The Walt Disney Company Partners With Sandy Hook Promise For Its “Start With Hello” Program
Sandy Hook Promise has announced that The Walt Disney Company is a new supporter of its Start With Hello program for elementary schools. This program promotes inclusion and prevents social isolation. Through this collaboration, Sandy Hook Promise will be able to significantly expand the reach of this celebrated program.
The Walt Disney Company will be directly contributing to the development of a new Start With Hello curriculum and digital platform for grades K-5. 2.8 million youth and adults from 6,000 schools and youth organizations in the first three years will now receive training.
“We are thrilled to be working with The Walt Disney Company to bring our Start With Hello programs to the youngest students across the country. We’ve had tremendous demand for Start With Hello training for elementary schools, and because of this donation, we are able to bring this new training to life. Elementary schools are the perfect setting for this training, which focuses on inclusion and looking out for one another. We believe that the earlier we can tackle social isolation and create connectivity among students, the more we will empower students to be upstanders in the future,” said Nicole Hockley. Nicole is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise. She is also the mother of Dylan Hockley, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.
The Walt Disney Company
Disney’s commitment to making lasting, positive change in communities and promoting the happiness and well-being of children and their families reflects the same values and mission that Sandy Hook Promise promotes in the Start With Hello program. Youth leadership, development, empowerment and creating inclusive school communities are what both organizations have focuses on.
“We know that being a young student isn’t always easy. That’s why The Walt Disney Company is pleased to support the Start With Hello program to encourage young kids to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness, encourage inclusive behavior, and prevent kids from feeling isolated,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company. “We are thrilled that our donation will go directly towards expanding this great program to reach young children during such formative years.”
Start With Hello
Start With Hello is a results-proven and easy-to-implement program. It empowers students to create an inclusive and connected community. They do this by reaching out to those who may be chronically isolated, marginalized, or rejected. The students want them to feel seen and valued. The program is available to schools at no-cost.
Social Isolation
Social isolation is a growing epidemic in the United States and within our schools. Excessive feelings of isolation has associations with violent and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, isolated young people are prone to becoming victims of bullying, violence, and/or depression. As a result, many pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development. They may also choose to hurt themselves or others. SHP created the Start With Hello program. It is part of their mission to prevent gun violence and other forms of violence and victimization BEFORE they happen.
SOURCE Sandy Hook Promise
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