Student Program Preparation Guide

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.
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
1 ChainReactionPreparationGuide
ThankyouforselectingRachel’sChallengetopresenttoyourstudentsandfaculty.Wehavecreated
thisChainReactionPreparationGuidetoassistyouinpreparingyourschoolforyourprogram.Wehave
providedspecificdirectionsandimportantinformationtoensureyoureventisaseffectiveaspossible
whilecreatingasustainablepositiveinfluenceonthecultureofyourschoolandcommunity.
EventMaterialsBox
Rachel’sChallengeprovidesyourschoolandstudentswitheventmaterialsthatreinforcethe
messageofkindnessandcompassion.Thisboxofmaterialswillarrive1-2weekspriorto
yourevent.
Bracelets
Braceletsareasmalltokenforeachyouthprogramparticipanttokeepasavisualreminderofthe
positiveculturetheprogramcanignite.
Nametags
Rachel’sChallengeprovidesnametagsthatarenumberedforstudentparticipants.Pleaseusethe
nametagsthatareprovidedintheEventMaterialsBox.Nametagswithoutnumbersaretobeused
foradultparticipants.
2
ProgramVenue
PrivateRoom
Itisrequiredtosecureaprivateroomforthisprogram.Itmustbefreefrominterruptionsforthe
durationofChainReaction.AnyoneNOTfullyparticipatingtheentiredayshouldnothaveaccesstothe
room.Controlaccesstotheroombyputting“DoNotDisturb”signsorlockdoorstocontrolaccess.
Windowsbeloweyelevelintheroommustbecoveredtoavoidanydistractions.
EnsureSpaceisatLeast50X50
Theareashouldbefreeofcolumnsorotherstructuralobstructions.Ideally,ceilingheightis20feet,with
noobstructions(lightingfixtures,pipes,etc.).Agymnasiummaybethebestoptionofaroomthissize.If
usingagymnasiumwesuggestusingrubber-footedchairsortarps/matstohelpprotectthegymfloorif
available.
LunchinProgramRoom
Itisrequiredthatparticipantseatlunchintheprogramroom.Theonlyexceptionisif
participantsuseanotherprivateroomtoeatlunch,freeoftherestofthestudentbody.
Bathrooms
Ensurebathroomsarelocatedintheroomorimmediatelyoutside.
DisarmPAsystemandbellsifapplicable.
Schedulespacefor90minutesbeforeandonehouraftertheprogramstartandendingtimes.
3
TechnicalRequirements
TechnicalAssistant
PleaseselectaTechnicalAssistanttohelpthepresentersetupaudio,videoandlightingforyour
program.Thispersonwillneedtomeetthepresenters90minutesbeforetheprogrambegins,toprovide
ampletimeforset-- u p.
ACPower
PleaseprovideACpowerforthepresenter’scomputerathis/herpresentingpositionwitheitheran
extensioncordorwalloutlet.
SoundSystem
Asoundsystemcapableofreproducingthepresenters’voicesandaudiofromthepresenter’scomputer
isnecessaryforaneffectivepresentation.Ifapermanentsystemisnotinstalled,aportablepowered
speakersystemisrequired.Computerspeakerswillnotbeadequate.Threeinputstothesystemare
required;twoforthemicrophonesandoneforthecomputeraudio.
TwoWirelessHandheldMicrophones
Pleaseensurethehandhelddeviceshavenewbatteriesandspareback-- u pbatteries.Wiredorlapel
microphoneswillnotworkwiththisprogram.
XLRMicrophoneCord
Ensure the cord is long enough to reach from your sound system to the presenter’s computer
stand(presenterwillsupplystand),whichwillbepositionedatthefrontoftheroom.Presenterswill
usetheirstandandwillnotneedapodium.
LCDProjector,TableandVGACable
ProvideanLCDprojector,tableandVGAcable.Yourpresenterwillprovideaprojector,butoccasionally
thesedevicesmalfunction.IfyoudonothaveaccesstoanLCDprojector,werecommendyouborrow
onefromaneighboringschoolasitisnecessaryforallprograms.Pleasenote:theVGAcablemustreach
fromthepresenter’scomputerstandtotheprojector’stable.
