You Can Advocate for Teen Mental Health
Supported
You can make a difference
Safer, more connected schools are possible. Watching tragic events unfold remotely – sitting in front of a TV screen – can create a feeling of helplessness, which may cause us to abandon hope. At times it may feel like the world is beyond our help or control. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
The first step is to take a deep breath, and realize you’re not alone. Others are seeing what you see, and responses of fear, anger, and hopelessness are very normal and shared by many. It’s easy to be disheartened by the many complex issues that make changing the culture of our schools seem impossible.
We’re here to say that it can be done. The CDC identifies connectedness, social- emotional skills, resilience, and acceptance of others as the keys to changing school environments. Rachel’s Challenge breaks these down into simple, teachable principles that we can rely on to effect change.
By advocating for Rachel’s Challenge, you can bring hope to your school through promoting kindness, compassion, acceptance, and respect. These learned behaviors lead to emotional and academic success, and promote a safe learning environments.
Starting a Chain Reaction in Your School
This Tool Kit provides information you can share with your school officials, PTA/PTO, other concerned parents and community members, and potential funding organizations to help bring Rachel’s Challenge to your school.
The Kit includes printable or emailable documents introducing Rachel’s Challenge and its impact. There are also videos designed to make it simple for you to share Rachel’s Challenge with others. Please accept Rachel’s Challenge and help us save lives by advocating for safer, more connected schools in your community.
No cliques just community
Schools are not islands. They are products of the communities that surround them. The Rachel’s Challenge school program includes public community events, so that parents and citizens can see and understand what is being presented, and how they can best support it. We invite everyone to participate in these events, and encourage people to be actively involved. We have many ways that volunteers can participate. To learn more about how you can help.
