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Connecting Student Leaders who Create Change
Students, Community members and school staff collaborate. We chose to work with student leaders because in working with them, in a creative but intense session, we empower them to use their talent as leaders to have a broader positive impact. We create powerful connections because Connection = Prevention.
We ask the leaders a few questions, and then we help them to formulate a plan, called a Leadership Solution. It's a plan for how they will change their high school or college and for how they will impact their community. It's the plan for how they will make a difference when a difference really matters.
Transformative Leadership. Transformative Change.
- Teens, young adults, leaders
- Problem-solve together with unified, lasting results
- Empower leadership, connection and relationships among ALL students
Connection is Prevention... for every school.
We adjust so you don't have to, and so real needs are met.
This dynamic program is designed to flex with the needs of your students and your campus.
Our most effective events include:
Big Brushes for Teachers
Have BIG conversations in new ways!
This energizing 4-Hour event is designed as both a bonding and training day for your staff. We begin by creating art together, and move into Solution Circles and Big BrushTalks about school culture and staff relationships. At the end of our time together everyone will have new bonds and renewed appreciation for the work you are doing together.
One Day Collaborators (2.5 - 4 hours)
Designed to build connections and shared experiences, we work with a group of students for 2.5 - 4 hours, depending on what works best for your students and school. The event includes high-energy conversation circles, collaborative art, and small team commitment to school behavior.
Two Day Figure it Out (6 - 8 hours)
Events begin with student and community members getting to know each other and building deep bonds with the Collaborative Arts process. Collaborative art is followed by frank but non-accusatory discussions about what is and isn't working in your school. The teams use a Solution Circle format to dig into ideas for 'fixes' and as a group we determine what the student leaders will chase. On day two, student leaders design their Leadership Solution and get buy-in or permission from administrators before launching it.
Figure it Out plus Prevention
This third option builds on the first two and is often the easiest to get grant funding for.
In addition to the work of the Two-Day Figure it Out events,
it includes a presentation to a wider audience of your student body. This presentation includes an anti-drug speaker (or another topic) and the Student Leaders revealing their leadership solution.
My son was selected to participate in this. He absolutely love it and it recharged his drive to go out and be a force for kindness and leadership. Thanks for all you do to make our kids better people!
Parent of Student Participant
Teens & Young Adults, Schools & Universities
School Based Events
Solve Tough Problems
School Based Events
Working with students to guide them toward what to do, not just what NOT to do.
Change Happens
Solve Tough Problems
School Based Events
It is either the change you want, or the change you were hoping would not happen. Let's Figure Out the right change. Together.
Solve Tough Problems
Solve Tough Problems
Solve Tough Problems
Become a collaborative problem-solving team! Listen, speak, and, most importantly, hear one another.
Real Solutions Created by Real Students
Examples of Leadership Solutions
Our team facilitates the conversation, the students build the Leadership Solution. Here are a few for you to consider.
Outliers Matter
This small school had students who took State honors in Debate, and others participated at a high-level in less mainstream events. The students felt that making them feel not only included but celebrated was important, so they set up a Leadership Solution to campaign to have them added to pep rally events, and celebrated in the hallways and classrooms.
Lunch Bunch
These students wanted a longer lunch, the community wanted higher grade point averages. The compromise? Each Monday students with a C or higher average, and no tardy or behavior incidents for the previous week, get 10 extra minutes for lunch! Because this resets each week the students can become part of the "Lunch Bunch" at any time!
Operation Gratitude
During Phase Two, the student leaders wrote letters of gratitude to favorite teachers, and delivered them right then. Their Leadership Solution centered on gratitude and respect for their teachers, hoping to impact turn over and burn out. The teachers responded quickly and enthusiastically to the notes so this became the first option the student leaders presented in Phase Three.
Bring Back Field Day
This school ran on sports and they missed the yearly reward and competition of Field Day. During Phase Three they petitioned the Principal to bring it back and she said, "If you'll help, we can do it!" The students cheered and Field Day is back on the calendar with a full roster of volunteers ready to make it happen!
"I didn't know any of these people, and now I have new friends!"
Sophomore, who joined a Collaborator just to avoid the rain