HUG THE MOMENT
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Mission Statement
Our Mission is to equip youth (ages 3-18) to thrive in school and life by advancing and supporting effective evidence-based Social and Emotional Learning programs, policies and practices in all schools and communities throughout the USA. Our intention is to empower children to love themselves so deeply that they are unshakeable in the world!
About This Cause
What if you could empower children to love themselves so deeply that they were unshakeable in the world? Through the 'lens' of hugging...we can! Did you know hugs are not only desirable, but they are essential to our well-being? Research has shown that hugging reduces stress, worry & anxiety! Hugs also strengthen the body’s immune system and increase empathy and compassion…. Yet, we’ve become physically disconnected (and hug deprived) as a society due to our lack of emotional health. Our gluttonous use of smart-phones, bullying, and drug use isolates us, making us feel alone & anxious. When we are internally disconnected from our own emotions it makes it impossible to socially or physically connect with another person. Now is the time for change! Welcome to HUG THE MOMENT! We are an education based, compassion inspired nonprofit 501c3 comprised of parents, teachers and children who are implementing creative new ways to raise children so they can thrive in the 21st century. The education model(s) of the 20th century lack a critical component that is desperately needed in the 21st century. That component is Social Emotional Intelligence, and it is best taught through Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a transformative and evidence-based educational process that teaches children, from pre-k through 12th grade, the mental skills that will significantly reduce emotional stress that leads to violence and addiction. SEL improves problem-solving skills, enhances empathy, raise academic test scores and increase resiliency. Based on our already successful model, we know that SEL helps children master the necessary skills needed to overcome emotional challenges. Our SEL curricula, training and technology will seek to reduce these staggering statistics in the USA: According to recent data: • Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. This includes physical bullying as well as cyber bullying. • Teen deaths from accidental drug overdose increased 19% in one year. • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst 15-25 year olds. Wouldn't you agree it’s time to educate parents, teachers and government officials about the importance and benefits of Social Emotional Learning? What exactly is SEL? • SEL is process of learning Social & Emotional skills…yes, it’s a skill! • SEL is just as important as Math or Reading or any other foundational subject. • SEL is best learned in early-elementary school and continued through high school. • There are 5 components to SEL which include: self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, and social awareness. • The pyramid below displays how Hug The Moment utilizes SEL curricula so that its reinforced by parents in the students home as well as in school, thereby helping to truly integrate SEL into the students life. There is a plethora of research showing the benefits that children receive from SEL as part of their school education. Here are just a few of those benefits: o 11% academic point gain for students utilizing SEL curricula. o 10% less psychological, behavioral or substance abuse problems at 25 years old (of children who were taught SEL). o 10% increase in high school graduation rates. o Students display lower levels of stress and more focus, more self-control and are better at problem solving. Students also report being happier overall. “Students learn to recognize and listen to what is happening ‘inside’ them by becoming more self-aware of their emotions, which helps them navigate big, strong feelings and avoid impulsive behaviors, thus allowing them to make more responsible decisions” – Rick Morrison, Founder - Hug the Moment Now is the time for all of us to HUG the Moment and make a difference. We ask you to please join us to help make SEL available to ALL children so they can thrive in this seemingly insane world! What’s your role in this? It all starts with YOU! Your tax-deductible contribution, no matter the amount, will help us implement more Social Emotional Learning in schools! In addition, your donation will help further even more research on the benefits of SEL which are necessary to reinforce and amplify our message to Parents/Educators/Government about how powerful and necessary Social Emotional Learning is! What will we do with the funds raised? Our 3-year BROAD goal in the USA is to: • Implement SEL curricula for 500,000 students! • In over 1000 schools! • Educate over 1,000,000 Parents & Governing Officials about the benefits of SEL! We envision: All schools and community education facilities serve as centers of safe, caring and supportive activity where young people succeed academically and develop the skills to solve problems, manage emotions, and to form positive and empathetic relationships with others. Educators and staff that are empathetic, resilient, culturally aware and responsive. Creating further opportunities for parents, caregivers, support teams (such as therapists and social workers), and the community at large to learn about, support and participate in SEL activities. Goal 1: Influence and advocate for public policy that embraces the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in the development of young people: Educate legislators and administrators about the importance of SEL. Advocate for public and private funding to support SEL throughout the USA. Advise officials/policymakers as to effective ways to implement SEL nationwide. Develop and implement legislative strategy that promotes SEL. Expand opportunities for public discourse on the importance of SEL. Goal 2: Promote and support the implementation of evidence-based and culturally competent SEL programming and practice, doing so by whatever local name this learning might be known: Provide opportunities for educators, education administrators, students, community members and other stakeholders to learn about and share SEL research, theory, and best practices. Promote the establishment of SEL curriculum and programming for pre-service teachers and administrators attending colleges and universities. Promote the establishment of SEL curriculum and training for parents and community-based educators. Promote current innovative SEL research initiatives and findings. Promote evaluation frameworks and metrics to measure SEL impact and effectiveness. Goal 3: Establish Hug The Moment as a resource for schools, parents, caregivers, students and communities – and as a way to inspire co-promotion of culturally responsive SEL by these and other grassroots stakeholders: Continually expand the Hug The Moment website, technology, curricula and training as the go-to SEL community resource. Build a diverse, comprehensive coalition of SEL supporters that involves all relevant sectors and key stakeholders of the community. Develop an active and effective Speakers Bureau. Establish a network of contacts with diverse organizations representing parents, caregivers. students, teachers, school counselors and administrators; and with business and worker associations and relevant nonprofits and government institutions. Include in the network community leaders, employers, practitioners, public officials, advocates, SEL-engaged individuals and other like-minded persons. Establish subcommittees of enthusiasts from various sectors such as professionals, unions, tech industry personnel, entertainment industry personnel and the like to promote SEL awareness and support among their colleagues. Solicit opinions from the broader “community” about issues and options. Encourage school districts and communities to engage in “needs assessments” relative to SEL, using established models of community participation and engagement. Goal 4: Ensure sustainability and capacity-building for Hug The Moment through a structural framework that advances the mission and vision. Build the organizational and governance structures. Establish an evolving strategic planning document. Determine resources necessary to carry out the strategic plan and sustain the organizational structure. Create budget and development strategy, where appropriate. Grow, organize and engage a volunteer membership that is ready-to-work and enthusiastic about the importance of Hug The Moment. Additional Vision/Goals: Use safe and supportive schools to teach the social and emotional control skills necessary to reduce violence and addictions. Have children develop and practice strategies that result in community service, conflict resolution and mediation. Learn and use a social-emotional learning curriculum to teach how to manage emotions and control thought so it becomes a holistic habit and way of life. Train our teachers in SEL paid for by Title II professional development program funds, Social Impact Bonds and other grants to help reduce the financial consequences of violence and addictions. Conduct workshops and educate the community in SEL skills to support the schools and improve the quality of life nationwide. Require SEL training for all students earning degrees in teaching – thereby reducing the far higher costs of later training substantially.