Screen
Thescreenintheroomshouldbeaminimumof6by6feet.10by10feetorlargerisideal.
4
Reviewtheroomset-up diagram:
D
D
A
A
A
2 Feet at Most
2between
Feet at Most
between
inside
inside
and outside
and
outside
chairs.
chairs.
Chairs for
Chairs
for
Youths
and
Youths and
Adults
Adults
FT
50
E
B
B
A
Registration Table
Registration Table
E
E
Screen
Screen
B
Food Table
Food Table
F
F
Supplies Table
Supplies Table
C
Projector Stand
Projector Stand
Speaker Stand or Table (2)
Speaker Stand or Table (2)
D
Sound System Table
Sound System Table
Trash Can (2)
Trash Can (2)
E
C
B
CC
50 FT
F
F
D
50 FT
50 FT
ProgramRequirements
Support
FormaChainReactionPlanningCommitteetomanagethedetailsoforganizingtheday
oftheprogram.Acoordinatorandthreetofivemembersarerecommended.These
adultscanbestaffmembers,parents,PTAmembers,orothervolunteers.The
coordinatorwillbeinchargeofdelegatingresponsibilitiestotheseindividuals.
Timing
We require a minimum of six hours for each Chain Reaction program. If your
school day runs longer than six hours, we can work together to determine if
studentsshouldremaininChainReactionorreturntoclassorotheractivities.
Location
ItworksbestforstudentstogodirectlytotheChainReactionlocationwhentheyarrive
atschoolandstayallday.IfthelocationofyourChainReactionprogramrequiresthat
studentsbetransportedtoanoff-sitelocation,besuretoscheduletransportationso
thatthereisaminimumofsixhoursallowedfortheprogram.Youwillneedadultswho
arenotparticipatinginChainReactiontosupervisestudentsduringthetransportation
process.
Participants(Pleaserefertopage6formoreinformation)
ChainReactionisnotdesignedasaprogramto“fix”studentswhoarestruggling,but
toinspire agrouptorolemodelpositivecommunicationforyourentireorganization.
Selectstudentswhowillbenefitmostfromtheprogrambasedonyourgoalsandvision
forbringingChainReactiontoyourschool.Ifpossible,invitetheentirepopulationofa
selectedgradeleveltoparticipateinChainReaction.Theidealnumberofstudentsfor
thisprogramis80-100with100beingthemaximumnumberofstudentparticipants.
Thiswillhelpensureyourschoolwillexperiencepositiveresults,anditwillbeeasierto
structurefollowupactivitiesintheclassroom.Ifitisnotpossibletoincludeallthe
5
studentsatonegradelevel,weencourageyoutofindthestudentswhoarepeer
leaders,bothfromleadershipclassesandofmoremarginalizedgroupsoncampus(ie.
identifiablecliques).Together,thesestudentshavethegreatestpotentialtoshiftthe
normsoftheirpeersandthereforetoshifttheoverallschoolclimate.Teachersand
studentscanhelpidentifyappropriateparticipants.
Attire
Makesureallparticipantsarriveincomfortableattire.Therewillbephysicalactivity,soathletic
shoesarerecommended.
MaterialsProvidedbySchool
Pleasehavethefollowingmaterialsreadyforthedayoftheprogram:
• Clipboardsforeveryadultvolunteer,eachwiththefollowing:
o Smallgroupstudentsign-in(p.19),smallgroupquestions(p.20),and“Got
YourBack”sheet(p.23)printedforeverygroupmember(usually5total)
o Eachclipboardshouldhavealargenumberonthebackthatcorrespondstotheir
numberontheadultfacilitatorregistrationform
• 7zip-lockbags,7jarsofbabyfood,and70plasticspoons(1jarand10spoonswithineachbag)
• Abagorcanofprunes(8-- 12prunes)
• 7-- 10hula-- hoops
• Water
• Snacksforbreaks
• 20-- 25packsoftissues(1packforeachsmallgroup)
• Pens(Eachstudenttohaveapen)
• Onearmlesschairperparticipant
Counselor
Oneofourmostimportantrequirementsisthatacounselororlicensedmentalhealthprofessional,
employedbytheschool,bepresentfortheentireprogram.ChainReactionisadeeplyimpactful
experiencewithyouthandadults.Insomecases,studentswhoaredealingwithissuesmayneed
additionalsupport.Wehavefoundschoolofficialsareoftengratefultofinallyidentifyandhavethe
opportunitytoprovidethesestudentswiththehelptheyneed.Ourgoalisthatthecounselorwill
providetheappropriatefollow-- upcareforstudentsoncetheprogramiscomplete.Pleaseseethe
confidentialityappendix(p.9)formoreinformation.
