To have safer, kinder, and more inclusive communities, Back to School season is the time to set plans in motion. As school shootings and youth violence continue to be an issue in American schools, research proves that when we “know the signs,” we can prevent violence and reverse the trends.
Whether you’re an educator, parent, caregiver, student, or just wants to help keep kids safe, it starts with a commitment to work together. These essential resources will help you build stronger relationships, strengthen an Upstander culture, and uplift others to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.
- Resources for Educators
- Resources for Families
- Resources for Students
- Resources for Volunteers (Promise Leaders)
- Resources for All Upstanders
Resources for Educators
Get classroom and schoolwide ready with grade-appropriate, CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) activities and ideas.
Your Ultimate Planning Guide
Our Back-to-School Guide for educators aligns with the key messages in our proven Know the Signs programs and offers developmentally-appropriate K-12 lesson plans and activities to cultivate Upstanders, build relationships with Trusted Adults, and foster an inclusive community. Boom! Make it your go-to guide all year long.
Join us for Start With Hello Week
Start With Hello Week is September 16 – 20, 2024. Each year, thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participate in this national call-to-action week dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. Learn more and sign up now!
Activities for Trusted Adults
Knowing the 10 critical warning signs of violence have helped thousands of students know when to “say something” to a Trusted Adult to get help and save lives. These easy-lift resources and activities boost connection, build empathy, and will empower students to recognize signs and speak up to Trusted Adults (you!) to foster safer communities.
Supporting Students Through Tough Transitions
Prioritize relationships for Back-to-School success! Get strategies to build strong bonds, engage parents, and create an inclusive classroom environment.
Educator News in Your Inbox
Get the latest news and ideas to support youth mental health and empower students to look out for one another.
Have other ideas on easing the transition back to school? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn! Or email [email protected].
Resources for Families
Your role as a Trusted Adult for youth is more critical than ever. Students of all ages often face mixed emotions and uncertainty on their return to school. Trusted Adults are the parents, guardians, educators, and caregivers who are present and actively involved in kids’ lives and help to provide a safe space for their mental health and well-being.
Activities for Trusted Adults
Families help empower their children to be Upstanders by teaching them to know the 10 critical warning signs of violence and to “say something” to a Trusted Adult. These simple resources and activities enforce that message, and strengthen connections, build empathy, and more.
Supporting Your Child Through Tough Transitions
Prioritize relationships for Back-to-School success! Get strategies to build strong bonds, engage with teachers, and create an inclusive classroom environment.
Empowering your Community
- Know your school safety plan. Sandy Hook Promise’s Guiding Principles of School Safety outlines strategies for school community stakeholders like you to start the conversation at your school.
- Read the “Cornerstone C’s Checklist” and get more tips for Trusted Adults.
Resources for Students
A new school year can be both exciting and challenging. These resources can help you support your peers and school community.
Watch for Warning Signs
Learn and share the 10 warning signs of someone at risk of hurting themselves or others and “say something” to a Trusted Adult.
Start or Join a Club
Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club empowers youth to take charge of keeping their schools and communities safe. Get started at your school!
Find Inspiration
Embrace your unique power! Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson shows you how. Read his inspiring journey and experience as a former Sandy Hook Promise Youth Advisory Board member.
Uplift BIPOC youth voices. Gun violence prevention advocate Lena Kalandjian (also a former Youth Advisory Board member) tells you how you can help.
Make an Impact
Youth are leading the culture change and building a movement. Let’s do this together! Here are youth-centered actions you can take (and some only take 5 minutes)!
Resources for Volunteers (aka Promise Leaders)
Volunteer to Drive Change
Volunteer your time to help create safer, healthier schools, homes, and communities for our children. Promise Leaders take action in four focus areas: Building Awareness, Program Promotion, Advocacy, and Fundraising to support Sandy Hook Promise’s work and mission.
Resources for All Upstanders (That’s You, Too!)
The Sandy Hook Promise mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Join more than 11 million people who have already made the Promise to protect children from gun violence.
- Spread the Word! Raise awareness on social media with our action kit. Honor with action and stand with us to #ProtectOurKids from gun violence and to #KnowtheSigns.
Activities for Trusted Adults
In 4 out of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it. We all want our schools, homes, and communities safe. These easy-lift resources and activities empower students to recognize the signs of violence and speak up to Trusted Adults (you!) to foster safer communities — share it with your friends and family.
