Post on 13-Aug-2020
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CHAIN REACTION Student Program Preparation Guide
Through participation in high-energy activities, interaction with caring adults, and engagement in relevant discussion regarding bullying, painful life experiences, and emotional expression, Chain Reaction is designed to draw students together, break down barriers, and influence students to make changes. Students respond to the day’s challenges with self-reflection and the acknowledgement of personal responsibility. The day concludes with a final exercise called Cross the Line,� where students are challenged to openly admit their life struggles and failures—breaking down barriers and encouraging honest self-disclosure among their peers.
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TableofContents
EventMaterialsBox......................................................................................................................................2
ProgramVenue.............................................................................................................................................3
TechnicalRequirements...............................................................................................................................4
ProgramRequirements.................................................................................................................................5
Pre---EventTasks.............................................................................................................................................7
RecruitingYouthandAdultParticipants.......................................................................................................8
Registration..................................................................................................................................................9
CoordinatingLunch.......................................................................................................................................9
Confidentiality............................................................................................................................................10
StudentInvitation.......................................................................................................................................11
PermissionSlip............................................................................................................................................12
Parent/GuardianInvitation.........................................................................................................................13
AdultFacilitatorInvitation..........................................................................................................................14
FacilitatorWelcomeLetter.........................................................................................................................15
MediaFactSheet........................................................................................................................................16
StudentRegistrationForm..........................................................................................................................17
AdultFacilitatorRegistrationForm............................................................................................................18
SmallGroupStudentSign---In.......................................................................................................................19
SmallGroupQuestions...............................................................................................................................20
ChainReactionOverview..........................................................................................................................21
“GotYourBack”..........................................................................................................................................23
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ChainReactionPreparationGuide
ThankyouforselectingRachel’sChallengetopresenttoyourstudentsandfaculty.WehavecreatedthisChainReactionPreparationGuidetoassistyouinpreparingyourschoolforyourprogram.Wehaveprovidedspecificdirectionsandimportantinformationtoensureyoureventisaseffectiveaspossiblewhilecreatingasustainablepositiveinfluenceonthecultureofyourschoolandcommunity.
EventMaterialsBoxRachel’sChallengeprovidesyourschoolandstudentswitheventmaterialsthatreinforcethemessageofkindnessandcompassion.Thisboxofmaterialswillarrive1-2weekspriortoyourevent.
BraceletsBraceletsareasmalltokenforeachyouthprogramparticipanttokeepasavisualreminderofthepositiveculturetheprogramcanignite.
Nametags
Rachel’sChallengeprovidesnametagsthatarenumberedforstudentparticipants.PleaseusethenametagsthatareprovidedintheEventMaterialsBox.Nametagswithoutnumbersaretobeusedforadultparticipants.
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ProgramVenuePrivateRoom
Itisrequiredtosecureaprivateroomforthisprogram.ItmustbefreefrominterruptionsforthedurationofChainReaction.AnyoneNOTfullyparticipatingtheentiredayshouldnothaveaccesstotheroom.Controlaccesstotheroombyputting“DoNotDisturb”signsorlockdoorstocontrolaccess.Windowsbeloweyelevelintheroommustbecoveredtoavoidanydistractions.
EnsureSpaceisatLeast50X50
Theareashouldbefreeofcolumnsorotherstructuralobstructions.Ideally,ceilingheightis20feet,withnoobstructions(lightingfixtures,pipes,etc.).Agymnasiummaybethebestoptionofaroomthissize.Ifusingagymnasiumwesuggestusingrubber-footedchairsortarps/matstohelpprotectthegymfloorifavailable.
LunchinProgramRoom
Itisrequiredthatparticipantseatlunchintheprogramroom.Theonlyexceptionisifparticipantsuseanotherprivateroomtoeatlunch,freeoftherestofthestudentbody.
Bathrooms
Ensurebathroomsarelocatedintheroomorimmediatelyoutside.DisarmPAsystemandbellsifapplicable.Schedulespacefor90minutesbeforeandonehouraftertheprogramstartandendingtimes.
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TechnicalRequirementsTechnicalAssistant
PleaseselectaTechnicalAssistanttohelpthepresentersetupaudio,videoandlightingforyourprogram.Thispersonwillneedtomeetthepresenters90minutesbeforetheprogrambegins,toprovideampletimeforset---up.
ACPower
PleaseprovideACpowerforthepresenter’scomputerathis/herpresentingpositionwitheitheranextensioncordorwalloutlet.
SoundSystem
Asoundsystemcapableofreproducingthepresenters’voicesandaudiofromthepresenter’scomputerisnecessaryforaneffectivepresentation.Ifapermanentsystemisnotinstalled,aportablepoweredspeakersystemisrequired.Computerspeakerswillnotbeadequate.Threeinputstothesystemarerequired;twoforthemicrophonesandoneforthecomputeraudio.