6
Pre-- EventTaskstoComplete
o
o
Identifyacounselorwhowillbepresentfortheentireeventday.
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’sChallengePresenters1½hoursbeforethescheduledtimeoftheeventwithtechnical
assistant.
7 RecruitingYouthParticipants
ThenumberofyouthparticipantsforChainReactionisnottoexceed100students.
Ideally,youwillwanttoinvitestudentsfromonegradeleveltoattendChainReaction.Ifthatisnot
possible,acommonrecruitmenttechniqueistohaveteachersandcounselorsidentifyacross-- sectionof
youthleadersinyourschool.Theseleadersarenotjuststudentcouncilmembers;theyareleadersof
cliquesonyourcampus.TheseleaderswillhelpspreadtheChainReactionmessagethroughoutyour
campus.
**Note:ItisadvantageoustoframeparticipationinChainReactionasaprivilegeandremindstudents
thatonlyalimitednumberofpeoplewillbeabletoattend.Thiswillincreaseexcitementandclarifythat
studentsarenotbeingpunishedortargeted.“Privilege”hereshouldnotmeanonlythebeststudentsor
traditionalstudentleaders.
Rachel’s Challenge does not require a permission slip for students to participate. However, if your
school requires a permission slip we have provided one for you to use. If an entire grade level is
participating, you may want to use an “opts out” permission slip which parents can sign if they DO
NOTwanttheirchildrentoparticipate.SeePage12foracopyofthepermissionslip.
OnceChainReactionparticipantshavebeenchosen,copyanddistributethefollowing:
• StudentInvitation(p.11)
• Parent/GuardianInvitation(p.13)
• PermissionSlip(p.12)
RecruitingAdultParticipants
Itisrequired to have one Adult Facilitatorforevery four youth participants.Ifyou
areunabletomeetthisrequirementfewerstudentswillbeabletoparticipate.
Parentsandguardiansarewelcomedandareidealvolunteeradultfacilitators.Wewillnotputthem
inasharinggroupwiththeirchild,soencouragethemtohelpfortheday.Otherpotentialfacilitators
mayinclude:schooladministrators,teachers,counselors,oldersiblings,grandparents,PTAmembers,
schoolboardmembers,localpoliceofficers,schoolsupportstaff,localpoliticians,localbusiness
owners,localcollegestudentsandserviceorganizationmembers.
**Note:Itispossiblethatadultfacilitatorscouldcancelatthelastminuteduetoillnessorother
responsibilities.Pleasebesuretorecruitadditionalfacilitatorstoparticipateasneeded.
AdultFacilitatorsmustarrive30minutesbeforethescheduleddayandbepreparedtostay15minutes
aftertheprogram.Adultsmustbeavailabletoremainon-- siteandparticipatefullyintheprogramallday,
noexceptions.Againtherewillbesomephysicalactivity,soadultsshouldalsodresscomfortablyand
wearathleticshoes.
AnAdultFacilitatorrosterhasbeenprovidedforyoutorecordnameandcontactinformationfor
eachfacilitator(p.18).Pleasecopyanddistributethefollowingtoalladultfacilitators:
• AdultVolunteerFacilitatorInvitation(p.14)
• AdultVolunteerFacilitatorWelcomeLetter(p.15)
8
Registration
RegistrationSupplies:
•
•
•
•
•
Pens/Markers
Rachel’sChallengeNametagsandBracelets(eachyouthparticipantwillreceiveonebracelet)
providedintheeventmaterialsbox.
Smalltrashcan
Listofparticipants.UsetheStudentRegistrationFrom(p.17)tolistandregisterstudent
participants.Coordinatorsmustprovideleaderswithalistofstudentparticipantsthemorning
oftheprogramtoensurethemaximumofstudentsis100.
