I became involved with Community Matters a few years ago after learning about the great work of this organization during a Santa Rosa, CA Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fellowship. The non-profit was founded in response to the epidemic of school shootings and violence in recent decades here in the U.S., focusing on creating a safer, more supportive school culture through such programs as the 'Safe School Ambassadors' which seeks to create 'upstanders' vs. 'bystanders' to school bullying that can lead to such tragic consequences. The organization now provides programming throughout the U.S. as well as internationally, providing programming to students in elementary, junior and senior high school, as well as to teachers, administrators and community members. I was so inspired by their work, and the leadership of their current CEO, Erica Vogel, that I was thrilled to join the Board of Directors this past year.
The work being completed at Community Matters is more important today than ever before, our kids are facing more and more violence and bullying in their schools than at any other time in our recent history. This organization is committed to providing tools to empower students to drive a healthier culture for their campus. I proudly endorse this exceptional non-profit organization. Community Matters is dedicated to improving the social-emotional climate in schools and communities across the nation, with a strong track record of success.
Our flagship program, the Safe School Ambassadors Program, empowers students to actively shape their school environments, leading to a significant reduction in bullying and violence.
Having worked with over 2,000 schools, agencies, and organizations across the U.S. and beyond, Community Matters has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Our efforts have garnered media recognition and inspired audiences at all levels.
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Community Matters is more than just an organization; it's a transformative force committed to creating safer, more inclusive environments for our youth and communities. Join us in supporting this remarkable non-profit as we continue to make a positive impact on our world.
Community Matters aims to improve school climate by training youth to stand up to bullying and violence. I have seen firsthand how our Safe School Ambassadors program has a positive impact on the students and administrators. I joined the Board this year because I believe in the work and want to see our youth have a positive school environment.
I joined the Board of Community Matters a few months ago because I love the idea that we can impact the climate of a school environment by empowering students and helping them find their voice. As a parent of two boys, I know students are far more willing to listen to peers than to teachers and school administrators. Not only do the programs provided make a difference in schools today, but participants gain skills they can utilize over their lifetime in higher education, business and personal relationships.
I originally began working with Community Matters as part of Safe School Ambassadors at Piner High School. Since then I have gotten the privilege to have been able to work with and participate in many events through Community Matters, one of them being their annual Youth Upstander event. Now as a board member, 2022 will mark four years of my journey in Community Matters and I look forward to hopefully more years. The staff are above and beyond and ensure everyone's needs are taken care of. The strong coordination in this nonprofit is reflected not only through the intensive amount of work placed behind the scenes but as well in all their retention which occurs in their community events.
Community Matters has been a staple for providing educators, students and families with the tools for creating safe school environments. Their ability to relate and connect with various educational communities, assess and meet the needs is powerful. I'm proud to be a part of the community and support CM's continued growth and outreach.
I joined the board of Community Matters in March 2021, and have been extremely impressed with the organization's ability to positively impact places of education. It is absolutely imperative that schools feel safe for students, parents, educators/administrators. Additionally, school should be place where students develop their relationships, identity, emotional skills, and overall well-being. This is more important than ever given the events that have occurred since March 2020, and the added stress that the learning environment put on students, teachers, and parents. Community Matters has been able to adapt and continues to effectively support students and improve their lives.
Community matters serves many schools that I work with. The safe school ambassadors program has redefined culture at these schools. Some schools were unsafe and frequently vandalized but upon implementation of SSA they became model schools with energized students, faculty and engaged parents. I can’t emphasize enough the positive change in student perspective due to this excellent program.
To help public safety and stop the shooting and people getting killed cause there is no more protection in the public event such as big malls
This is one of the best organizations I have come across both in the passion behind the objectives and the impact it has on those it is working to help. It has an extensive reach across the country and internationally, and is completely focused on the prosperity of our youth. It runs completely on the support of the communities and its employees and has been a mainstay in so many school systems over the years. The ability of this particular group to create real change in the lives of kids is to be commended. The Safe School Ambassadors program, which teaches students skills to help prevent violence and bullying in our schools that occurs everyday, is an amazing endeavor!
It is inspiring to hear the stories of the youth that Community Matters has empowered to stand up against bullying. I have listened to youth ambassadors share their learned interventions and courageous actions. Safe School Ambassadors is evidence based and the learnings of this program help grow respectful, caring and responsible members of our communities.
Community Matters is an excellent non-profit with a mission to improve school cultures from the inside out to provide safety and security for our children. The organization is expertly run and the mission is truly wonderful. 5 stars!
Community Matters, matters!
Seeing the change in school climate by having the SSA program in a school is priceless. They are helping kids become productive and caring adults. Live by the mantra "always be a part of something bigger".
Community Matters does important work in helping students of all ages and the adults in their school to create a safe and nurturing environment. Learning how to intervene when they see bullying is a tool that changes the lives of the victim , witnesses and the perpetrator.
It has given me tools and courage to intervene responsibly.
As a risk managment services provider to hundreds of school districts across the Country, I have encountered numerous programs designed to positivley impact school violence. Sadly many turned out to be nothing more than a revenue stream for the provider. Community Matters and the Safe School Ambassadors program stand out as highly effective student centered solutions that are incredibly affordable. Simply put Safe Schools Ambassadors empoers our children to be the solution to school violence.