TwoWirelessHandheldMicrophones
Pleaseensurethehandhelddeviceshavenewbatteriesandspareback---upbatteries.Wiredorlapelmicrophoneswillnotworkwiththisprogram.
XLRMicrophoneCord
Ensure the cord is long enough to reach from your sound system to the presenter’s computerstand(presenterwillsupplystand),whichwillbepositionedatthefrontoftheroom.Presenterswillusetheirstandandwillnotneedapodium.
LCDProjector,TableandVGACable
ProvideanLCDprojector,tableandVGAcable.Yourpresenterwillprovideaprojector,butoccasionallythesedevicesmalfunction.IfyoudonothaveaccesstoanLCDprojector,werecommendyouborrowonefromaneighboringschoolasitisnecessaryforallprograms.Pleasenote:theVGAcablemustreachfromthepresenter’scomputerstandtotheprojector’stable.
Screen
Thescreenintheroomshouldbeaminimumof6by6feet.10by10feetorlargerisideal.
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D
A Registration Table E Screen
2 Feet at Most
between Chairs for FT A inside Youths and C 50 B Food Table F Supplies Table
and outside Adults chairs. E
C Projector Stand Speaker Stand or Table (2)
B F
D Sound System Table Trash Can (2)
50 FT
Reviewtheroomset-up diagram:
ProgramRequirements
SupportFormaChainReactionPlanningCommitteetomanagethedetailsoforganizingthedayoftheprogram.Acoordinatorandthreetofivemembersarerecommended.Theseadultscanbestaffmembers,parents,PTAmembers,orothervolunteers.Thecoordinatorwillbeinchargeofdelegatingresponsibilitiestotheseindividuals.
TimingWe require aminimumof six hours for each Chain Reaction program. If yourschool day runs longer than six hours, we can work together to determine ifstudentsshouldremaininChainReactionorreturntoclassorotheractivities.
Location
ItworksbestforstudentstogodirectlytotheChainReactionlocationwhentheyarriveatschoolandstayallday.IfthelocationofyourChainReactionprogramrequiresthatstudentsbetransportedtoanoff-sitelocation,besuretoscheduletransportationsothatthereisaminimumofsixhoursallowedfortheprogram.YouwillneedadultswhoarenotparticipatinginChainReactiontosupervisestudentsduringthetransportationprocess.
Participants(Pleaserefertopage6formoreinformation)
ChainReactionisnotdesignedasaprogramto“fix”studentswhoarestruggling,buttoinspireagrouptorolemodelpositivecommunicationforyourentireorganization.SelectstudentswhowillbenefitmostfromtheprogrambasedonyourgoalsandvisionforbringingChainReactiontoyourschool.Ifpossible,invitetheentirepopulationofaselectedgradeleveltoparticipateinChainReaction.Theidealnumberofstudentsforthisprogramis80-100with100beingthemaximumnumberofstudentparticipants.Thiswillhelpensureyourschoolwillexperiencepositiveresults,anditwillbeeasiertostructurefollowupactivitiesintheclassroom.Ifitisnotpossibletoincludeallthe
D
F
B
A
A Registration Table E Screen
2 Feet at Most between
inside and outside
chairs.
Chairs for Youths and
Adults C B Food Table F Supplies Table
E
C Projector Stand Speaker Stand or Table (2)
D Sound System Table Trash Can (2)
50 FT 50
FT
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studentsatonegradelevel,weencourageyoutofindthestudentswhoarepeerleaders,bothfromleadershipclassesandofmoremarginalizedgroupsoncampus(ie.identifiablecliques).Together,thesestudentshavethegreatestpotentialtoshiftthenormsoftheirpeersandthereforetoshifttheoverallschoolclimate.Teachersandstudentscanhelpidentifyappropriateparticipants.
Attire
Makesureallparticipantsarriveincomfortableattire.Therewillbephysicalactivity,soathleticshoesarerecommended.
