Launching a Hope Squad

Congratulations on adding the Hope Squad program to your school! A key component of the program is launching a student Hope Squad. 

To get started, administrators must recruit and empower Squad Advisors to mentor Squad Member learning and leadership. 

Administrators have access to a microlesson to support this step here. 

Advisors (new or replacement) must attend Certified Advisor Training in order to fulfill their role. Need training? Let us know.

Key Leaders & all Advisors should take an adult level gatekeeper training course before starting their role. These trainings are not included in your program purchase. 

• QPR Course
• LivingWorks Start Course

As you learned in training, an organized implementation plan is essential to a successful Member Squad. 

Gather all Advisors and Leaders and draft your vision.

Take note of what YOU can provide and what you will need to fully embrace your role in the program. 

Download this steps resources, including: 

• Implementation Planning Sheet
• Year One Overview & Expectations

Download Materials

While a Hope Squad at school is student led, it is essential that the program starts with adult understanding. Every staff member on campus needs to be aware of Hope Squad programming and their role as Trusted Adults.

Schedule a general information to the entire school. Review the program overview and include a list of ways your Hope Squad may need support.

Step 3 Materials include:

• Faculty PowerPoint 
• Faculty Video 
• General Overview Handout
• General Community Letter Template

Download Materials

You are ready to start the nomination process! 

1. Decide how you will collect nominations from all students on campus, ensuring including of all demographics and sub-groups on campus.
2. Use the materials in this step to gather nominations. Do not host an election or allow for annual campaigning to be a Hope Squad Member.
   • While some nominated students might not be a good fit, others who were not nominated might also be a suitable match. Carefully review nominations with all leaders and finalize your Squad membership.  
3. Congratulate prospective members, invite them to the student information meeting.

NOTE: For established Squads, consider incoming and outgoing Member demographics when reestablishing your Squad. It is possible that incoming students do not know each other. 

Step 4 Materials Include: 

• Elementary School Nomination PPT and Video
• Secondary School Nomination PPT and Video
• Student Nomination Form
• Congratulations Notification Template

Access Spanish Materials.

Download Materials

Now that you have a list of nominated students, it's time to provide them with additional information and gain parent permission. 

1. Congratulate prospective members, invite them to a brief student information meeting.
2. For those who remain interested, provide them with parent meeting information and a permission form. 
3. Host a parent meeting. If hosting an in-person meeting, it is suggested to provide a virtual follow up for those who cannot attend. Use the linked videos below or download the presentation decks. 
4. Collect parent permission forms and retain them on file for the duration of the year. Permissions should be reviewed annually. 

Step 5 Materials Include: 

• Elementary Nominated Student PPT, Video & Congratulations Notification Template
• Elementary Parent PPT & Video
• Elementary Parent Letter & Permission Form
• Secondary Nominated Student PPT, Video & Congratulations Notification Template
• Secondary Parent PPT & Video
• Secondary Parent Letter & Permission Form

Access Spanish Materials.

Download Materials

Start the meeting with a congratulatory welcome, and have each member complete the member pre-survey before teaching any lessons or conducting activities. 

Discuss your vision for the year and listen to members ideas. 

You are bringing together a diverse group of students - focus on team building and unifying as a Squad rather than education or event planning in this meeting. 

This meeting is central to steering the Hope Squad initiative successfully, and healthy group connection is necessary. 

Resources: 

• Refresh your skills in team building
• Member Contract Sample
• Access Pre-Survey Links