Volunteer Program Details

Promise Leader volunteers work proactively to prevent gun violence through building awareness, promoting the Know the Signs programs in schools and youth organizations, advocating for safe gun access, youth mental health, and school safety legislation, and fundraising so that Sandy Hook Promise can continue to provide prevention programs at no cost.

By signing up you are committing to:

  • Completing the simple onboarding process
  • Taking a minimum of three actions per year
  • Reporting back on actions taken
Sign Up

Actions Promise Leaders Can Take

Promise Leader volunteers can choose from many different actions to take in support of Sandy Hook Promise. The actions are chosen from the four focus areas and are based on each volunteers’ area(s) of interest and time they can commit to volunteering. Volunteers should expect to spend an average of 3-12 hours a year on their actions (and reporting their actions). The time commitment depends on volunteer capacity and the actions chosen.

Building Awareness

Raise awareness about Sandy Hook Promise’s mission, Know the Signs prevention programs, and legislative platform. Educate your community on who we are and what we do.

Sample Building Awareness Actions:

  • Host an information table to share information about our work and prevention programs.
  • Lead a conversation with friends, family, and/or neighbors about school safety and gun violence prevention.
  • Submit an opinion piece to a local publication about the impact of our programs.

Program Promotion

Connect with schools, districts, and youth serving organizations to share about our Know the Signs prevention programs and encourage implementation.

Sample Program Promotion Actions:

  • Email a school, district, or youth serving organization to introduce the SHP prevention programs (a template is available on the Promise Leader resource page).
  • Discuss the SHP programs with friends, family, or neighbors who have school-age children.
  • Start a conversation with leadership at your child’s school about the Know the Signs programs.
Sandy Hook Promise volunteers and advocates in Texas.

Advocate

Advocate on behalf of the Sandy Hook Promise legislative platform, following the lead of our Policy team.

Sample Advocacy Actions:

  • Send a letter to local elected officials when relevant policy issues are being considered.
  • Attend statehouse days or other policy-based community events.
  • Call your local representatives to encourage action or support of SHP supported legislation.

Fundraise

Raise funds to support the Know the Signs prevention programs that are offered at no cost to schools, districts, and youth serving organizations.

Sample Fundraising Actions:

  • Set up a Facebook birthday fundraiser
  • Organize a bake sale
  • Host a product party
  • Organize a larger fundraising event such as a 5k

How the Promise Leader Team Communicates with Volunteers

Email:

  • Welcome email with orientation video.
  • Promise Leader action email at the start of each month with a suggested action you can take that month.
  • Monthly Promise Leader newsletter with organization highlights, upcoming action weeks, and learning opportunities.

Facebook Group:

  • Posts about action opportunities, call to action weeks, learning sessions and trainings, Promise Leader shout outs.

Text:

  • Occasional announcements about upcoming events.

Promise Leaders can contact our team at any time by email or phone.

Promise Leader Testimonials

"I am a Promise Leader because I want to honor those who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School. And to me, honoring them is making a commitment to do everything within my capability to take actions that will help prevent violence. I am proud to be a part of Sandy Hook Promise, whose members are doing such important work towards violence prevention."
Gayle O., ConnecticutPromise Leader
“The Sandy Hook Promise Foundation is one of the most effective and efficient charities I have ever come across. I give as freely of my time as I can to educate everyone I can that gun violence is preventable. #ProtectOurKids”
Doug MacLeodSandy Hook Promise Volunteer
"The impact of being a Promise Leader cannot be overemphasized. It has impacted me personally, but my campus and community as well. I became a Promise Leader after I helped bring SHP programs to my campus. Then, I realized that I could broaden the impact of the SHP message by not just being involved in the programs in my town, but also in my state. I honestly feel that by being a Promise Leader I have had an active role in making my community and state safer from gun violence."
Sara T., TexasPromise Leader
"Hosting a jewelry party with proceeds going to SHP and doing a social media fundraising challenge was so much easier than I thought it would be! I saw that my efforts and contributions helped Sandy Hook Promise spread their message and programs. Being a Promise Leader means that I can contribute in my own ways and have an impact on something bigger that is working to keep all our kids safe – physically and mentally."
Mandy W., MarylandVolunteer

FAQs

I don’t live in CT; can I still be a Promise Leader?

Yes! While we are based in CT, we are a national organization with Promise Leaders in all 50 states. Promise Leaders take actions within their communities to share our mission and promote gun violence prevention.

Can I join a local volunteer chapter?

We currently do not have chapters, but you may be able to connect with Promise Leaders in your area after your onboarding.

I don’t want to be a leader; can I still volunteer?

Promise Leader is the term we use for all Sandy Hook Promise volunteers, but this does not mean you have to take on a leadership role. Promise Leaders choose and organize their own actions, but our team is here to support you at every step. See the Actions Promise Leaders Can Take section for more information about potential actions.

Do Promise Leaders receive training?

After completing your onboarding, you will gain access to the Promise Leader resource page featuring training videos and other helpful materials to educate you on the four focus areas and prepare you to take action. We also offer learning sessions throughout the year on various topics and the four focus areas.

I’m interested in volunteering but still have questions, how do I contact your team?

Please use the Contact Form to submit your questions to our team. Be sure to select I’m Interested in Volunteering.

If you’re ready to become a Promise Leader volunteer and commit to taking at least three actions per year, please complete the sign-up form to get started!

Ready to join us?

If you’re ready to become a Promise Leader volunteer and commit to taking at least three actions per year, please complete the sign-up form to get started!