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Sandy Hook Promise Third Annual 'Start With Hello' Week

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On the heels of the success of its latest PSA, "Tomorrow's News," which was viewed over 1.6 million times, Sandy Hook Promise is announcing its third annual national Start With Hello Call-to-Action Week.www.sandyhookpromise.org or e-mail programs@sandyhookpromise.org.About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. It is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook School on December 14, 2012. Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and other forms of 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 non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Our office is located at 13 Church Hill Road, Newtown. For more information visit www.sandyhookpromise.org or call 203-304-9780.

Start With Hello is a no-cost, easy-to-implement program for schools and community organizations. With the program, students are empowered to create an inclusive and connected community by reaching out to those who may be chronically isolated, marginalized, or rejected to let them know that they are valued and are not invisible.

Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated as if invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within schools. Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. Young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence, and/or depression. As a result, many pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, and may choose to hurt themselves or others.

"Every year we receive amazing feedback from schools participating in Start With Hello week, from how easy and fun it is to implement, to how much the students love it, and the positive impacts they are experiencing as a result," said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director at Sandy Hook Promise, and mother of six-year old Dylan, killed in the Sandy Hook School shooting.

"While Start With Hello and creating inclusive, connected school communities has many social benefits, we also know that chronic social isolation can lead to acts of violence and self-harm. We can take actions to prevent this from happening, including simple actions like reaching out and saying 'Hello,'" according to Ms Hockley.

During the week of February 5-9, SHP will work with schools across the nation during the Start With Hello call to action week, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of students. Start With Hello is delivered at no cost to schools and organizations by SHP. The program can be taught by SHP trained presenters in the classroom or assemblies, or it can be self-lead by schools downloading the digital curriculum.

For more information, go to

Since its inception, Sandy Hook Promise has educated nearly 2.5 million youths and adults in all 50 states with its Know The Signs Programs on mental health and wellness, identification of at-risk behaviors, and how to take action and get help before a situation escalates. Those trained are now able to spread SHP's vital messages and help prevent gun violence before it happens.

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