1. Beginning today, and going through March 1, our church’s K-6 children will be learning about Start with Hello, a youth violence prevention program from Sandy Hook Promise. We will learn what social isolation is and how it affects our community, church, and schools.

2. Children will learn how to create a CLOSER, more CONNECTED and INCLUSIVE
church, school and
Children will learn how to create a more connected and inclusive church, school and community. We will focus on how to recognize people who may feel lonely and reach out to them in love to help break the cycle of social isolation as well as some specific strategies to engage people who may not have many friends or may not fit in well. We’ll use discussions, role plays, games, videos, and more to share the Start with Hello message.

3. In every school and community, many are
ALONE, ISOLATED & QUIETLY
SUFFERING through each day
In every community there are people who are alone and quietly suffer through each day.

4. As a result, young people who are lonely
or isolated can become victims of…
As a result, young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression and sadness. Research shows that people who regularly experience loneliness and social isolation are at risk for being either the victim or perpetrator of harmful behavior.

5. development & learning Development of physical health issues
Pulling away
from society
Struggles with social
development & learning
Development of physical health issues
Isolation leads many to further pull away from society, difficulties with learning and social development, physical health concerns and, in some instances, self-harm or harming of others because they can no longer cope.
Hurting themselves
or others

6. TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE CONNECTEDNESS
Starting right now, we are working towards creating a connected community that supports and looks out for one another at Masonboro and in Wilmington. To do this, we need you, not just the children, to think about these things. Together we can create connectedness. And the good news is that it’s simple to get started…. just Start With Hello.

7. In just 3 simple steps…
Reducing social isolation starts with three very simple steps.

8. Step 1: SEE someone ALONE.

9. Step 2: REACH OUT and HELP.

10. 3. Just START WITH HELLO.

11. Children will discover what social isolation is, recognize its signs, and develop empathy for those who experience it.

12. Taking the step of reaching out can be tough, but our children will learn some tips for how they can successfully be more inclusive.

13. Sit with someone who may feel alone Reach out on social media
Invite someone to join you
For example, taking a step to reach out can include something as simple as waving and smiling or sitting near someone or it might involve inviting them to join in an activity or conversation with you. For younger people, inviting them to follow you or following them on social media is also a great way to make a connection.
Give a simple gesture to someone
Leave a handwritten note

14. What do you say, how do you start a conversation and learn more about the person in order to build a lasting relationship? It’s not always easy to know what to do or say. We’ll talk about these important social skills and practice them as well.

15. Studies show that 8 out of 10 young people are hesitant to start a conversation with someone they don’t know … and in separate research, 8 out of 10 young people report being happy that they started a conversation with someone they didn’t know. I doubt this is limited just to young people. Many adults have the same awkward reluctance to start a conversation with someone new.

16. Why should the church worry about this
Why should the church worry about this? Because social isolation affects us too, even as adults. Churches are not immune to the negative effects that result from social isolation. Teaching children to recognize and end social isolation is an important first step to preventing negative long term results such as depression and bullying, but it’s more than that. The whole idea of reaching out to others with love and acceptance is God’s idea and something he expects from us- whether we are children or adults. Everyone needs to feel like they are wanted and that they have a place where they belong and people who like them. Church should most definitely be a place like that, but for more people than we realize, it’s not.

17. We all need to be more intentional about making a difference by making inclusion and acceptance a lifestyle, not just a special program.

18. *Use resources for parents *Visit sandyhookpromise.org and
follow them on facebook
*Promote violence prevention programs in schools
*Share “Start with Hello” with others
*Create a culture of inclusion in our
church and community
*Download this presentation on our website.
Children will receive information that includes a parent brochure and a family talk book about bullying. Please read and use these to continue their learning at home. Everyone is encouraged to visit sandyhookpromise.org and follow them on facebook to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved with making a difference to end social isolation. Let people in our community and at your child’s school know about this program, which is provided free and is easy to implement in many settings. Finally, let’s work together to create a culture of inclusion in our church and community, among adults and children. It starts with hello. Thank you for supporting this learning opportunity for our children.