Listofadultfacilitators.UsetheAdultFacilitatorForm(p.18)tolistandregisteradult
participants.Coordinatorsmustprovideleaderswithalistofadultparticipantstoensurethere
isonefacilitatorforeveryfourstudentparticipants.
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(whentheadultmeetingis
completed).
CoordinatingLunch
LunchTime
Lunchwillbe20to30minuteslong.Itiscriticalthatlunchisavailable2½hoursafterthestartof
theprogramandthatwehaveflexibilityaroundwhentoservelunch.
Location
Itisrequiredforlunchtobeserved/consumedintheroomwhereChainReactionisbeingheld.
Pleasekeepthisinmindwhenselectingyourlocation.Ifthisisnotpossible,pleasefindanother
locationwhichisseparatefromtherestofthestudentbody.Allparticipantsincludingadult
facilitatorswillbeaskedtoremainon-- siteandwillneedtobringtheirownbaglunchesorhave
lunchprovidedbythehostingsite.Noexceptions.
Reminders:
• Ifyouwishtoprovidelunchesforeveryone,pleasehaveitbepreparedcoldfoodsuchas:
•
•
sandwiches,subs,wraps,chips,etc.Pleasestayawayfromfoodslikepizzaandhamburgersas
theycangrowcoldandthearomacanbedistracting.
Arrangeforamealwithaquickservingprocess.Wesuggestsettingupatablesoalinecan
proceeddownbothsidesofthetable.
Healthymealsarebest–itmakesadifferenceinmoraleandenergy.Sugarydrinksorheavy
foodscanseriouslyaffectstudents’abilitytoconcentrate.
9
Confidentiality
MandatedReportinginSchools
Therearesomeeventsthatareconsideredtobereportableforthewell-- beingofminors(youth
underage18yearsofage)undereverystates’lawsintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.These
reportableeventsincludeyouththatarebeingabused(physically,sexually,and/oremotionally)by
someoneelse.ItisimportantthatareportisfilledoutwiththeChildProtectiveServices(CPS)
usuallywithin48hoursoftheevent(pleasecheckwithyourlocaldepartmentfortheexact
reportingtime).ThenameofChildProtectiveServicesvariesbasedonthestate.
MandatedReportingandAdultFacilitators
ItiscrucialthatallschoolshavethenumberforCPSintheiradministrativeandcounselingoffices.It
isimportantforcounselorsandtheschools’administrationtounderstandmandatedreportingin
theirstateandwhoqualifiesasamandatedreporter.IfyouhaveadultfacilitatorsatChainReaction
thatmaynotqualifyasmandatedreporters,butitispossiblethattheywillhearareportableevent,
pleasemakesureandletthemknowwhichadultsintheroomaremandatedreportersandmake
suretheysharethepertinentinformation.Theseadultfacilitatorswhoreceivedtheinformation
fromthestudentcanalsohelpmandatedreportersfilloutthestatemandatedreport.
ConfidentialityandChainReactionPrograms
OneofthesuccessfulfactorsofChainReactionisthatwhatissharedbyyouthandadultsduringthe
programisencouragedtostayconfidentialamongallparticipants.TheRachel’sChallengepresenters
willaddresstheimportanceofconfidentialityandprovideroomforquestions,priortoanysharing
activities.Theadultsandstudentswillbetoldthatifanyoneisbeinghurt,hurtingothersorhurting
themselvesthattherewillbefollow-- up.Adultleaderswillbegivensheetsofpaperanddirectionson
howtoreportthosethreeitems(andanyotherconcerns)tothecounselorforfollow-- up.
10
StudentInvitation
Congratulations!YouhavebeenselectedtorepresentyourschoolorcommunityintheupcomingChain
ReactionProgramprovidedbyRachel’sChallenge.ChainReactionisatransformationaldayoffun,
leadership,andpowerthatcanchangethewaypeopleviewoneanother.
ThegoalofChainReactionistohelpstopbullying,violenceandalienationthatarepartsoftheschool
experienceformillionsofyoungpeopleeveryday.Throughavarietyofgames,trust-- buildingactivities
andpresentations,youwillbegivenauniqueopportunitytoseeyourselfandthepeoplearoundyou
throughanewsetofeyes.
