Dear John,

Today is the first day of our annual National Youth Violence Prevention Week, when caring people like you join with other students, educators, parents and local leaders in supporting a common goal: reducing youth violence.

But with more than 50 million students out of school due to the COVID-19 outbreak, social isolation – one of the key warning signs of potential violence – can worsen and go unnoticed. Cyberbullying could be on the rise and feelings of loneliness may intensify as children are required to shelter in place, away from their friends and school-based support networks.

We need your help to shine a spotlight on the positive (and fun!) ways of minimizing social isolation.

Will you share this on social media?

All this week on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we’ll be sharing ideas and youth activities designed to enhance social connectivity during this time of physical distancing … like this one:

Write and Share a Note of Encouragement Write and share positive virtual sticky notes, and send them to classmates via text, email or social media: a simple way to make others feel uplifted.

Please, follow us on social media, check out our Activity of the Day, spread the word – and share any ideas you or your kids may have to stay connected when stuck at home. Use #nyvpw and join the conversation.

With thanks,

Vae Champagne
Student Programs Manager