MaterialsProvidedbySchool
Pleasehavethefollowingmaterialsreadyforthedayoftheprogram:• Clipboardsforeveryadultvolunteer,eachwiththefollowing:
o Smallgroupstudentsign-in(p.19),smallgroupquestions(p.20),and“GotYourBack”sheet(p.23)printedforeverygroupmember(usually5total)
o Eachclipboardshouldhavealargenumberonthebackthatcorrespondstotheirnumberontheadultfacilitatorregistrationform
• 7zip-lockbags,7jarsofbabyfood,and70plasticspoons(1jarand10spoonswithineachbag)• Abagorcanofprunes(8---12prunes)• 7---10hula---hoops• Water• Snacksforbreaks• 20---25packsoftissues(1packforeachsmallgroup)• Pens(Eachstudenttohaveapen)• Onearmlesschairperparticipant
Counselor
Oneofourmostimportantrequirementsisthatacounselororlicensedmentalhealthprofessional,employedbytheschool,bepresentfortheentireprogram.ChainReactionisadeeplyimpactfulexperiencewithyouthandadults.Insomecases,studentswhoaredealingwithissuesmayneedadditionalsupport.Wehavefoundschoolofficialsareoftengratefultofinallyidentifyandhavetheopportunitytoprovidethesestudentswiththehelptheyneed.Ourgoalisthatthecounselorwillprovidetheappropriatefollow---upcareforstudentsoncetheprogramiscomplete.Pleaseseetheconfidentialityappendix(p.9)formoreinformation.
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Pre---EventTaskstoComplete
o Identifyacounselorwhowillbepresentfortheentireeventday.
o IdentifyaChainReactionCoordinator.Thispersonwillbeinchargeofcoordinatingthe
logisticsofthedayandattendtheprogram.
o Secureaprivateroom.PleaseseePage3formoredetails.
o Recruityouthparticipants(Page8)
o Recruitadultfacilitators(Page8)
o Confirmtechnologyandsupplies
o Coordinatelunch(Page9)
o Organizeregistrationfortheeventday(Page9)
o Confirmthatallpermissionslipshavebeenreceived.
o Printoutcopiesoftheadultfacilitatordocumentsfortheclipboards.
o MeetwithRachel’sChallengePresenters1½hoursbeforethescheduledtimeoftheeventwithtechnicalassistant.
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RecruitingYouthParticipants
ThenumberofyouthparticipantsforChainReactionisnottoexceed100students.
Ideally,youwillwanttoinvitestudentsfromonegradeleveltoattendChainReaction.Ifthatisnotpossible,acommonrecruitmenttechniqueistohaveteachersandcounselorsidentifyacross---sectionofyouthleadersinyourschool.Theseleadersarenotjuststudentcouncilmembers;theyareleadersofcliquesonyourcampus.TheseleaderswillhelpspreadtheChainReactionmessagethroughoutyourcampus.
**Note:ItisadvantageoustoframeparticipationinChainReactionasaprivilegeandremindstudentsthatonlyalimitednumberofpeoplewillbeabletoattend.Thiswillincreaseexcitementandclarifythatstudentsarenotbeingpunishedortargeted.“Privilege”hereshouldnotmeanonlythebeststudentsortraditionalstudentleaders.
Rachel’s Challenge does not require a permission slip for students to participate. However, if yourschool requires a permission slip we have provided one for you to use. If an entire grade level isparticipating, youmaywant to use an “opts out” permission slipwhich parents can sign if they DONOTwanttheirchildrentoparticipate.SeePage12foracopyofthepermissionslip.
OnceChainReactionparticipantshavebeenchosen,copyanddistributethefollowing:
• StudentInvitation(p.11)• Parent/GuardianInvitation(p.13)• PermissionSlip(p.12)
RecruitingAdultParticipants
It is required tohaveoneAdultFacilitatorforeveryfouryouthparticipants.Ifyouareunabletomeetthisrequirementfewerstudentswillbeabletoparticipate.
Parentsandguardiansarewelcomedandareidealvolunteeradultfacilitators.Wewillnotputtheminasharinggroupwiththeirchild,soencouragethemtohelpfortheday.Otherpotentialfacilitatorsmayinclude:schooladministrators,teachers,counselors,oldersiblings,grandparents,PTAmembers,schoolboardmembers,localpoliceofficers,schoolsupportstaff,localpoliticians,localbusinessowners,localcollegestudentsandserviceorganizationmembers.
**Note:Itispossiblethatadultfacilitatorscouldcancelatthelastminuteduetoillnessorotherresponsibilities.Pleasebesuretorecruitadditionalfacilitatorstoparticipateasneeded.
AdultFacilitatorsmustarrive30minutesbeforethescheduleddayandbepreparedtostay15minutesaftertheprogram.Adultsmustbeavailabletoremainon---siteandparticipatefullyintheprogramallday,noexceptions.Againtherewillbesomephysicalactivity,soadultsshouldalsodresscomfortablyandwearathleticshoes.
AnAdultFacilitatorrosterhasbeenprovidedforyoutorecordnameandcontactinformationforeachfacilitator(p.18).Pleasecopyanddistributethefollowingtoalladultfacilitators:
• AdultVolunteerFacilitatorInvitation(p.14)• AdultVolunteerFacilitatorWelcomeLetter(p.15)
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RegistrationSupplies:
• Pens/Markers
Registration
• Rachel’sChallengeNametagsandBracelets(eachyouthparticipantwillreceiveonebracelet)providedintheeventmaterialsbox.
