As part of their Sandy Hook Promise, the Indian River County School District will be participating in Say Something Week March 2nd – 6th, 2020.

When it comes to suicide or threats of violence, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident occurring. Given the growth of digital platforms, many students are learning about threats via social media.

What do students learn?

Students learn to look for warning signs, signals, and threats, especially on social media, of an individual who may be a threat to others or someone else and how to find a trusted adult to get help. And they’re empowered to “say something” before a tragedy can occur.

This week will allow students to participate in activities that reinforce the power young people have to prevent tragedies and save lives.

Say Something Week is a national call-to-action week to celebrate students being ‘upstanders’ in schools and communities by speaking up when noticing warning signs and threats of potential violence.

Who will be participating?

Thousands of youth organizations and schools from across the United States participate in Say Something Call to Action Week. When you sign up, you’re celebrating upstander culture and preventing school violence.

It is a free program that is available to all middle schools, high schools, and youth organizations serving grades 6 – 12. Whether you’ve participated in the past, or it’s new to you, this is the perfect opportunity to empower students to “know the signs” and learn how to prevent violence in schools.

What happens during Say Something Week?

Say Something Call to Action Week is comprised of the following three components.Say Something Student Training (approximately 35-40 minutes) – Either before or during Say Something Call to Action Week, students attend the Say Something Student Training. Students specifically learn the following three steps.

Recognize warning signs and threats
Students learn what warning signs and threats are and where they are likely to find them.
Act immediately; take it seriously
Students learn strategies to take action and overcome the barriers that may exist to being an “upstander” rather than a “bystander.”
Say something to a trusted adult
Students learn how to choose their Trusted Adult as well as how to let a trusted adult know when they see warning signs and threats.

The Student Training may be delivered in one of two ways:

In-person, by a teacher or staff member who has watched the Say Something DIY videos. When you register for Say Something Week, you’ll get access to these educational videos and become prepared to lead an in-person training in your school.
Digitally, using the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Student Training video. Visit our online training website and train your students using the “plug ‘n play” video.

Say Something Activities

Upon registering, you’ll receive a Planning Guide chock full of engaging activity ideas. These activities will reinforce the importance of “knowing the signs” and telling a trusted adult.

Student Leadership and SAVE Promise Clubs

Empower students to play a leadership role in developing and implementing the Say Something Week activities. This is most successful when paired with a student-led SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club to ensure Say something is fully embedded in the culture of your school or youth organization.

What Materials are available to support Say Something Call to Action Week?

After registering, you’ll get resources to help you have an amazing Say Something Week. These resources include a Planning Guide, a Toolkit, Student Training Videos, a Say Something Call to Action Week webinar and a parent brochure.

If you’re planning to order Say Something wristbands, t-shirt or other materials from our online store, please place your order now. Demand for these items is high and, to ensure delivery of your order before Say Something Week, we recommend ordering as early as possible.

Planning to create your own t-shirts or materials? You’ll get downloadable logos once you register for Say Something Week.

What languages are the resources available?

Say Something materials are available in English and Spanish. The Say Something digital Student Training is available with English, Spanish, and Vietnamese subtitles.

How can we recognize student participation?

Encourage your students to apply for a Say Something Award. Information on how to apply for this year’s award is coming soon! Posting photos on social media is also a great way to recognize your students. Make sure to use #SaySomethingWeek and tag us @SandyHook on Twitter and @SandyHookPromise on Instagram and Facebook!

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