Programs and Services

The Community Matters Difference

Principles - We understand that it is not possible to legislate civility or punish young people into being tolerant. So we focus on school climate and social norms change.

Process - We build sustainable relationships with the organizations we serve. We listen, ask questions, and assess efforts. We provide tools, resources and training to help:

• Make measurable and sustainable changes
• Collect and report quantifiable results

Results - Our programs and services reduce bullying and violence, positively affecting attendance as well as academic achievement, and help young people develop into capable, connected and contributing members of society.

Programs & Services

For cost information, please see the Program & Services Guide page

The programs and services listed below are components of our Whole School Climate Framework. They are modular, providing the flexibility to address each school's specific culture, needs and goals. They can be implemented in phases over time in a coordinated way that doesn't overwhelm, gains support and buy-in and leads to sustainable change.

Whole School Climate Assessment

Our services under this "Organization" determinant help school districts develop a deeper understanding of the vital role that school climate plays in achieving educational outcomes, an accurate assessment of current strengths, gaps and opportunities related to school climate, and a plan to improve the climate and achieve those desired outcomes. Click here to learn more.

Safe School Ambassadors®

The nation's most effective youth-centered bystander education program to reduce bullying and violence. More than 60,000 students in over 900 schools across the country have demonstrated that this research-based program creates a climate that promotes academic excellence and reduces bullying related incidents. Click here to learn more. (For smaller schools, see Connect & Respect program below.)

Waking Up Courage Assembly

This powerful, high-energy event delivers a compelling and consistent message to all students that bullying is not OK and silence isn't either. It introduces students to youth-friendly language and skills they can use to safely and effectively defuse, de-escalate and stop bullying behavior. Click here to learn more.

Staff Development

We help schools and other educational organizations engage, empower and equip their staff - certificated, classified and administrative - to reduce bullying, build a positive climate and promote educational excellence. Click here to learn more.

Parent Workshop

This engaging, informative and skill-based two-hour session helps parents/guardians interact with their children and school staff to improve communication, student outcomes and school climate. Click here to learn more.

Connect & Respect

For smaller schools, Connect & Respect is a one-day program that provides students and faculty with the skills and experiences to challenge stereotypes about one another and build more positive relationships, which reduces mistreatment and improves the overall social-emotional climate. Click here to learn more.

Youth Summit

This one-day event brings diverse and influential youth together to discuss significant issues such as racial tensions, gang involvement, drugs and alcohol, bullying and violence. Participants overcome stereotypes, openly share their views, generate recommendations, and step up to work with adults to implement solutions. Click here to learn more.

Safer Schools Symposium

This one-day Symposium brings together high-level decision-makers of a city, county, or region, the leaders best positioned to be partners, funders and advocates. The symposium presents the latest research and "best-practice" strategies for creating safer schools and empowering youth to reduce bullying and violence. Click here to learn more. 

Keynotes and Presentations

Dynamically delivered and customized to your organization's audience and objectives. Topics include "Building Safer Schools from the Inside Out," "From Bystanders to Peacemakers: Empowering Youth to Stop Bullying and Violence," and other aspects of school climate, violence prevention and youth development. Click here to learn more.