Campaign to Stem
Societal Violence

Building Partnerships

"The Enough is Enough Campaign began as one person's vision. However, stemming societal violence is not the work of one organization. It is not enough for one campus or one community to take action, for we are all responsible. This is not a work for the lone hero -- we need every possible touch point for students to be involved, whether peers, mentors, parents, teachers, spiritual leaders, counselors, trusted adult figures, or community partners. It will take all of us together -- our collective resilient spirit demanding that enough is enough." -- Gwendolyn Jordan Dungy, NASPA Executive Director

• Partner with schools. The whole impetus behind the Enough is Enough Campaign is to stem societal violence before it reaches the nation's schools and campuses, whether elementary, secondary, or postsecondary. As schools train the citizens of tomorrow, and communities foster the development of students, it is imperative that schools, campuses, and communities all work together to stem the tide of violence. Establish programs in which students can interact with one another and develop relationships with trusted adults.  Be creative about partnering and finding ways for all levels of education within your community to plug into and support your efforts.
   
• Religious/spiritual institutions are a key element in any given community. Work with local spiritual leaders to promote anti-violence efforts. If possible, coordinate their involvement in an "Enough is Enough" weekend, where the messages of anti-violence and community-building are reiterated from their tradition in services.
   
• Swap speaking opportunities. Set up opportunities for individuals or panels to speak at community functions, including those of community groups, spiritual institutions, clubs, and organizations. Work with schools and campuses to provide appropriate speakers for their needs. Pursue long-term partnerships in reaching the goal of preventing or stemming the tide of violence in your community.
   
• Look for opportunities to exhibit. Find opportunities to exhibit student-created anti-violence pieces in your town hall, library, or other appropriate community venues. Work with all the schools in your community to have their students add their own pieces to the growing display.
   
• Obtain city/state proclamation. Work with your local and/or state officials to have the first week of April declared "Enough is Enough" Week. Such proclamations not only engage decision makers, but also attract media attention to your efforts.
   
• Libraries often host events related to national events. Work with your local library to coordinate different speakers and events for all ages.
   
•  Develop partnerships with first responders. Know who has what resources available should a crisis occur and provide community education to this end. It is far better to have scenarios mapped out in advance than try to navigate resources in the midst of a crisis.
   
• Establish relationships with recreation centers and other local organizations, such as the YMCA/YWCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc.
   
• Work with local businesses to help promote, sponsor, or even host events. Find creative ways to involve the whole range of local businesses. Explore the possibility of addressing the local Rotary to talk more generally about your goals and see how you might be able to work with businesses in your community. Also explore larger corporations with ties to the community, as they may have small grants available to support worthwhile efforts at the local level.