Rachel’sChallengeisanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtoequippingandempoweringstudentsand
adultstosustainapositiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreaction
ofkindnessandcompassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledin
theColumbineHighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeople
haveheardRachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.
Reminders:
• Spaceislimited.Participantswillbesigneduponafirstcome,firstservedbasis.Ifa
permissionslipisrequired,pleasereturnitassoonaspossibletosecureyourplace.
o Pleasenote:youmustbepreparedtoarriveontimeandstayfortheentireprogramin
ordertoparticipate.
• Pleasedresscomfortablywithathleticshoes.
• Bringabaglunchunlessotherwisedirected.
• Adultsarewelcometoattend.
o Pleaseletyourparent/guardianknowtheyarewelcometoparticipateintheprogramas
adultrolemodelsandsmallgroupleaders.Adultsdonotneedtohaveanyspecialskills
ortraining.Theyjustneedtohaveopenhearts,minds,andbewillingtostayallday.Ifa
parent/guardianisinterested,theycannotetheirinterestonthepermissionslip.
11
PermissionSlip
Congratulations,yourchildhasbeenselectedtorepresentyourschool/communityintheChainReaction
Program!ThegoalofChainReactionistobuildcommunityandtohelpstoptheteasing,violence,andalienation
thataredeeplyapartoftheschoolexperienceformillionsofyoungpeopleeveryday.ChainReactionisa
powerfulandtransformationaldaythatcanchangethewaypeoplevieweachotherforever.Itisadayoffun,
friendshipandnewpossibilities.
ChainReactionwillbeon(date)from(times)to
Location:
Yourchildwillneedtoarriveontimeandbringabaglunchunlessotherwiseindicated.
Adultsareneededtoassistwiththeday(s).Parents/Guardiansareinvitedtoparticipateasadultvolunteerfacilitators.
Thiscanbeawonderfulexperienceforyouthandadultsalike.Ifyouwouldliketovolunteer,pleasecontactyourSchool
Coordinator.
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 my
permissionfor my child/ward to participate in the Chain Reaction Program. I understand that the event is not
required andthat my child/ward’s participation is voluntary. I further understand that Rachel's Challenge and
the sponsoring school/organization, their officers, employees or agents assume no liability either directly or
indirectlyforinjury oraccidentsresultingfromoranywayconnectedwiththisevent.
IunderstandthattheChainReactionProgramwilldealwithawiderangeofissuessuchasleadership,self-- esteem,
socialoppression,violence,racism,andteasing. Ialsounderstandthattheprogramwillbefun,empowering,eye-- openingandemotional.Ihavereadtheattachedletterandhavediscussedconfidentialitywithmychild/wardand
support his/her participation.I further understand and consent that my child/ward may be invited to participate
infutureChainReactionProgramsathis/herschool,thatmembersoftheprintandfilm mediamaybepresentat
thiseventandthatmychild/wardmaybephotographed,interviewedorquotedasaparticipantinthisprogram.
I have carefully read this permission form/waiver and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a
releaseandwaiverofliabilityofRachel'sChallenge,thesponsoringschool/organization,andallrelated parties;
andIherebyreleaseandagreetoholdharmlessRachel’sChallengeandthesponsoringschool/organizationand all
otherrelatedpartiesfromanyandallclaimsarisingoutof,orinanywayrelatedto,mychild/ward’s participation
inChainReaction.
Igivemypermissionformychild/ward(name)toparticipateinChainReaction.
Tobeheldat(location)on(dates)
ParentName(pleaseprint)
ParentSignaturePhoneNumber
12
Parent/GuardianInvitation
DearParentorGuardian:
ItisourpleasuretoinviteyouandyourchildtoattendChainReactionbyRachel’sChallenge.The
missionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustainapositiveculture
changeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessandcompassion;based
onthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbineHighSchool shootings
onApril,201999.Sinceinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheardRachel’sstoryinlive settings
worldwide.
