Upstander Tuesday: Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

What does it mean to be an upstander?

On Tuesday, Harnett County Schools students are exploring that question as part of Start With Hello Week.

An upstander is someone who notices when another person may need support and chooses to act, whether that means including someone who feels left out, showing kindness, speaking up when something isn't right or getting help from a trusted adult.

Start With Hello has reached more than 23 million students and adults nationwide, helping school communities build connections and address social isolation.

Across HCS, students are putting that idea into action in different ways. Activities include learning what it means to be an upstander, writing compliments and encouraging messages to classmates, and wearing different colors as a reminder that everyone has a place in their school community.

The activities may look different from school to school, but the idea behind them is simple: Small actions can make a big difference.

When being an upstander means speaking up:

Sometimes being an upstander means recognizing when something is more serious and telling someone who can help.

That matters. Research from the U.S. Secret Service found that in about three-quarters of completed school attacks studied, the attacker had communicated with others about their intent beforehand, reinforcing the importance of having trusted ways for students to share concerns.

Sandy Hook Promise's Say Something program teaches students to recognize warning signs and reach out to a trusted adult rather than trying to handle a concerning situation themselves.

Students can always share a concern with a teacher, counselor, administrator or another trusted adult. HCS also provides access to the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, giving students a way to confidentially report safety concerns. A link to Say Something can be found on the homepage of every HCS school website and the district website.

Reporting a concern isn't about getting someone in trouble. It's about getting someone help.

Being an upstander doesn't require a grand gesture.

Include others. Show kindness. Speak up. Get help when someone needs it.

That's how each of us can help build a safer, kinder and more connected school community.