Say Something

Say Something

Build a community of Upstanders who can recognize warning signs and “say something” to get help.

Evidence informed. Flexible Implementation. No cost.

The Say Something program empowers students to recognize and report warning signs of potential harm. Students learn to become Upstanders — rather than bystanders – who:

  • “Know the signs” of violence or self-harm in a classmate or themselves.
  • Can “say something” to a Trusted Adult to get help for a peer in crisis – or oneself – and protect the school community from potential violence.

Say Something can be used as a Tier 1 (Universal) intervention in a Multi-Tiered Implementations and Supports (MTSS) or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. Implementation is easy and flexible, with multiple options so you can choose what works best for your school or district.

The Say Something curriculum is also embedded in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

1,013

Confirmed lives saved

5,300+

Students helped during mental health crises

327,000+

Anonymous tips received through our system

8M+

Students and adults participated nationally

From an Educator

How It Works

The Say Something program fosters a culture of Upstanders. It offers flexible options, discussion guides, and engaging lesson plans. The program teaches a simple three-step model used throughout the cycle.

  1. Recognize warning signs and threats: Learn what warning signs and threats are and where they are likely to be found. 
  2. Act Immediately, Take it Seriously: Understand how to take action and overcome barriers that may exist to reporting a concern about violence, victimization, or self-harm. 
  3. “Say Something”: Discover how to intervene by knowing who to go to for help. 

Across the K-12 grade range, the developmentally appropriate and evidence-informed Say Something curriculum builds student awareness and skills in five key areas: belonging, identity and self esteem, warning signs, empathy, and youth agency and decision making.

Our five-stage Program Cycle guides your Say Something implementation. This flexible tool suits schools of various sizes, resources, interests, and class schedules. It helps you identify the best content and strategies for your school or district goals.

Plan

Use our planning documents and professional development resources to easily schedule program delivery and prepare teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and other school team members to implement the Say Something program.

Train Students

Kick off the Say Something program with the foundational multi-media student training. An engaging and interactive presentation introduces students to key program concepts and sets the stage for integrating the curriculum into classrooms.

Engage Students

Deliver the flexible and easy to implement Say Something classroom curriculum during homeroom, morning meeting, or another time of day that meets instructional goals. 6-, 12-, and 25-lesson options are available.

Celebrate

Celebrate Upstanders and honor Trusted Adults during national Say Something Week in March, or another week that fits your schedule.

Grow

Decide how you may want to expand and improve your Say Something programming next year. For example: roll out the Say Something program to additional classrooms, grades, schools, or go district-wide. Start or expand SAVE Promise Clubs to increase youth engagement and empowerment. Add the Say Something Prevent Suicide supplemental training for students, educators and parents. Or add the Say Something: Trusted Adult workshop for educators and community members.

Donor Supported. Often No Cost.

Donor Supported. Often No Cost.

Financial constraints shouldn't stand in the way of creating a safe and supportive school environment where every student can thrive. At Sandy Hook Promise, this commitment is at the heart of our mission. That’s why, thanks to the generosity of our donors, many of our programs are offered at no cost.

Positive Outcomes

Positive Outcomes

In research conducted by the University of Michigan, students participating in the Say Something program reported:

 

  • More positive attitudes towards school. 
  • Fewer aggressive behaviors. 
  • Greater knowledge of, and willingness to report, mental distress and threats. 
  • Improved relationships with Trusted Adults in their school. 

Look Inside

Take a look at sample Say Something resources

Student Training Presentation

Student Training Presentation

An excerpt from the elementary student interactive training module (Stage 2)

Instructor Manual

Instructor Manual

A sample lesson plan from the Grade 4-5 curriculum (Stage 3)

Student Workbook

Student Workbook

A sample activity from the Grade 4-5 curriculum (Stage 3) 

Get Started

To learn more about bringing Say Something, our Violence Prevention programs, or any other Sandy Hook Promise programs and services to your school, district, or community, please submit the form below.


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