• Smalltrashcan• Listofparticipants.UsetheStudentRegistrationFrom(p.17)tolistandregisterstudent
participants.Coordinatorsmustprovideleaderswithalistofstudentparticipantsthemorningoftheprogramtoensurethemaximumofstudentsis100.
• Listofadultfacilitators.UsetheAdultFacilitatorForm(p.18)tolistandregisteradultparticipants.Coordinatorsmustprovideleaderswithalistofadultparticipantstoensurethereisonefacilitatorforeveryfourstudentparticipants.
SampleRegistrationPlan:
• Have2---4volunteers(adultsorstudents)assistwiththeregistration.• MakecopiesoftheStudentRegistrationFormandlabelthetopofeachsheetalphabetically(for
example:A---D,E---K,L---P,Q---Z).• Listthestudentsforwhomtheschoolhasreceivedpermissionslips(ifapplicable).• Placesignsbehindeachvolunteertohelpstudentsknowwhichlinetouseforregistration(for
example:thesigncouldread“StudentswithLastNamesA---D”).• Studentssignthesheetinthespacenexttotheirnames,pickuptheirnametags,braceletand
entertheroomorgymwhereChainReactiontakesplace(whentheadultmeetingiscompleted).
LunchTime
CoordinatingLunch
Lunchwillbe20to30minuteslong.Itiscriticalthatlunchisavailable2½hoursafterthestartoftheprogramandthatwehaveflexibilityaroundwhentoservelunch.
Location
Itisrequiredforlunchtobeserved/consumedintheroomwhereChainReactionisbeingheld.Pleasekeepthisinmindwhenselectingyourlocation.Ifthisisnotpossible,pleasefindanotherlocationwhichisseparatefromtherestofthestudentbody.Allparticipantsincludingadultfacilitatorswillbeaskedtoremainon---siteandwillneedtobringtheirownbaglunchesorhavelunchprovidedbythehostingsite.Noexceptions.
Reminders:
• Ifyouwishtoprovidelunchesforeveryone,pleasehaveitbepreparedcoldfoodsuchas:sandwiches,subs,wraps,chips,etc.Pleasestayawayfromfoodslikepizzaandhamburgersastheycangrowcoldandthearomacanbedistracting.
• Arrangeforamealwithaquickservingprocess.Wesuggestsettingupatablesoalinecanproceeddownbothsidesofthetable.
• Healthymealsarebest–itmakesadifferenceinmoraleandenergy.Sugarydrinksorheavyfoodscanseriouslyaffectstudents’abilitytoconcentrate.
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ConfidentialityMandatedReportinginSchools
Therearesomeeventsthatareconsideredtobereportableforthewell---beingofminors(youthunderage18yearsofage)undereverystates’lawsintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Thesereportableeventsincludeyouththatarebeingabused(physically,sexually,and/oremotionally)bysomeoneelse.ItisimportantthatareportisfilledoutwiththeChildProtectiveServices(CPS)usuallywithin48hoursoftheevent(pleasecheckwithyourlocaldepartmentfortheexactreportingtime).ThenameofChildProtectiveServicesvariesbasedonthestate.
MandatedReportingandAdultFacilitators
ItiscrucialthatallschoolshavethenumberforCPSintheiradministrativeandcounselingoffices.Itisimportantforcounselorsandtheschools’administrationtounderstandmandatedreportingintheirstateandwhoqualifiesasamandatedreporter.IfyouhaveadultfacilitatorsatChainReactionthatmaynotqualifyasmandatedreporters,butitispossiblethattheywillhearareportableevent,pleasemakesureandletthemknowwhichadultsintheroomaremandatedreportersandmakesuretheysharethepertinentinformation.Theseadultfacilitatorswhoreceivedtheinformationfromthestudentcanalsohelpmandatedreportersfilloutthestatemandatedreport.
ConfidentialityandChainReactionPrograms
OneofthesuccessfulfactorsofChainReactionisthatwhatissharedbyyouthandadultsduringtheprogramisencouragedtostayconfidentialamongallparticipants.TheRachel’sChallengepresenterswilladdresstheimportanceofconfidentialityandprovideroomforquestions,priortoanysharingactivities.Theadultsandstudentswillbetoldthatifanyoneisbeinghurt,hurtingothersorhurtingthemselvesthattherewillbefollow---up.Adultleaderswillbegivensheetsofpaperanddirectionsonhowtoreportthosethreeitems(andanyotherconcerns)tothecounselorforfollow---up.
