What Students Can Do To Create Positive and Safe School Environments

adapted from the Oregon Association of Student Councils

Students can make their schools safer and more inclusive by working with their peers, teachers, administrators and community members. A positive and safe environment allow all students to learn, grow and thrive together. There is no single answer, action or policy - it requires everyone coming together, listening, caring and taking a variety of steps to create change.

Within Your School and Community:

• Plan a solid color day to promote solidarity
• Create a “We dine together” club to focus on building relationships at lunch. www.wedinetogether.org
• Speak up about issues going on at your school. See something. Say something.
• Create a competition to see who can meet and learn the names of the most students in your school or grade.
• Start a peer counseling program or after school support program at your school.
• Organize unity, kindness, and bullying prevention assemblies for your school and your feeder schools.
• Plan stress relief events during high stress times. Try therapy dog teams, stress relief rooms, bubble wrap, etc.
• Organize and host a Mental Health First Aid Training Day

In Your Home:

• Plan a night once a week with family or friends to eat, play games, and connect. Stack your phones to keep distractions out of the conversation.
• Have proactive discussions about mental health
• Do you know your neighbors? Organize a neighborhood Potluck, BBQ or mix and mingle

On Your Phone/Social Media:

• Check facts before you repost or spread information.
• Keep all posts positive and productive. Always report negative or harmful posts. #ICANHELP #IWILLHELP #IDIDHELP www.icandeletenegativity.org
• Start a positive hashtag movement to show support for unity, safety, kindness, and student voice. #ActServeLead
• Post pictures of positive things you’re doing at your school to change negative stereotypes.
• Create a family, neighborhood, and friends phone tree or group text in case of emergency.
• Set personal boundaries to make sure you have balance between “real life” and “digital” connections.

At the State Level:

• Volunteer for movements that you personally support.
• Pre-register to vote when you are 16
• Attend conferences and camps to network and share with other student leaders.

“One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” 
~John F. Kennedy