OK2SAY is a program we shared with the community when it launched a few years ago. With the recent tragedy at the high school in Florida creating another flashpoint in the history of violent incidents plaguing our nation's schools, we want to share it again and ask that everyone with school-aged children take a moment to check the program out. It's designed to empower Michigan students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, and law enforcement to share and respond to student safety threats.
The goal of OK2SAY is to stop harmful behavior before it occurs by encouraging students to report threatening behavior to caring adult authorities who can help. Featuring a comprehensive communication system that facilitates tip submissions through telephone, text, website, e-mail, and multimedia technologies, OK2SAY enables Michigan residents to confidentially report student safety threats to trained program operators, who forward tips on to local law enforcement agencies, school officials, or community mental health service programs for a timely response.
Ultimately, it’s about early intervention and prevention. When students make the courageous decision to break the code of silence and speak out against harmful behavior, they equip authorities with the information needed to respond to threats and avert tragedy. And that’s a good thing for Michigan schools, communities, and families.
So, let’s stand up for student safety. Remember: it’s OK2SAY.
Please visit the following links to learn more about the program:
https://youtu.be/9hCP1QnTSww
http://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/
