Students Against Violence Everywhere, better known as SAVE, started at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, N.C. in 1989 following the tragic death of a student who was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party. Students met first to console each other, then formed an organization to promote youth safety working together to prevent future incidents from occurring.
This week SAVE chapters across the country will participate in National Youth Violence Prevention Week April 7 to 11. SAVE has partnered with five likeminded organizations to sponsor the week. Each day during the week corresponds to a specific challenge presented by one of the sponsors and executed by youth around the country. Information about each sponsor and an example of suggested daily activities follows:
- Monday, April 7: Promoting Respect and Tolerance
- Students will host a cultural day where dress, customs and food from around the world are celebrated. Other schools will ask students to get to know another student of a different background to help increase understanding as well as promote respect and tolerance.
- The day is sponsored by Teaching Tolerance, an organization dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for children.
- Tuesday, April 8: Manage Your Anger, Don’t Let it Manage You
- Students will participate in a contest between grade levels to see which can get the most students to sign a pledge to remain fight-free. Additional activities will teach healthy ways to release anger and stress, such as exercising or role playing.
- The day is sponsored by American School Counselor Organization, an organization that supports school counselors' focus on student development so they are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
- Wednesday, April 9: Resolve Conflicts Peacefully
- Some schools will plan, direct and star in a public service announcement on ways to manage and resolve conflicts peacefully. Others will create peer meditation programs.
- Sponsored by the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, which aims to ensure each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
- Thursday, April 10: Support Safety
- Students will participate in a SPEAK UP-themed contest in which they design posters promoting the anonymous and free 1-866-SPEAK-UP national hotline for students to report weapon threats at schools.
- Sponsored by the Center to Prevent Youth Violence, an innovative organization whose mission is to end the crisis of youth violence in America.
- Friday, April 11: Unite in Action
- To finish out the week, students will unite in action as they engage in service projects, create peace murals and mentor younger classmates. Some will also start a student-patrolled school crime watch program and anonymous process to report safety threats.
- The final day is sponsored by Youth Service America, an organization that improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of volunteer opportunities for youth age 5 to 25 around the globe.
In addition to participating in National Youth Violence Prevention Week, SAVE is celebrating 25 years of engaging, empowering and educating youth in violence prevention techniques. Since its inception in 1989, SAVE has mentored and provided resources, confidence and support to empower student leadership and help make their schools and communities violence-free. Marking the 25th Anniversary, SAVE is kicking off a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $25,000 to support chapters and safer schools in more than 125 schools across the country.
The 25th anniversary fundraising campaign is being held through Causes.com, the world’s largest online campaigning platform solely for nonprofits. The $25,000 goal aims to empower students to end violence and bullying in schools. The funds will cover the cost to establish or renew 125 SAVE chapters at U.S. elementary, middle and high schools and colleges. Interested schools can complete the quick application on the fundraising website. Interested donors can learn more about SAVE’s 25th anniversary campaign at the National Association of SAVE page on Causes.com.
For more information on SAVE or starting a SAVE chapter, visit the National SAVE website, or contact SAVE at (866) 343-SAVE to receive free start-up materials and guidance.