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StudentInvitationCongratulations!YouhavebeenselectedtorepresentyourschoolorcommunityintheupcomingChainReactionProgramprovidedbyRachel’sChallenge.ChainReactionisatransformationaldayoffun,leadership,andpowerthatcanchangethewaypeopleviewoneanother.ThegoalofChainReactionistohelpstopbullying,violenceandalienationthatarepartsoftheschoolexperienceformillionsofyoungpeopleeveryday.Throughavarietyofgames,trust---buildingactivitiesandpresentations,youwillbegivenauniqueopportunitytoseeyourselfandthepeoplearoundyouthroughanewsetofeyes.
Rachel’sChallengeisanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtoequippingandempoweringstudentsandadultstosustainapositiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessandcompassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilled intheColumbineHighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.Reminders:
• Spaceislimited.Participantswillbesigneduponafirstcome,firstservedbasis.Ifapermissionslipisrequired,pleasereturnitassoonaspossibletosecureyourplace.
o Pleasenote:youmustbepreparedtoarriveontimeandstayfortheentireprograminordertoparticipate.
• Pleasedresscomfortablywithathleticshoes.• Bringabaglunchunlessotherwisedirected.• Adultsarewelcometoattend.
o Pleaseletyourparent/guardianknowtheyarewelcometoparticipateintheprogramasadultrolemodelsandsmallgroupleaders.Adultsdonotneedtohaveanyspecialskillsortraining.Theyjustneedtohaveopenhearts,minds,andbewillingtostayallday.Ifaparent/guardianisinterested,theycannotetheirinterestonthepermissionslip.
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PermissionSlipCongratulations,yourchildhasbeenselectedtorepresentyourschool/communityintheChainReactionProgram!ThegoalofChainReactionistobuildcommunityandtohelpstoptheteasing,violence,andalienationthataredeeplyapartoftheschoolexperienceformillionsofyoungpeopleeveryday.ChainReactionisapowerfulandtransformationaldaythatcanchangethewaypeoplevieweachotherforever.Itisadayoffun,friendshipandnewpossibilities.ChainReactionwillbeon(date)from(times)toLocation:Yourchildwillneedtoarriveontimeandbringabaglunchunlessotherwiseindicated.Adultsareneededtoassistwiththeday(s).Parents/Guardiansareinvitedtoparticipateasadultvolunteerfacilitators.Thiscanbeawonderfulexperienceforyouthandadultsalike.Ifyouwouldliketovolunteer,pleasecontactyourSchoolCoordinator.CoordinatorName:at(phonenumber)FormoreinformationaboutChainReaction,pleasecontactyourSchoolCoordinatorattheabovephonenumber.Pleasereturnthisformtonolaterthan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I am the parent or legal guardian of the student named in this release/permission form and I give mypermissionformy child/ward to participate in the Chain Reaction Program. I understand that the event is notrequired andthatmy child/ward’s participation is voluntary. I further understand that Rachel's Challenge andthe sponsoring school/organization, their officers, employees or agents assume no liability either directly orindirectlyforinjury oraccidentsresultingfromoranywayconnectedwiththisevent.
IunderstandthattheChainReactionProgramwilldealwithawiderangeofissuessuchasleadership,self---esteem,socialoppression,violence,racism,andteasing. Ialsounderstandthattheprogramwillbefun,empowering,eye---openingandemotional. Ihavereadtheattachedletterandhavediscussedconfidentialitywithmychild/wardandsupporthis/herparticipation.I furtherunderstandandconsent thatmychild/wardmaybe invited toparticipatein futureChainReactionProgramsathis/herschool, thatmembersoftheprintandfilmmediamaybepresentatthiseventandthatmychild/wardmaybephotographed,interviewedorquotedasaparticipantinthisprogram.
I have carefully read this permission form/waiver and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is areleaseandwaiverofliabilityofRachel'sChallenge,thesponsoringschool/organization,andallrelated parties;andIherebyreleaseandagreetoholdharmlessRachel’sChallengeandthesponsoringschool/organizationandallotherrelatedpartiesfromanyandallclaimsarisingoutof,orinanywayrelatedto,mychild/ward’s participationinChainReaction.Igivemypermissionformychild/ward(name)toparticipateinChainReaction.Tobeheldat(location)on(dates)ParentName(pleaseprint)ParentSignaturePhoneNumber
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Parent/GuardianInvitation
DearParentorGuardian:ItisourpleasuretoinviteyouandyourchildtoattendChainReactionbyRachel’sChallenge.ThemissionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustainapositiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessandcompassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbineHighSchool shootingsonApril,201999.Sinceinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlive settingsworldwide.
