“YES, We Are Going To Change That!”

Hello everyone!

Our first Youth Empowerment topic of 2019-2020 is “YES, we are going to change that!”   Tom Bull and I recorded a quick video introducing this topic.  You can find the video at https://cves-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sisson_jeff_cves_org/EYYUWgs0AdJMuIYDoxVMo1EBgJ1af6yws1bbpaAdfv8d3A?e=bdptEI (I am going to tie my arms to my side when we film the next “rolling-out” video.  You will understand what I‘m talking about after you watch it! =)).

At the Youth Empowerment Summit in October, we spent most of the day discussing creating connections between people and supporting each other when things become difficult.  I remember Tom Bull telling us that each of us moves through periods of “ups” and periods of “downs” as we move through life as a teenager or as an adult.  It is his belief that the best way to remove yourself from a down period—and to keep from entering a down period, is to help the people around you who need some support.  So following the path forged by Tom, our first YES topic of the year will focus on supporting other students who may be struggling.

We have data from a recent questionnaire that suggest that many North Country students are struggling with the ups and downs that Tom mentioned.  I mentioned at the summit that almost 20% of students don’t know how to help a friend who is really depressed.  Together, we are going to change that!  We are going to focus on this data is telling us, and make sure people know how to “help” themselves or others who are having a hard time.  Let’s make sure that everyone is aware of the resources that are out there.  YES!

We have created two posters for you to print out and place around the school!  Another guerrilla advertising campaign!   Place them everywhere—bathroom mirrors, lockers, water fountains, etc. (but not on doors—it is against fire code!).   Electronic copies of each are attached to this email so you can print out as many as you like.  We printed two large posters and they should arrive in your main office by the end of next week–so keep an eye out for them.  Also attached are some social media tiles for you share with your classmates.  Let’s try to reach everyone!

Oh, I almost forgot about our song for the month!  We are going way back to 1965 to a song called “Help” by a group called The Beatles.  I think it fits the suggested topic perfectly!  Here is a link to the song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE

Some thoughts/ideas for this month:

• At least once a week during have a student make an announcement (morning announcements?) to the entire school about this month’s theme.  Mention the data, and one of the ways in which students can get help (Text Line/Hotline/Lifeline/who to talk to in the school building).  You can also say:  “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  If you’re concerned about someone, talk with a trusted adult. “
• Play the 2018 Award Winning Beekmantown ISAB/YES Video titled: Know the Signs on your MS/HS TV monitors. https://cves-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sisson_jeff_cves_org/Eeya0W753DJCpVsvCljCGPIB_JrSMzsj98Da2BqedAAdjg?e=dXHSBa
• Create short videos sharing the data and information on the posters.  The videos can be played on your district television monitors, etc.
• Play the song “Help” by the Beatles on the school television monitors or over the intercom when appropriate!

Please # (hashtag) your efforts (sharing the images or taking pictures of discovering the notes or being examples of the monthly theme) with #YESchangethat so we can find your posts and share them on Facebook and celebrate your success!  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Get-Up-Stand-Up-382967395206522/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Enjoy!

js (Jeff Sisson, Training Specialist-Health, Safety, Risk, Management)

Free Posters:

Please feel free to print out and place around the school or share across your social media using the hashtag #YESchangethat

Social Media Tile:
Tile 1
Tile 2

Poster Size 8.5×11:
Poster 1
Poster 2

Youth Empowerment Summit:

The vision of the summit is to educate student leadership groups on power of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, and to provide them with the knowledge and tools to drive change within their school buildings. Students will take an active role in learning, and will discuss, plan and implement activities to bring about a positive shift in school climate. Regional topics and materials targeting different themes will be provided to the groups to reduce staff time, simplify the process, and promote consistency throughout the region. Schools can create a new group to fill this role, or could choose to utilize existing groups, such as the honor society, Key Club, etc. The summit was initially funded by a grant from Senator Betty Little. The dream for the summit has become a reality, as the program is now an annual self-sustaining event!

October 15, 2019

Angell College Center – Plattsburgh State University

Summit Forms:

YES Agenda Oct. 15, 2019

YES School Registration Form fill-in

Marketing Materials:

YES Poster 2019 Sizes: Tabloid – Letter

Unity Day Poster for October 23, 2019 – Letter Size Only

YES Featured Graphic for Social Media

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK