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.