Resources Provided
The Safe School Ambassadors program includes a comprehensive set of resources and materials to support students and adults in carrying out the roles shown on the Organization Chart & Roles.
Pre-Training Materials
Program Advisor’s Handbook
This essential guide helps Program Advisor(s) manage all aspects of their SSA Program. Includes sections on:
- Program launch and training preparation, including a Checklist of the specific steps required to prepare for the 2-day training that launches the program, as well as guidelines and worksheets for identifying, recruiting, and selecting adults and students to be trained
- Ongoing program implementation, including tips & tools for documenting program results
- Year-end wrap-up, including ideas for recognition and celebration
- Year two and beyond, including program benchmarks and tips for sustainability
Principal’s Handbook
This concise reference helps a site principal effectively support the Program Advisor(s) to build a powerful and sustainable SSA Program. Includes sections on:
- Program launch and training preparation, including recruitment of staff to serve as Program Advisor(s) and Family Group leaders
- Ongoing program implementation, including how to increase understanding of, and support for, the SSA program among staff, administrators, and community partners
- Year-end wrap-up, including guidelines for program assessment and improvement
- Year two and beyond, including program benchmarks and tips for sustainability, such as:
- Suggestions for involving parents and the larger community
- Working with the media to showcase your efforts
- Ideas for fundraising to financially support your SSA program
Informational DVD
Contains a handful of key SSA video clips that are useful for gaining understanding and support of staff, and helping to identify those who will work more closely with the program as Program Advisor and Family Group Facilitators.
The three items above are provided well in advance of the initial training, and are used in tandem with:
Live Coaching and Support
A Program Coordinator on the staff of Community Matters is assigned to each school that commits to launch the SSA program. This “coach” is:
- Proactive – reaching out to Principal and Program Advisor by phone and email at key times before and after the training to support successful implementation
- Responsive – available to the Principal and Program Advisor by phone and email (up to 2 hours per site per training purchased) to answer questions and provide advice on issues unique to that school
Training Materials
Just prior to the training dates, Training Materials are shipped. These include:
Ambassador’s Guidebooks
During the Training, students receive a Student Guide that helps them understand their role and develop the skills necessary to perform it successfully. Contents include:
- Program Overview & Ambassador Job Description
- Explanation of each Ambassador Action (skill), plus worksheets for Review, Training Journal, Referral Network, and Getting Help
- Forms, including an Action Log and Code of Conduct
Family Group Facilitator’s Guide
Adults are responsible for leading the “Family Groups” that provide ongoing support and supervision for Ambassadors. In post-training debriefing and planning meetings, these adults receive the following materials:
- Family Group Facilitator’s Guide, over 60 pages on facilitating Family Group meetings effectively, including an agenda template, activities, facilitation tips, debrief questions and more
- Forms, including an Attendance Record and Meeting Report
Ongoing Support
Our commitment to supporting your school’s SSA Program continues beyond the training itself. The CM Program Coordinator assigned to your school provides post-training coaching to assist the Program Advisor with next steps to build a sustainable, effective program. In addition, the resources listed below are available on an ongoing basis:
Newsletters
These contain timely reminders and best practices. Key articles are incorporated into the Help Desk (see below). They are produced several times each year and sent electronically to:
- Program Advisors – with a focus on coordinating & managing the SSA program
- Family Group Facilitators – with a focus on effective facilitation of these small groups
Online Program Tools
Resources for sustaining the SSA program. Requires your school’s username and password to log on to the Program Tools area of our website.
- Cool Tools - View and/or download forms, letter templates, surveys and other resources referenced in the SSA Principal’s Handbook and Program Advisor’s Handbooks; they are organized by handbook section
- Help Desk - Get 24/7/365 access to the resources you need to strengthen and sustain your program. Find creative ideas for Family Group meeting activities, All-Ambassador agendas, answers to common challenges, and more
- Webinars (COMING SOON) and Videos - Watch and/or participate in these resources designed to help you understand, implement and sustain your SSA program
- Data Manager (COMING SOON) - Use this tool to show results of your SSA Program to key decision-makers, staff and Ambassadors. Enter discipline data, Action Snapshot Campaign results, and Ambassador information; access Year-end Surveys, then print graphs and reports to share results and build support
- Newsletter Archives - View past and current Program Advisor Bulletins and Family Group Facilitator Newsletters
Facebook Page
Search for and add “Community Matters”. As resources become available, we anticipate adding a social networking component to the SSA website itself, to facilitate an exchange of information between/among program adults, and between/among Ambassadors.