine joined Sandy Hook Promise’s Promise Leader Conference Call last month to learn how she can support gun violence prevention policy in her state.
After participating in the conference call, Eileen became active in Maine’s Vote YES on Question 3, a ballot initiative that asks Maine voters to expand background checks to all gun sales and transfers between individuals who aren’t licensed to sell guns. Eileen is asking neighbors and friends, including doctors and nurses in the community, to join her in writing op-eds to their local newspapers. She is also actively engaging the faith community and will be hosting a community conversation at a local church.
Eileen shared, “Maine has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. Easy access to firearms contributes to this reality. As a registered nurse, I am committed to public health and public safety. Easy access to firearms and background checks that are easily circumvented remain a threat to both.”
This month’s Promise Leader Conference Call will focus on how to work with schools and youth organizations in your community to implement Sandy Hook Promise’s
Know the Signsprograms.
The conference call will take place on Friday, October 7 at 1 p.m. ET.Click here to RSVP.
Awareness Building: Promise Leader Conversations
This month, Promise Leaders across the country are hosting conversations to build awareness about Sandy Hook Promise.
Following a Promise Leader conversation in Florida last week, the local school district is exploring how to integrate Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something and Start with Hello programs into their school curriculum. This is an amazing example of how one conversation can break through feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and inspire people to take action.
Founded in 1901, Ohio PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer organization in the State of Ohio focusing on the health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.