ChainReactionisapowerful,high-- energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsareguided
throughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramaretoincrease
personalpowerandself-- esteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportandto
eliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReactionprograms
aredesignedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythe
themesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressesthe
issuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peer
pressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Duringtheprogram,youtharegivenseveralopportunitiestospeakoutaboutwhat’sreallygoingonin
theirlivesandwhattheyneedfromoneanother.Pleasenote:whileourprogramfocusesprimarilyon
globalandcommunityissuesandconcerns,individualstudentscanandoftendosharepersonal
difficultiesandexperiences.Yourchildshouldbeawarethatwhileconfidentialityisoneoftheprimary
normsforprogramparticipation,wecanneverguaranteeconfidentialityonalargegrouplevel
followingtheday(Wedoremindtheparticipantsoftheimportanceofconfidentiality).
Attheconclusionoftheprogram,themajorityoftheyouthleavefeelingbonded,empoweredand
committedtomakingapositivedifference.Attimes,youthmayneedadditionalsupport.Itwouldbea
greatgifttoyourchildifyoucanbeavailabletolistentoanyfeelingsorresponsess/hemayhave
followingtheprogram.
Westronglyencourageparents,teachersandcommunitymemberstoparticipate.Pleasecontactyour
SchoolCoordinatorifyouareinterestedinbeingapartoftheprogram,orifyouhavequestionsabout
anythingrelatedtothisspecificday.Pleasecontactourofficeifyouwouldlikemoreinformationabout
ourprograms.
Sincerely,
Rachel’sChallengeTeam
www.rachelschallenge.org
www.facebook.com/rachelschallenge
13
AdultFacilitatorInvitation
DearCommunityMember:
PleasejoinusasanAdultFacilitatoratourupcomingRachel’sChallengeeventcalledChainReaction.
ThemissionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustainapositive
culturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessand
compassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbine
HighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheard
Rachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.
ChainReactionisapowerful,high-energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsare guided
throughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramareto increase
personalpowerandselfsesteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportand to
eliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReaction programs
aredesignedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythe
themesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressesthe
issuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peer
pressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Weencourageadultstovolunteeraspositiverolemodelsforthebenefitsofyouth.Theprogram
welcomesparents/guardians,teachers,administrators,policeofficers,electedofficials,community
membersandanyotherinterestedadults.Thisallowsyouthtoseeanothersideoftheseadultsin
additiontotheirassignedcommunityroles.
AdultFacilitatorsarecrucialforthesuccessoftheday.Rachel’sChallengepresenterswillmeetwithall
facilitatorsfor30minutespriortothestartoftheprogramtoletyouknowwhatisneededfromyouand
toansweryourquestions.Nopriortrainingisnecessaryotherthanthemorningcheck-- inmeeting.You
mustbeabletoremainon-- siteandparticipatefullyfortheentireprogram,including15minutesafterthe
programforapostChainReactiondebriefing.
Ifyouareinterestedinparticipating,orknowsomeonethatwouldbeinterested,pleasecontactyour
SchoolCoordinatorformoreinformation.Wehopeyouwillbeabletojoinusforthiswonderful
experience!
Sincerely,
Rachel’sChallengeTeam
www.rachelschallenge.org
www.facebook.com/rachelschallenge
14
FacilitatorWelcomeLetter
DearChainReactionFacilitator/Volunteer:
ThankyouforvolunteeringtobeapartofourupcomingRachel’sChallengeeventcalled,Chain
Reaction.ThemissionofRachel’sChallengeistoequipandempowerstudentsandadultstosustaina
positiveculturechangeintheirschoolsandcommunitiesbystartingachainreactionofkindnessand
compassion;basedonthelifeandwritingsofRachelScott,thefirstpersonkilledintheColumbine
HighSchoolshootingsonApril,201999.Sinceitsinception,over23millionpeoplehaveheard
Rachel’sstoryinlivesettingsworldwide.
ChainReactionisapowerful,high-- energyprograminwhichyouthandadultparticipantsareguided
throughaseriesofexperientiallearningprocesses.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogramaretoincrease
personalpowerandself-- esteem,toshiftdangerouspeerpressuretopositivepeersupportandto
eliminatetheacceptabilityofteasing,violenceandallformsofoppression.ChainReactionprogramsare
designedtounitethemembersoftheschooland/orcommunityandtoempowerthemtocarrythe
themesoftheprogrambacktothegreaterschoolpopulation.Thisprogramsuccessfullyaddressesthe
issuesofviolence,teasing,socialoppression,racism,harassment,conflictmanagement,suicide,peer
pressure,alcoholanddrugs.