ChainReactionisapowerful,high---energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsareguidedthroughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramaretoincreasepersonalpowerandself---esteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportandtoeliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReactionprogramsaredesignedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythethemesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressestheissuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peerpressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Duringtheprogram,youtharegivenseveralopportunitiestospeakoutaboutwhat’sreallygoingonintheirlivesandwhattheyneedfromoneanother.Pleasenote:whileourprogramfocusesprimarilyonglobalandcommunityissuesandconcerns,individualstudentscanandoftendosharepersonaldifficultiesandexperiences.Yourchildshouldbeawarethatwhileconfidentialityisoneoftheprimarynormsforprogramparticipation,wecanneverguaranteeconfidentialityonalargegrouplevelfollowingtheday(Wedoremindtheparticipantsoftheimportanceofconfidentiality).
Attheconclusionoftheprogram,themajorityoftheyouthleavefeelingbonded,empoweredandcommittedtomakingapositivedifference.Attimes,youthmayneedadditionalsupport.Itwouldbeagreatgifttoyourchildifyoucanbeavailabletolistentoanyfeelingsorresponsess/hemayhavefollowingtheprogram.
Westronglyencourageparents,teachersandcommunitymemberstoparticipate.PleasecontactyourSchoolCoordinatorifyouareinterestedinbeingapartoftheprogram,orifyouhavequestionsaboutanythingrelatedtothisspecificday.Pleasecontactourofficeifyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutourprograms.
Sincerely,
Rachel’sChallengeTeamwww.rachelschallenge.orgwww.facebook.com/rachelschallenge
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AdultFacilitatorInvitation
DearCommunityMember:PleasejoinusasanAdultFacilitatoratourupcomingRachel’sChallengeeventcalledChainReaction.ThemissionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustainapositiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessandcompassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbineHighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.
ChainReactionisapowerful,high-energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsareguidedthroughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramareto increasepersonalpowerandselfsesteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportand toeliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReactionprogramsaredesignedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythethemesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressestheissuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peerpressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Weencourageadultstovolunteeraspositiverolemodelsforthebenefitsofyouth.Theprogramwelcomesparents/guardians,teachers,administrators,policeofficers,electedofficials,communitymembersandanyotherinterestedadults.Thisallowsyouthtoseeanothersideoftheseadultsinadditiontotheirassignedcommunityroles.
AdultFacilitatorsarecrucialforthesuccessoftheday.Rachel’sChallengepresenterswillmeetwithallfacilitatorsfor30minutespriortothestartoftheprogramtoletyouknowwhatisneededfromyouandtoansweryourquestions.Nopriortrainingisnecessaryotherthanthemorningcheck---inmeeting.Youmustbeabletoremainon---siteandparticipatefullyfortheentireprogram,including15minutesaftertheprogramforapostChainReactiondebriefing.
Ifyouareinterestedinparticipating,orknowsomeonethatwouldbeinterested,pleasecontactyourSchoolCoordinatorformoreinformation.Wehopeyouwillbeabletojoinusforthiswonderfulexperience!
Sincerely,
Rachel’sChallengeTeamwww.rachelschallenge.orgwww.facebook.com/rachelschallenge
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FacilitatorWelcomeLetterDearChainReactionFacilitator/Volunteer:
ThankyouforvolunteeringtobeapartofourupcomingRachel’sChallengeeventcalled,ChainReaction.ThemissionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustainapositiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessandcompassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbineHighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.ChainReactionisapowerful,high---energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsareguidedthroughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramaretoincreasepersonalpowerandself---esteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportandtoeliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReactionprogramsaredesignedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythethemesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressestheissuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peerpressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Yourroleasfacilitatoriscrucialforthesuccessoftheday.Pleasereadthefollowingpointstorememberfortheprogramday:
Dresscomfortablyandbringyourownlunch.Athleticshoesarerecommended.Unlesstheschoolinformsyouotherwise,pleasebepreparedtobringyourownbaglunch.
Attendfacilitatormeetings.Planonmeeting30minutespriortothestartoftheprogramand15minutesattheconclusionoftheday.Feelfreetocheck---inwiththeRachel’sChallengepresentersthroughoutthedayasneeded.
Attendallday.Pleasebepreparedtostaytheentiredaywithoutyourcellphone.
Bepositive.Pleasemodelthepositivebehaviorthatwearelookingforfromthestudents.Remember,yourenergyandfullparticipationwillaffectattitudesandactivitiesfortheday.
Trustthegroupprocessandbeagoodlistener.Pleaseknowthatmanyofthetopicsandactivitiescoveredoftenelicitfeelingsandthatattimesthingsmayseemintense.Trustyourselfandtrustthegroup.
