The National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere Celebrates 25 Years of SAVEing Youth

RALEIGH, NC, March 20, 2014 (Press-News.org) The National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to decreasing the potential for violence in our schools and communities, is celebrating 25 years of engaging, empowering and educating youth in violence prevention techniques. Since its inception in 1989, SAVE has mentored and provided resources, confidence and support to empower student leadership and help make their schools and communities violence-free. Marking the 25th Anniversary, SAVE is kicking off a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $25,000 to support chapters and safer schools in more than 125 schools across the country.

Founded in April 1989 in Charlotte, the first SAVE chapter began as a way for students to console each other at West Charlotte High School following the tragic death of Alex Orange, a 17-year-old who was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party. The heartbreaking days and weeks following the tragedy unified the students to make a change together. SAVE has grown from that one school group to more than 2,100 chapters located in seven countries and 48 states.

"A quarter century making a difference in the lives of youth is an amazing accomplishment," said Carleen Wray, executive director of SAVE. "At the same time, there is still so much work to be done with 13 school shootings in the United States in the first six weeks of 2014 alone. As we look forward, we are more committed than ever to help our youth prevent school shootings, eliminate bullying and make their schools and communities safer for everyone. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we're asking 25,000 people to donate just one dollar each, and join us in the fight to prevent youth violence."

The 25th anniversary fundraising campaign is being held through Causes.com, the world's largest online campaigning platform solely for nonprofits. The $25,000 goal aims to empower students to end violence and bullying in schools. The funds will cover the cost to establish or renew 125 SAVE chapters at U.S. elementary, middle and high schools and colleges. Interested schools can complete the quick application on the fundraising website. Interested donors can learn more about SAVE's 25th anniversary campaign at https://www.causes.com/campaigns/74613-help-prevent-youth-violence.

In addition to celebrating the 25th anniversary, the organization will host its 14th SAVE Summit this spring. Scheduled for April 12 at N.C. State University in Raleigh, more than 250 attendees are expected, including SAVE participants, students, teachers, law enforcement, dropout prevention coordinators, social workers, counselors and parents. Through motivating workshops, peer-to-peer presentations and nationally acclaimed speakers, the Summit will showcase successful practices in preventing violence and train participants in effective ways to make their schools and communities safer.

This year's featured Summit speakers are Gary Weart and Kit Evans. Weart is the co-founder and first advisor of SAVE, helping West Charlotte High School students make positive changes in their community following the tragedy of Orange's death. Both former President Bill Clinton and former President George W. Bush have recognized his courageous work with SAVE and in the field of school violence. Evans has been involved with SAVE for more than 17 years, starting the first University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill chapter. After surviving an extremely violent sexual assault in 2008, she was even more driven to promote non-violence and the work of SAVE. She uses her personal experience as a survivor to empower others through speaking opportunities and her nonprofit, Testimonies of Hope. For more information or to register to attend the SAVE Summit, visit: http://www.nationalsave.org/summit.

SAVE currently has more than 230,000 active student participants from elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and community groups. The organization's impactful work has been recognized both nationally and globally, including receiving the Presidential Service Award in 1995 for its dedication and determination in violence prevention. In 2002, SAVE representatives served as torchbearers for the Winter Olympics to honor its influence on non-violence efforts around the world. Additional SAVE recognitions include honors from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Children's Defense Fund, Youth Crime Watch of America and the National Crime Prevention Council.

For more information on SAVE, please visit http://www.nationalsave.org. To help make a difference in our schools, please consider donating at https://www.causes.com/campaigns/74613-help-prevent-youth-violence.

About the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere:
SAVE started at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, N.C. in 1989 following the tragic death of a student who was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party. Students met first to console each other, then as an organization to promote youth safety and to work together to prevent future incidents from occurring. SAVE provides education about the effects and consequences of violence and helps provide safe activities for students, parents and communities. For more information on SAVE or starting a SAVE chapter, visit http://www.nationalsave.org, or contact SAVE at (866) 343-SAVE to receive free start-up materials and guidance.