Far too many students experience a school climate where recreational cruelty is the norm, and bullying is seen as a rite of passage.

How can these students learn, grow, and excel . . . when they fear being: teased, insulted, or left out … or harassed, intimidated, or assaulted … or worse?

Increased supervision, tougher rules, and other "Outside - In" strategies can't solve this problem and make students feel safe. Although the rules made by adults prohibit such behavior, the norms made by students too often encourage it. Changing the norms, the behaviors, and the climate requires students. But not just any students.

• Students with the awareness to notice cruelty and violence.
• Students with the skills to intervene with their friends to prevent or stop it.
• Students with the courage to give voice to their values.

We call these youth Ambassadors; Safe School Ambassadors.

"And we realized that it's not our job to go and snitch to teachers. It's our job to step in there and make it better, for our own good, and for the good of our friends … and even for the kids we don't even know." Rachel Beardsley, Safe School Ambassador, Rancho Cotate High School, California.

Thousands of Safe School Ambassadors are improving the climate of schools coast to coast. What if they were at work on your campus? ... 30-40 pairs of eyes and ears... traveling the halls, lunch area, and yard... noticing pain and intervening before it escalates to rage and revenge.

“ Safe School Ambassadors is the single most significant factor in changing our school climate this year.” Kathy Weigel, Principal, Atlantic HS, Palm Beach County, FL

How Schools Benefit

• Less Bullying, Intimidation, Taunting, Teasing, and Deliberate Exclusion
• Increased Tolerance, Respect, and Cultural Competence
• Increased Academic Performance
• Cost Savings
• Fewer Discipline Problems, Suspensions, and Expulsions
• Better Coverage and Fewer "Blind Spots" on your campus
• Breaking the "Code of Silence"
• More Students Bonded to School
• Increased Opportunities for Community Service and Service Learning
• Reduced Liability
• Compliance with Legislative and Other Mandates

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the Safe School Ambassadors program really work?
• What services does Community Matters provide?
• How can I get the support and buy-in of key leaders/colleagues in my school and district?
• How are the students recruited/selected?
• How much time is required?
• What is covered in the training?
• Where should we have the training?
• Do Safe School Ambassadors wear badges or armbands?
• How is the program structured after the training?
• Who are the Family Group Facilitators?
• What about safety and liability issues?
• How much does the program cost?
• Where have other schools found the funds to launch the program?
• What if our campus already has a peer helping or conflict mediation program?

Organization Chart & Roles

• Role
• Profile
• Summary of Responsibilities
• Training Required