Here at Laney, there are two student groups that focus on creating and maintaining a violence-free environment, Students Against Violence Everywhere (also known as SAVE) and Peer Mediation. These two groups work hand in hand to achieve this goal. During the 2006-2007 year, the Students Against Violence Everywhere club was revived at Laney. SAVE is a national, nonprofit organization created by students for students that promotes the virtues of civility and respect by helping students of all ages learn how to care for other people. SAVE's mission is to decrease the potential for violence in schools and communities by promoting meaningful student involvement, education and service opportunities in efforts to provide safer environments for learning. SAVE: -engages students in meaningful violence prevention efforts within their school and community. -empowers youth with knowledge and skills necessary to provide service to their community and school. -encourages positive peer influences within the school and community through violence prevention efforts. -educates students about the effects and consequences of violence as well as safe activities for students, parents, and the community. SAVE was started by students in Charlotte, NC in 1989 after the tragic death of a classmate who was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party. A group of students who did not want this death to be "just another statistic" took action and created a violence prevention program. SAVE members take the lead in planning chapter activities by using the 3 SAVE Essential Elements of conducting crime prevention and conflict management activities, as well as providing meaningful service through projects in schools and communities. SAVE chapters also plan violence prevention rallies and awareness campaigns, hold pledge drives against violence, and conduct fun and educational meetings. SAVE responds to the challenges that face every community in helping their youth gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to face life, manage conflicts peacefully and become productive contributors to the country's future. The SAVE members here at Laney are working hard to promote a violence-free environment here and in the community. Together with Peer Mediation, they are working to give students options when they find themselves in conflict. Please check back to learn more about violence prevention efforts here at Laney.