HAVEFUN!Oftenasadults,weforgettoplayandhavefun.Ourmodelingisveryimportant,soplayandallowyourselftofeel.Thisdayisforyoutoo!
Thankyouforyoursupport.ChainReactionhasproventobeaspowerfulforadultsasitisforstudents.Wearehappythatyouaregoingtobepartofthiswonderfulday.
Sincerely,Rachel’sChallengeTeam
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Rachel’sChallengeMediaFactSheet
ProfileofRachel’sChallenge
Rachel’sChallengeexiststoequipandinspireindividualstoreplaceactsofviolence,bullying,andnegativitywithactsof
respect,kindness,andcompassion.Rachel’sChallengeisbasedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelJoyScottwhowasthe
firstvictimoftheColumbineschoolshootingsin1999.Throughherexample,Rachel’sChallengeismakingapositive
impactinthelivesofmillionsofpeopleeveryyear.
Superintendents,principals,teachers,parents,andstudentsbringRachel’sChallengeintotheirschoolsbecauseof
escalatingproblemssuchas:bullying,studentisolation,teensuicide,discrimination,schoolviolence,andincreased
disciplinaryactions.Throughpowerfulpresentations,trainings,communityevents,andprofessionaldevelopment,
Rachel’sChallengeprovidesthesustainablesolution.
Rachel’sinspiringstoryprovidesasimple,yetpowerfulexampleofhowsmallactsofkindnessandacceptance
motivateustoconsiderourrelationshipswiththepeoplewecomeincontactwitheveryday.Rachel’sChallenge
renewsourhopethatourlifehasmeaningandpurpose.Rachel’sstorygivesuspermissiontostartourownchain
reactionofkindnessandcompassion,whichpositivelyaffectstheclimateinourschoolsandcommunities.
ScopeofEffectiveness
Afewweeksafterthetragedy,DarrellScott,Rachel’sfather,spoketoaCongressionalHouseJudiciaryCommittee
regardingissuesofschoolviolence.Hisspeechhasbecomeoneofthemostwidelyreaddocumentontheinternet.
Shortlyafterwards,hefounded“Rachel’sChallenge”,abullyingandviolenceabatementprogram.Morethantwomillion
studentsannuallyexperienceRachel’sChallengeandhavetheopportunitytoacceptthechallenges,modeledafter
Rachel’slifeandwritings.
StudentsintheUnitedStatesandseveralothercountrieshaveheardtheuniversalmessageofkindnessand
compassionthroughRachel’sstory.Sinceinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlivesettings
aroundtheworld,atleasteightschoolshootingshavebeenprevented,andover500suicides havebeenaverted.The
ScottfamilyandotherRachel’sChallengecertifiedpresentershavereachedmillionsmoreonpopularmediaoutletslike
CNN,FoxNews,TheTodayShow,GoodMorningAmerica,LarryKingLive,Oprah,Dateline,O’ReillyFactor,Hannityand
Colmesandnumerousothers.Mr.Scotthasalsoauthoredthreebooks,includingthebestseller“Rachel’sTears.”
Darrellmeetsregularlywithpoliticiansandeducators,andisalsoakeynotespeakeratmanylargeeducationalvenues.
HemetwithPresidentBillClintonontwooccasionsandPresidentGeorgeW.Bushhaswrittenapersonalletter
recommendingRachel’sChallenge.
Contact
FormoreinformationonhowtohaveaRachel’sChallengeeventatyourschoolorconference,pleasecontactusat877-
895-7060,orvisitourwebsiteatwww.rachelschallenge.org.
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AdultFacilitatorRegistrationForm
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SmallGroupStudentSign---inSheetFacilitatorName: Date:
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SmallGroupQuestionsFacilitators:Takeamomenttositquietlyallowingeveryonetogetsettled.Ifyouneedtissues,there
aresomeavailablearoundtheroom.
Askthefollowingquestionsofeachpersoninthegroup:
• WhatdidyoufeelduringCrosstheLine?
• WhatdidyoulearninCrosstheLinethatwillchangethewayyouviewyourpeers?
• Tellusaboutaproblemyouaredealingwithrightnow.Youdon’thavetogiveallthedetails,butshareapartofyourstory.
• Whathaveyoulearnedtodaythatcouldchangethewayyoulive?
Facilitators:Ifparticipantsrevealissuesinwhichtheycouldbehurt,orsomeoneelsecouldbehurt,pleasediscretelymarktheirnamesontheattendancelist.Atthecloseoftheworkshop,youwillbeaskedifthereareanystudentswhoneedimmediatefollow-upandyoucanexplainyourcommentsatthattime.
