Title
To Recognize and Declare October 16-20, 2017 as “Say Something” Week in the City of Columbus
Body
WHEREAS, when it comes to violence, suicide and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident occurs; and
WHEREAS, 80% of school shooters told someone of their violent plans prior to the event and 7 out of 10 people who complete suicide told someone of their plans or gave warning or indication; and
WHEREAS, Say Something teaches students in middle and high school how to look for warning signs, signals and threats, especially in social media, from individuals who may want to hurt themselves or others and to Say Something to a trusted adult to get them help; and
WHEREAS, Say Something benefits young people, educators, administrators, community based organizations, parents and caretakers by building a culture of looking out for one another; and
WHEREAS, by reporting possible threats of violence when someone sees, reads or hears something, communities will become safer and lives will be saved; and
WHEREAS, Sandy Hook Promise, a national, non-profit organization led by family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 supports sensible solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence by bringing individuals and communities together; and
WHEREAS, Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Program, is being celebrated as part of National Say Something Week at schools throughout Columbus and Ohio; and
WHEREAS, through Say Something, young people will see a positive change for everyone and save lives by looking out for one another; and
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby declare October 16-20, 2017 Say Something Week in Columbus and encourage all our citizens to recognize the importance of saying something.