Students across the country are embracing the idea that the
power of positive change is in their own hands. Students who are EMPOWERED to
make a difference in their schools and communities are a key component of any
violence prevention program. No matter what their age or school level, they can
make a difference. Their ideas, views on safety and violence prevention, as well
as their talents are important. Share these ideas with your students to let them realize what a difference they can make.
- Participate in National Youth Violence Prevention Week March 29-April 2, 2004!
-
Petition to get a student on the school's safe school committee so the
students' voices will be heard.
-
Create a school action plan to address safety problems or issues in their school.
-
Prepare a school safety public information brochure or fact sheet to promote programs that have been or will be implemented in their action plan.
-
Speak to the PTA and request their support towards holding a peer mediation training and implementing the program schoolwide.
-
Start a SAVE chapter in their school and in other local schools and community-based agencies.
-
Have students in each class or at a designated area give suggestions on ways to "cool down" when angered.
-
Take a stand on important safety issues by writing to their congressman and voicing their opinions.
-
Teach steps to solving a problem to their local elementary school
-
Organize a violence prevention concert or "Stop the Violence Jam."
-
Work with community resources (fire departments, police departments) to create a safe haven center for children in danger.
-
Write and submit an editorial comment to the school or local newspaper
citing their views or proposed solutions to school safety issues.
-
Implement the Ghost Out Activity. Have SAVE members or some other students in the school paint their faces white. The "ghosts" are unable to talk for the entire day as they represent someone who has died as an act of violence. At the end of the day, survey the school's reaction.