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ChainReactionOverviewChainReactionwasdevelopedthroughanalreadyestablishedandsuccessfulprogram.Rachel’sChallengewasprovidedtherightstousetheprogram.PriortoRachel’sChallengeinvolvement,theprogramwasstudiedbyBiddleConsultingGroup,Inc.(BCG).BCGwasengagedtoconductaresearchstudyoftheprogramandindependentlyinvestigateitseffectivenessinpositivelyimpactingtheAttitudes,BehaviorsandValues(ABVs)ofteenagesecondaryschoolstudents.BCGassignedseveralsenior/principallevelconsultantstoconductthestudy,whichincludedbothqualitativeandquantitativeresearchinvestigations.ThreeSacramento---areaschools(Rocklin,Roseville,andElkGrove)wereinvolvedby(collectively)sendingover300studentsthroughoneoffoursessionsthatwereheldattheirschoolsorlocalcommunitycenters.
Theresearchstudyinvolvedtwomajorresearchsteps:(1)evaluatingstudents’initialreactionstotheprogramusinga19---questionsurveyaskinghowtheywereimpacted,and(2)apre/postresearchevaluationcompletedbyadministeringpre/postsurveys(thatincluded41questionsregardingtheeightABVs)to250studentsfromthreesecondaryschoolswhoattendedanyoneoffoursessions.Thesurveywasgiventostudentsimmediatelybeforeparticipatingandagain6---10weekslater.Thispre/postsurveydesignallowedustoinvestigatetheextenttowhichtheprogrammademeasured,lastingandstableimpactsintheeightimportantareas.Thepre/post“ChangeScores”(calculatedbyobtainingthedifferencebetweenstudents’post/prescores)demonstratedthattheprogramgeneratedbetween8percentand20percentimprovementratesontheeightABVs,asdisplayedonthechartbelow(allschoolsandsessionscombined):
Statisticalanalyseswerealsousedtoinvestigatewhethertheimprovementrateswerestatisticallymeaningful(i.e.whethertheywerea“beyondchance”occurrence).TheresultsofthisstudydemonstratedthattheprogramdidinfactproducestatisticallysignificantimprovementsacrossalleightABVs(whenallfoursessionswerecombinedintoanoverallanalysis).Improvementratesforallgroupswereobserved,withthehighestimpactobservedamongminorities.
Meta---analyseswerealsoconductedtoevaluatetheconsistencyandtrendsoftheresearchresultsacrossthethreeschoolsandfoursessions.Thisstudyhelpedevaluatetheextenttowhichtheprogrammayhavepositiveresultsinothersettings(i.e.atschoolsoutsidethoseincludedinthisstudy).Theresultsofthisstudyindicatedstatisticallysignificantimprovementswith4ofthe8targetedareas:OpennessofExpression,Gossip,Bullying,andHopefulOutlook(withthehighesteffectsalsointhis
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order).The“TotalImprovement”scale(madeupofacombinationofallscales)wasalsostatisticallysignificant.Thesepositiveresultsindicatethattheprogramislikelytoproducesimilarpositiveresultsinotherschools–especiallythesefourareas.
ImplicationfromResearchResults
TheseresearchresultsprovidecompellingevidencethattheprogrameffectivelyimpactsthestudentABVsthatarecriticallyimportantforcreatingapositivelearningandsocialenvironmentintoday’ssecondaryschools.Theimplicationsofthesefindingsaresubstantialbecausethescientificresearchprocessusedtocompletetheevaluationprovidesempiricalevidence–acrossthreeschoolsandfoursessionsandaspanof6---10weeks–thattheprogramcreateslastingimpactinthelivesofstudentsinareasthatmatter.
ItisdifficulttoestimatehowmuchChainReactionmightlowertheriskofsignificanteventssuchasschoolviolence,suicides,andothermajorchallengesfacingschoolstoday.Indeed,itisdifficultforanyresearchstudytopredictthe“non---occurrence”ofsuchevents.However,whatthisstudydidsubstantiateisthatChainReactiondoesinfactsignificantlyimpactthefactorsthathavebeenconnectedtosuchnegativeevents.Studentswhoarecontinuallybombardedwithbullying,teasing,gossip,andotherharassinganddistractingbehaviorsfromotherstudentswillexperiencecloudedlearningenvironments,andsometimeseventurntohostileexpression.ChainReactionistargetedtowardspreventingschoolviolenceanddistractedlearningenvironmentsbyfacilitatingexpression,hopefulness,andincreasingawarenessregardingdestructiveattitudes,behaviors,andvalues.
Withtoday’ssecondaryschoolsoftenbeingcharacterizedbytheoppositeoftheseeightABVs,ChainReactionoffersapractical,one---dayinterventionthatactuallyworkstocounteractmanynegativeelementsthathinderthedevelopmentandpreservationofsafeandeffectivelearningenvironments.