National Say Something Week, October 19 - 23, 2015

NEWTON, Conn., Oct. 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to acts of violence, including suicide and threats to others, most are communicated in some way before the incident occurs. In fact, in 4 out of 5 school shootings, the attacker told people of his/her plans ahead of time and 70% of people who die by suicide told someone of their intention or gave some type of warning or indication. Imagine how many of these tragedies could be averted if someone said something?

That's the problem Sandy Hook Promise wants to solve. Their free program, Say Something, teaches students in grades 6 -12 how to recognize warning signs, signals and threats, especially in social media, from friends or individuals who may want to hurt themselves or others and then to intervene and Say Something to a trusted adult to get help. The program is based on research conducted by Dr. Dewey Cornell and Dr. Reid Meloy, two leading national experts in threat assessment and intervention.

"Most of the time, warning signs of violence are communicated in advance, such as on social media, or can be observed in a person's behavior. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do with that information," said Mark Barden, Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise and father of 7-year-old Daniel Barden who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. "Young people are the eyes and ears of their schools and community.  We can teach them how to properly identify and report threats, keeping themselves, their friends and their family safe.  They have the power to save lives."

During Say Something Week, more than 150,000 students will learn how to use that power effectively.  Previous trainings are already showing positive results.  In the last month, two potential schools shootings were reported and dealt with, as a direct result of Say Something trainings.

To participate in Say Something Week or to implement Say Something training at another time, schools and youth organizations across the country are encouraged to register at www.sandyhookpromise.org/saysomethingweek.  Schools and youth organizations that participate during the week of October 19-23 may also be eligible to apply for a special $10,000 Say Something award.

By registering, schools and youth organizations will be given digital access to no-cost and easy to implement Say Something training materials, presentations and a planning guide. The training can be done in an assembly, classroom or through student leaders and only takes 25-45 minutes.  If help is needed, Sandy Hook Promise can work with the school to deliver the program and/or provide a trainer, if available.  All training materials and resources are completely free.

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and all violence) BEFORE it happens by educating and mobilizing parents, schools and communities on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Make the Promise at www.sandyhookpromise.org.