Yourroleasfacilitatoriscrucialforthesuccessoftheday.Pleasereadthefollowingpointstoremember
fortheprogramday:
Dresscomfortablyandbringyourownlunch.Athleticshoesarerecommended.Unlesstheschool
informsyouotherwise,pleasebepreparedtobringyourownbaglunch.
Attendfacilitatormeetings.Planonmeeting30minutespriortothestartoftheprogramand15
minutesattheconclusionoftheday.Feelfreetocheck-- inwiththeRachel’sChallengepresenters
throughoutthedayasneeded.
Attendallday.Pleasebepreparedtostaytheentiredaywithoutyourcellphone.
Bepositive.Pleasemodelthepositivebehaviorthatwearelookingforfromthestudents.Remember,
yourenergyandfullparticipationwillaffectattitudesandactivitiesfortheday.
Trustthegroupprocessandbeagoodlistener.Pleaseknowthatmanyofthetopicsandactivities
coveredoftenelicitfeelingsandthatattimesthingsmayseemintense.Trustyourselfandtrustthe
group.
HAVEFUN!Oftenasadults,weforgettoplayandhavefun.Ourmodelingisveryimportant,soplayand
allowyourselftofeel.Thisdayisforyoutoo!
Thankyouforyoursupport.ChainReactionhasproventobeaspowerfulforadultsasitisforstudents.
Wearehappythatyouaregoingtobepartofthiswonderfulday.
Sincerely,
Rachel’sChallengeTeam
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Rachel’sChallenge
MediaFactSheet
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’sChallengecertifiedpresentershavereachedmillionsm oreonpopularmediaoutletslike
CNN,FoxNews,TheTodayShow,GoodMorningAmerica,LarryKingLive,Oprah,Dateline,O’ReillyFactor,Hannityand
Colmesandnumerousothers.Mr.Scotthasalsoauthoredthreebooks,includingthebestseller“Rachel’s Tears.”
Darrellmeetsregularlywithpoliticiansandeducators,andisalsoakeynotespeakeratmanylargeeducationalvenues.
HemetwithPresidentBillClintonontwooccasionsandPresidentGeorgeW.Bushhaswrittenapersonalletter
recommendingRachel’sChallenge.
Contact
FormoreinformationonhowtohaveaRachel’sChallengeeventatyourschoolorconference,pleasecontactusat877895-7060,orvisitourwebsiteatwww.rachelschallenge.org.
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StudentRegistrationForm
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AdultFacilitatorRegistrationForm
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SmallGroupStudentSign-- inSheet
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19 SmallGroupQuestions
Facilitators:Takeamomenttositquietlyallowingeveryonetogetsettled.Ifyouneedtissues,there
aresomeavailablearoundtheroom.
Askthefollowingquestionsofeachpersoninthegroup:
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WhatdidyoufeelduringCrosstheLine?
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WhatdidyoulearninCrosstheLinethatwillchangethewayyouviewyourpeers?
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Tellusaboutaproblemyouaredealingwithrightnow.Youdon’thavetogiveallthedetails,but
shareapartofyourstory.
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Whathaveyoulearnedtodaythatcouldchangethewayyoulive?
Facilitators:Ifparticipantsrevealissuesinwhichtheycouldbehurt,orsomeoneelsecouldbehurt,please
discretelymarktheirnamesontheattendancelist.Atthecloseoftheworkshop,youwillbeaskedifthereare
anystudentswhoneedimmediatefollow-upandyoucanexplainyourcommentsatthattime.
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ChainReactionOverview
ChainReactionwasdevelopedthroughanalreadyestablishedandsuccessfulprogram.Rachel’s
Challengewasprovidedtherightstousetheprogram.PriortoRachel’sChallengeinvolvement,the
programwasstudiedbyBiddleConsultingGroup,Inc.(BCG).BCGwasengagedtoconductaresearch
studyoftheprogramandindependentlyinvestigateitseffectivenessinpositivelyimpactingthe
Attitudes,BehaviorsandValues(ABVs)ofteenagesecondaryschoolstudents.BCGassignedseveral
senior/principallevelconsultantstoconductthestudy,whichincludedbothqualitativeandquantitative
researchinvestigations.ThreeSacramento-- areaschools(Rocklin,Roseville,andElkGrove)wereinvolved
by(collectively)sendingover300studentsthroughoneoffoursessionsthatwereheldattheirschoolsor
localcommunitycenters.
