Sandy Hook Promise, a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, and dedicated to preventing gun violence, is offering a free “Say Something” program to schools and organizations in support of National Say Something Week, October 19-23.

According to a press release from Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), “When it comes to acts of violence, including suicide and threats to others, most are communicated in some way before the incident occurs. In four out of five school shootings, according to SHP, the attacker told people of his/her plans ahead of time, and 70 percent of people who die by suicide told someone of their intention, or gave some type of warning or indication.

The free Sandy Hook Promise “Say Something” program teaches students in grades 6 through 12 how to recognize warning signs, signals, and threats, especially in social media, from friends or individuals who may want to hurt themselves or others, and then to intervene and “Say Something” to a trusted adult to get help.

The program is based on research conducted by Dr Dewey Cornell and Dr Reid Meloy, leading national experts in threat assessment and intervention.

“Most of the time, warning signs of violence are communicated in advance, such as on social media, or can be observed in a person’s behavior. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do with that information,” said Mark Barden, managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, and father of 7-year-old Daniel Barden who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on 12/14. “Young people are the eyes and ears of their schools and community. We can teach them how to properly identify and report threats, keeping themselves, their friends, and their family safe. They have the power to save lives,” said Mr Barden.

All schools and youth organizations are encouraged to register to participate in Say Something Week at sandyhookpromise.org/saysomethingweek, and help their students be trained in how to prevent tragedies and “Say Something” to a trusted adult. By participating they may also be eligible to apply for a special $10,000 “Say Something” award. (Rules and the entry form are on the website.)

“Our Say Something program has the potential to protect thousands of children,” said Nicole Hockley, managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of 6-year-old Dylan Hockley who was also killed in the Sandy Hook tragedy.

“We want schools and youth organizations across the country to join us October 19 to 23 in raising awareness, educating students and the community, and saving lives. Imagine how many families could be spared the agony of losing a loved one,” said Ms Hockley, “if teens knew how to ‘Say Something’ about their peers who may be threatening to hurt themselves or others.”

Participating schools and youth organizations will be given digital access to no-cost and easy to implement Say Something training materials, presentations, and a planning guide. The training can be done in an assembly, classroom, or through student leaders, and only takes 25 to 45 minutes.

Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and all violence) before it happens by educating and mobilizing parents, schools and communities on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible nonpolicy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence.