How Can We Reduce Hate Language and Violence on our Campuses

Student leaders representing high schools from every region of the state - looked at the topic:
 
 
Below in list form are some of the suggestions, slogans and strategies these 
students had for solving this problem:

• Acknowledge others and talk to people you don't know...welcome them.
• "Stop the Strife"
• "Chill ...don't Kill"
• "Stop the Hate"
• Share a smile
• Get involved with Big Brother/Big Sister programs
• Treat people with respect
• Form support groups
• Anger and Stress control workshops
• Provide REAL drug info - not a clinical - clean speech
• Teach Peer Counseling & Peer Mediation
• BE KIND
• Be morally straight
• Learn tolerance
• Group sessions to talk & learn about similarities and differences
• Practice forgiveness
• Voice your beliefs ...Listen to others
• Get involved in service projects
• Practice Patience
• Increase Penalties for uncivil behavior - Reward Right Choices
• Involve - Encourage - Include
• Poster Series like the "God" Billboards around the country
• Fun, but meaningful announcements
• Utilize Student counselors
• Increase funding for programs
• Open communication with adults and administrators
• Re-write the school codes and re-think the "unwritten codes"
• Develop mental "color-blindness" - don't judge based on race
• End gang violence
• Gossip Stoppers
• Rumor Control Numbers and websites
• Teacher Sensitivity Training
• Use of uniforms, police and metal detectors
• Net backpacks and bookbags
• Start a "Compliment Campaign"
• NO put-downs
• Radio & TV teen talk times that are real
• Smile and say HI, Howdy, and nod - DO IT FIRST!
• Stress, Anger and diversity classes
• Group talk times before, during and after school
• Have a safe way of reporting actual dangers, conflict and incidents
• Let God back in school - FCA, prayer groups, etc.
• Provide opportunities for adults to learn about teens
• Random Acts of Kindness
• More opportunities for recreation that involves a few people that are not varsity sports
• Teacher/Student talk times
• Sponsor emphasis weeks on different cultures
• Involve families
• Keep in contact with other schools to share ideas and news
• Sponsor area-wide positive teen conference
• Let 'em know NOT EVERYONE is angry - push the positive
• Say one nice thing a day to just one other person
• Ask others about THEIR feelings
• Know that you can ask for help
• Dances, Kareoke nights, and activities that offer alternatives
• Meet and greet new people
• No Backstabbing
• Talk more with different people
• Create a school wide slogan that promotes unity