WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Reduce violence and other crime in schools by learning conflict management and mediation skills, starting a School Watch modeled on the Neighborhood Watch idea, starting a student court that hears real cases and imposes real sentences, holding assemblies that help peers think about problems or needs that affect their lives. Get involved with Scholastic Crime Stoppers modeled after the Lawton Crime Stoppers program.
2. Reduce substance abuse by talking to younger kids about practical ways to resist the pressures to try alcohol and drugs, producing radio public service announcements against drug abuse and getting permission to play them over the school's PA system, performing skits urging younger children to stay drug free, setting up a hotline which can address substance abuse.
3. Improve the neighborhood by joining a graffiti removal team, picking up trash and litter from a park, planting flowers and shrubs around your school, working with other groups to organize a community clean-up day, helping to renovate a playground.
4. Help others by tutoring or mentoring younger children, taking an elderly neighbor to the grocery store, supporting a friend who's been a victim of crime, volunteering to help out in after-school programs or daycare centers, setting up a warm line to help young students who are home alone after school.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1. Why not start a contest and give prizes for the best violence prevention essay, video, poster, or rap?
2. Why not take part in a national event -- Crime Prevention Month, National Youth Service Day, National Night Out, or Victim Rights Week, for example?
3. Why not work to prevent violence and other crimes in a new, different way? Try a school pride day, a rally against drugs and violence, an alcohol and drug-free prom or graduation party, an original play or puppet show for younger kids, a week when everyone in your class agrees to "turn off" violent entertainment -- TV shows, videos, games, and movies?

WHO CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED?