# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After deciding that they wanted to support the Black Lives Matter movement during the SLP Fall Lab, our 4th and 5th Graders began to explore critical questions about race and policing in NYC: What are the principles of the #BlackLivesMatter movement? Do policing practices in NYC violate these principles? What can concerned New Yorkers do to help? Through their research, they learned that the system of policing in our city DOES NOT uphold the principles of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. They also decided that community conversation can help to create change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What happens if you don't vote?

Think about your grandparents, and great grandparents, who fought to get the 19th Amendment passed so women could vote in the early 1900s.

Think about the Civil Rights activists who fought for the Voting Rights Act in the 1960s, so that our civil liberties would be protected. They fought tirelessly for us to be able to cast our ballots, yet so many just throw that right away.

When you don't vote, you can end up with elected officials who won't help defend your liberties, or help you where help is needed most. Not exercising your constitutional right of voting is silencing your voice, and is effectively preventing you from creating change.

In addition, in some states, when you don't practice your right to vote, you can be purged, and removed from the voting registry. But, don't let this get you down. We have the power to take down voter suppression by practicing our right to vote, and ensuring that elected officials will protect our fundamental right.

When you vote, you are speaking for your children, and helping those in your community. Many don't vote because they don't love the candidates, but you will be much less likely to feel happy with a candidate if you don't vote in primaries and give yourself a say in who has the possibility of winning. That said, please vote, even if you don't love the candidates. It will determine the future that your children and grandchildren live in, and will help change the world.

You have the power, and we can make a difference: one pen, and one ballot at a time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What happens if you don't vote? Think about your grandparents, and great grandparents, who fought to get the 19th Amendment passed so women could vote in the early 1900s. Think about the Civil Rights activists who fought for the Voting Rights Act in the 1960s, so that our civil liberties would be protected.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A group of 8th graders in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn decided to help prevent racially-motivated police misconduct. Through their research, they discovered a critical aspect of this distressing problem, one that often gets less attention. Each year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) receives 157,000 911 calls involving New Yorkers struggling with mental and emotional health issues (known as EDPs). Yet, only 13% of NYPD officers receive sufficient training in de-escalating EDP situations. Moreover, the students learned, officers are randomly assigned to distress calls, regardless of their training. After learning that, in 2017 alone, at least 12 New Yorkers struggling with mental health issues were shot by the police, they were adamant that only those NYPD officers who are properly trained should respond to EDP calls. The students organized a petition drive to support an independent task force to address EDP shootings and, to accompany their petition results, wrote impassioned advocacy letters to decision-makers including Mayor Bill de Blasio and their local city council member.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A group of 8th graders in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn decided to help prevent racially-motivated police misconduct. Through their research, they discovered a critical aspect of this distressing problem, one that often gets less attention. Each year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) receives 157,000 911 calls involving New Yorkers struggling with mental and emotional health issues (known as EDPs).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Middle school students in Red Hook, Brooklyn, concerned about physical conflict among kids and teens in their community, successfully advocated for a school-based peer mediation program. During the Research phase, they discovered that students who were inclined to resolve conflict through fighting did so either because of external pressure from peers or family members, or because they could not calm themselves down when provoked. The students felt strongly that the positive potential of peer pressure, through a school-based mediation program, would provide young people in their community with the tools they need to resolve conflict peacefully, as well as the motivation to consider non-physical options. They organized and delivered a powerful presentation to members of their school administration who, after approving the proposal, followed up by bringing in an outside expert to train students to be effective mediators.

High school students, concerned about disruptive student behavior as well as what they considered an overly punitive school disciplinary system, created a school-based Youth Court to improve the school climate.

Through Youth Court, students are trained to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. The goal is to use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses both pay back the community and receive the help they need to stay out of trouble and succeed in school. A Youth Court does not decide guilt or innocence; to participate a student must admit violating school rules. The Youth Court jury focuses on determining the appropriate rehabilitative sanctions which can include community service, reflective essays and letters of apology.

The school principal agreed to allow the Youth Court to hear cases involving students who were eligible for suspension after violating multiple minor school rules. Youth Court Respondents who completed their sanctions also were invited to become members of Youth Court.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Conflict Resolution / Alternative to Suspension

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Middle school students in Red Hook, Brooklyn, concerned about physical conflict among kids and teens in their community, successfully advocated for a school-based peer mediation program. During the Research phase, they discovered that students who were inclined to resolve conflict through fighting did so either because of external pressure from peers or family members, or because they could not calm themselves down when provoked.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creating a support system

Often when we are struggling with our mental health, we feel alone. You may have friends and family to reach out to, but doing so at the moment can feel overwhelming. Using those around you for support is a vital step when facing mental health struggles. Creating a plan for who to reach out to and how can alleviate some of the strain. Find a place to write down this list that is easy to access and convenient; in your phone, a journal, a planner, or another place you often reference. Create a list of a few people you feel comfortable reaching out to in a crisis; maybe that's a parent, friend, guardian, teacher, or a therapist. If you typically can't find the words to ask for help, then writing some ideas or prompts may help you when needed. You can think of your own, but these are a few examples I find helpful.

1. "I'm going through a tough time, and not sure what to ask for, but I don't want to be alone."

2. "I could really use someone to talk to right now, can you (call, FaceTime, meet up)?"

3. "I can't be alone right now. Can you talk to me until I feel (safe, better, calm)?"

4. "I'm really overwhelmed, and what I'm doing isn't working. Can you help me form a new plan?"

5. "I know we haven't spoken recently, but I feel like you're someone I can trust. Can we talk?"

It is important to know how to ask for help. In moments of distress, you may not have the words. Building up your arsenal of tools and resources will help you feel more supported and prepared.

Identifying Coping Mechanisms

Sometimes certain emotions or physical symptoms can catch us off guard. Involuntary sensations, whether they are emotional or physical, can be scary and overwhelming. We may feel unable to tackle it at the moment. Even if we have experienced these feelings before, it can be difficult to recall all of our coping skills off hand. One way to ease the pressure is to create a plan. Find a place where you feel comfortable writing down this information, a place that is easily accessible and convenient. Create a list of some things that you may struggle with. This process may be triggering, so do it at your own speed and comfort. Under each item on that list, write a few triggers, emotions, or symptoms that occur as a result of this. Then try and brainstorm a few ways to cope with these feelings. Here is an example that may be helpful.

1. "I've been struggling with my anxiety recently."

2. "I feel detached from reality."

3. "Have a conversation with someone. Inhale for four seconds, hold for three, exhale for five. Count three things I can see, feel, and smell. Change of scenery, go to a different room or area. Drink a glass of water."

Referencing these lists may help you feel more in control; it will, at the very least, give you concrete next steps to take. It is important to remind ourselves that the things we feel, are feelings; they can be alleviated and even changed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Often when we are struggling with our mental health, we feel alone. You may have friends and family to reach out to, but doing so at the moment can feel overwhelming. Using those around you for support is a vital step when facing mental health struggles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
After the horrific shootings in Parkland, Florida, high school seniors in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn chose to focus their efforts on promoting school safety and advocating for increased gun regulation. Working in partnership with Students Demand Action (SDA), an Everytown for Gun Safety initiative, the students created a school-based Student Safety Coalition (SSC), a youth-led group through which teens promote a safer school environment and raise awareness around the issue of gun violence in schools. They organized a multi-faceted campaign to raise awareness in their high school - including a PSA, in-class presentations, and a school assembly- and created a How To Guide and video to inspire teens around the country to start SSCs of their own. Impressed with their efforts, Everytown shared these resources with their extensive nationwide network of schools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After the horrific shootings in Parkland, Florida, high school seniors in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn chose to focus their efforts on promoting school safety and advocating for increased gun regulation.