DESCRIPTION
There is a lot of power in language, even if it’s not intended to hurt anyone. The GET.A.VOICE Project is a catalyst to tackle the tough issue of name calling in a systematic way and with consistency.

Phrases between peers such as “You’re so stupid!,” “Loser,” “How retarded!” Faggot!” and “That’s so gay!” have become all too common in school. Some putdowns that we were more likely to hear at the middle school level have trickled down into elementary school level. And, all too often, kids follow up their comment with the proverbial “just kidding!” as if it negates the whole meaning.

Specifically, the GET.A.VOICE Project is about “shifting thinking.” It raises awareness, intercepts hurtful language, and empowers students to stand up and challenge others in a kind, respectful way.

The GET.A.VOICE™ Project engages the school community including administrators, teachers, special area teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, monitors, aids, parents, paras, teacher assistants, secretaries, librarians, nurses, bus drivers, and coaches.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE GET.A.VOICE™ Project
It’s not another curriculum: GET.A.VOICE™ is an approach by which educators can become involved as little or as much as they choose. The natural links to the curriculum are bountiful and neither takes a lot of time to implement, nor requires extensive training.

It helps adults tackle a problem with consistency: GET.A.VOICE™ brings consistency and “one voice” to a building in addressing this tough issue. The project begins with the instructional leader and interested faculty who then implement it with students in their classroom who want to make a difference.

It generates a “Wave Effect”: Students become a choir for the teacher, and positive leaders with/for each other. It effectively involves the bystanders/observers and essentially creates a wave effect -- others often want to become involved.

CONNECTION TO NYS STANDARDS
The GET A VOICE™ Project is a language-based program that relates to 8 standards spanning five content areas at the elementary and secondary levels:

English Language Arts:

Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding
Standard 2: Language for Literary Response and Expression
Standard 3: Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation
Standard 4: Language for Social Interaction
Social Studies:
Standard 5: Civics, Citizenship, and Government

Career Development and Occupational Studies

Standard 3a: Universal Foundation Skills

The Arts

Standard 4: Creating art

Health, Phys Ed, and Family & Consumer Sciences

Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment

For more on GET.A.VOICE™ click here