Growing up in a generation that has witnessed acts of school violence such as Columbine, Virginia Tech, and more recently the shootings on the campus of Northern Illinois, I have been deeply affected by these tragic events.  I believe that these events stand as testaments as to why violence prevention programs like S.A.V.E. are needed within our everyday school curriculum.  It is important that our students receive an education in a safe, nurturing, and conducive environment.  After all, it is their success in education that will be vital in determining our country's future.

S.A.V.E. is a national non-profit organization that was created in 1989 by a group of students after the death of their classmate.  The student's name was Alex Orange and he died trying to stop a fight at a party.  These students did not want to see the death of their friend become "just another statistic".  More importantly, they wanted to provide students with the opportunity to band together and take a stand against violence within their schools and communities.  S.A.V.E's mission is to decrease the potential for violence in schools and communities by promoting meaningful student involvement through education and service opportunities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE

Q: What is SAVE?
A: SAVE is a student-initiated program that promotes nonviolence within schools and communities. SAVE provides education about the effects and consequences of violence and helps provide safe activities for students, parents and communities.

Q: What is the history of SAVE?
A: Angela Bynum, a student, and Gary Weart, a teacher, from West Charlotte High School (NC), initiated the formation of Students Against Violence Everywhere in 1989 in memory of Alex Orange, a student from their school. Alex was shot while trying to break up a fight at a party. The SAVE colors of orange and purple represent Alex Orange and peace.

Q: Where can I implement SAVE?
A: SAVE can be implemented as a curriculum in elementary schools, or as a club in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and community organizations.

Q: How can I start a chapter?
A: Contact National SAVE for the SAVE essentials sampler. Inside you will learn about the history and goals of SAVE. Also included are sample pledges, sample activities and an action planning form. If you are starting a chapter at your school, permission from the school principal must be obtained. Then find 1-2 teachers, parents, or school resource officers to serve as advisors. Advise the student council and announce the first meeting to the student body.

Q: How often do chapters meet?
A: The SAVE approach in elementary schools integrates school safety information, knowledge and skills throughout the current course of study. At the middle and high school levels, the approach is through chapters which can meet before, during or after school hours. Chapters can meet monthly or bi-weekly.

Q: What types of activities does SAVE sponsor?
A: Members participate in numerous activities including conflict management, SAVE week, community volunteer work, SAVE rallies with other chapters, non-violence pledge drives, and fundraisers. They also speak to other school students, attend the annual SAVE Summit, serve as a SAVE Youth Advisory Board member, design t-shirts, and advocate for nonviolence everywhere.

Q: Who can be an advisor?
A: A teacher, school counselor, parent, or school resource officer, or interested adult approved by the school or community group can be an advisor.

Q: What are some service project ideas?
A: Successful service project ideas include: fight free days, dances, reading to the elderly, violence prevention workshops, school and community beautification, child abuse awareness, adopting a family, assisting Habitat for Humanity.

Q: Who can join SAVE?
A: SAVE membership is open to elementary, middle, high school and college students.

Q: Where can I find out more about SAVE?
A: Updated information is available at the SAVE Web site (www.nationalsave.org) and can be obtained by calling the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere toll-free at 866/343-SAVE. Registered chapters receive ongoing support, materials and additional benefits.