Theresearchstudyinvolvedtwomajorresearchsteps:(1)evaluatingstudents’initialreactionstothe
programusinga19-- questionsurveyaskinghowtheywereimpacted,and(2)apre/postresearch
evaluationcompletedbyadministeringpre/postsurveys(thatincluded41questionsregardingtheeight
ABVs)to250studentsfromthreesecondaryschoolswhoattendedanyoneoffoursessions.Thesurvey
wasgiventostudentsimmediatelybeforeparticipatingandagain6-- 10weekslater.Thispre/postsurvey
designallowedustoinvestigatetheextenttowhichtheprogrammademeasured,lastingandstable
impactsintheeightimportantareas.Thepre/post“ChangeScores”(calculatedbyobtainingthe
differencebetweenstudents’post/prescores)demonstratedthattheprogramgeneratedbetween8
percentand20percentimprovementratesontheeightABVs,asdisplayedonthechartbelow(all
schoolsandsessionscombined):
Statisticalanalyseswerealsousedtoinvestigatewhethertheimprovementrateswerestatistically
meaningful(i.e.whethertheywerea“beyondchance”occurrence).Theresultsofthisstudy
demonstratedthattheprogramdidinfactproducestatisticallysignificantimprovementsacrossalleight
ABVs(whenallfoursessionswerecombinedintoanoverallanalysis).Improvementratesforallgroups
wereobserved,withthehighestimpactobservedamongminorities.
Meta-- analyseswerealsoconductedtoevaluatetheconsistencyandtrendsoftheresearchresultsacross
thethreeschoolsandfoursessions.Thisstudyhelpedevaluatetheextenttowhichtheprogrammay
havepositiveresultsinothersettings(i.e.atschoolsoutsidethoseincludedinthisstudy).Theresultsof
thisstudyindicatedstatisticallysignificantimprovementswith4ofthe8targetedareas:Opennessof
Expression,Gossip,Bullying,andHopefulOutlook(withthehighesteffectsalsointhis
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order).The“TotalImprovement”scale(madeupofacombinationofallscales)wasalsostatistically
significant.Thesepositiveresultsindicatethattheprogramislikelytoproducesimilarpositiveresultsin
otherschools–especiallythesefourareas.
ImplicationfromResearchResults
Theseresearchresultsprovidecompellingevidencethattheprogrameffectivelyimpactsthestudent
ABVsthatarecriticallyimportantforcreatingapositivelearningandsocialenvironmentintoday’s
secondaryschools.Theimplicationsofthesefindingsaresubstantialbecausethescientificresearch
processusedtocompletetheevaluationprovidesempiricalevidence–acrossthreeschoolsandfour
sessionsandaspanof6-- 10weeks–thattheprogramcreateslastingimpactinthelivesofstudentsin
areasthatmatter.
ItisdifficulttoestimatehowmuchChainReactionmightlowertheriskofsignificanteventssuchas
schoolviolence,suicides,andothermajorchallengesfacingschoolstoday.Indeed,itisdifficultforany
researchstudytopredictthe“non-- occurrence”ofsuchevents.However,whatthisstudydid
substantiateisthatChainReactiondoesinfactsignificantlyimpactthefactorsthathavebeen
connectedtosuchnegativeevents.Studentswhoarecontinuallybombardedwithbullying,teasing,
gossip,andotherharassinganddistractingbehaviorsfromotherstudentswillexperienceclouded
learningenvironments,andsometimeseventurntohostileexpression.ChainReactionistargeted
towardspreventingschoolviolenceanddistractedlearningenvironmentsbyfacilitatingexpression,
hopefulness,andincreasingawarenessregardingdestructiveattitudes,behaviors,andvalues.
Withtoday’ssecondaryschoolsoftenbeingcharacterizedbytheoppositeoftheseeightABVs,Chain
Reactionoffersapractical,one-- dayinterventionthatactuallyworkstocounteractmanynegative
elementsthathinderthedevelopmentandpreservationofsafeandeffectivelearningenvironments.
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