As San Francisco and schools across the country attempt to grapple with gun violence, and violence generally, please find our Resolution in Support of Student-Led Actions Against Gun Violence and compiled resources within San Francisco and across the country.
(Additional Resources Are Below the Resolution)
UESF Resolution in Support of Student-Led Actions Against Gun Violence
Whereas, on February 14, 2018, an armed person killed 14 students and 3 educators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida; and
Whereas, the surviving students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have set an example of student leadership in their calls for legislative change and student action; and
Whereas, the Women’s March Youth EMPOWER contingent has called for a nationwide school walkout at 10:00 AM for 17 minutes on March 14, 2018; and
Whereas, the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are behind the #NeverAgain and #MarchForOurLives movement; and
Whereas, these students have called for a nationwide march and demonstration on March 24, 2018; and
Whereas, the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Badass Teachers Association have endorsed a national day of action on April 20, 2018; and
Whereas, educators in United Educators of San Francisco wish to take action to prevent and reduce the impact of gun violence on students; and
Whereas, the necessary preparation to support students in their actions will require additional efforts on the part of educators across SFUSD; and
Whereas in spite of the overwhelming national support for gun control, politicians receiving large campaign contributions refuse to agree and to act; and
Whereas, Teachers Take Action Against Gun Violence has called for a March 6, 2018 “Teachers’ Day of Action Against Gun Violence” as a part of the preparation to support student and teacher efforts to end gun violence;
Therefore, Be It Resolved that United Educators of San Francisco formally endorse the work of educators who prepare to educate their students about the impact of civic action; and
Be it further resolved that United Educators of San Francisco work with Teachers Take Action Against Gun Violence to leverage the network and influence of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers* to support all educators and students in the actions they take; and
Be it further resolved that UESF consult with and support the efforts of educators to lobby legislators in Sacramento on March 6 and beyond; and
Be it further resolved that UESF members are encouraged to organize site-based actions, such as teach-ins, lessons, assemblies, and forums, in the lead-up to and on March 14 and/or April 20; and
Be it further resolved that UESF will keep members informed about AFT, NEA, CTA, and CFT actions, activities, plans, and support through all of our usual means of communication; and
Be it further resolved that UESF will urge our members to work with site and District administrators so that plans are in place to ensure the supervision and safety of all students on March 14 and April 20; and
Be it finally resolved that UESF will provide contractual and legal advice for members who engage in peaceful activities in the lead-up to and on March 14 and April 20, 2018.
Respectfully submitted to the February 21, 2018 meeting of the UESF Delegate Assembly, by
Susan Solomon, Lyndsey Schlax, Frank Lara, Robert Francoeur, Susan Kitchell, Ken Tray, Lita Blanc, Anabel Ibáñez, Carolyn Samoa, Claire Merced
*Resources:
http://www.nea.org/home/72279.htm
https://sharemylesson.com/collections/helping-children-cope-traumatic-events
http://www.healthiersf.org/Programs/SHP/Crisis%20Response/documents/Crisis%20Response%20Manual.pdf
http://www.myhss.org/well-being/eap.html
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SEND NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO PARKLAND COMMUNITY VIA NEA and Florida Education Association
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/supportforparkland
The students, parents, and staff of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have been traumatized in ways that words could never fully express. As we pull together in sorrow and resolve, we invite you to submit messages of condolence and support that we will deliver to the Parkland community.
MAKE A DONATION TO MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Contribute to the AFT Disaster Relief Fund that goes directly to providing resources and support for the students, families, educators, and staff at Stoneman and the surrounding school community.
https://www.aft.org/broward-relief
SIGN THE PETITION: ACT TO PROTECT AND SAVE YOUR CHILDREN
https://marchforourlivespetition.com/
ATTEND TRAUMA BASICA – 2-HOUR PD AT SHP (March 19 – 4-6 p.m.)
This introductory training will cover fundamentals of the neurobiology of stress and trauma, its implications for schools and other systems working with children and youth, and practical, effective approaches that can be implemented by educators, administrators, and other school staff who interact with children exposed to trauma.
Contact for more information: Thea Anderson: andersont2@sfusd.edu
JOIN THE MARCH FOR OUR LIVES – San Francisco City Hall MARCH 24 @ 1pm
https://event.marchforourlives.com/event/march-our-lives-events/8746/signup/?source=&akid=&zip=
On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. March with us in Washington DC or march in your own community. On March 24, the collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard.
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/national-day-of-action-against-gun-violence-in-schools
I pledge to join the National Day of Action on April 20 to Protect Students Against Gun Violence. April 20 is the anniversary date of the shootings at Columbine High School. I will urge my friends, family, and neighbors to join the Day of Action as well. The failure to enact rational laws around the purchase of guns that are designed for mass shootings is inexcusable. The time to act is now. Every child deserves to learn in a school that is safe.
CURRICULUM
ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ft46b3hQNDZgeUjm6fPw-Dxg7ntRSHrIFWk7euWTZIY/edit
School Health Programs provides training and support for SFUSD staff using these resources. Please see Health Education PDs to review past and future PD opportunities on this topic. More information is available at www.SFUSDHealthEducation.org
TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT VIOLENCE
BULLIED | A STUDENT, A SCHOOL AND A CASE THAT MADE HISTORY (Grade Level 6-8 AND 9-12)
Bullied is a documentary film that chronicles one student’s ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies and offers an inspiring message of hope to those fighting harassment today. It can become a cornerstone of anti-bullying efforts in middle and high schools.
RESOURCES
Student Pledge Against Gun Violence
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that honors the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. This campaign against youth gun violence culminates each year on aDay of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence.
