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National Suicide Prevention Week is September 8-14. And while educators can’t—and shouldn’t—act as mental health professionals, they can advocate for students. They can help create schools and communities where all children know they’re valued and loved and where support is available if students find themselves in crisis. We hope these resources will help.

The February 14, 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and the subsequent swell of student activism focused our national discussion on mass shootings and school safety. This edition of The Moment explores three ways educators can join this important conversation: approaching the topic of mental health with students, getting involved (directly and indirectly) in the growing movement, and honoring the history of young change makers.

This week, we were disappointed to see wide circulation of the videos showing Ahmaud Arbery's and Sean Reed's shooting deaths. Educators have a responsibility to engage with students about this violence against Black men—and the white supremacist systems that allow it to continue. But they must do so without re-traumatizing Black students and with extra care for their mental health. These resources can help.

The Spring issue of Teaching Tolerance magazine is here, and we can't wait for you to read it. Our brand-new collection of features tells stories about the creative ways schools are stepping up to fill equity gaps and improve anti-bias education practices. Learn about menstrual equity, demystifying mental health, voter suppression, threats to Title VI, our new reading groups guide and much, much more!

Schools and communities across the United States marked the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School with walkouts, days of service and other actions and tributes. We commemorated this day by honoring the victims who died on April 20, 1999, and in the numerous school shootings that have occurred in the intervening years. We stand with all students and educators, and encourage school communities to continue having difficult conversations about gun violence, mental health and student trauma.

National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that many people are struggling, including students and educators who need schools and communities to be safer, more accepting spaces. Support young people by helping to create inclusive school environments, speaking up against bias and bullying, and providing information about available resources. Talk about mental health, and encourage the people in your life to reach out for support when needed. We hope these LFJ resources help.