Projects
American Youth Character Award and Character Builder Award
Each year, with support from local sponsors, CFSS honors six area students between the ages of 10-18 solely for their strength of character. These scholarship awards are not given for high grades, athletic accomplishment or acts of heroism – though these factors may be involved. In addition to the American Youth Character Award, Citizens For Safe Schools recognizes teachers or school programs for their outstanding contribution to building socially, morally and ethically strong students through the Character Builder Award. We want to acknowledge this group or individual with a passion for teaching, advocating and modeling good character and who contributes to building a framework for our community that honors the six pillars of character.
To nominate a youth for the American Youth Character Award or a teacher or a school program for the Character Builder Award, complete an electronic nomination form or download a pdf form, complete and send to info@citizensforsafeschools.org or by mail to P.O. Box 243 Klamath Falls OR 97601. To become a sponsor of the American Youth Character Award and Character Builder Award, review the letter for more information.
The deadline to submit an application is March 22th, 2024 and the awards ceremony will be held April 8th, 2024
Character Counts Initiative
CHARACTER COUNTS! was created by our friends at the non-profit organization called the Josephson Institute of Ethics based in Los Angeles. The program itself is non-sectarian, so it does not conform to any political or religious affiliation – and it is based on the idea that there are six basic universal human values crossing all cultures called the 6 pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, & Citizenship. We enthusiastically promote these pillars and character education through media, workshops and events such as the CHARACTER COUNTS! In Klamath County week. We provide educators with resources, coaching and ideas on how to integrate the Six Pillars of Character into the classroom. This type of messaging is a proactive way to prevent bullying and acts of aggression by getting students to see the value in treating others with respect and creating safe climates at school.
CITIZENS INSTITUTE FOR CHARACTER
Citizens For Safe Schools opened the CITIZENS INSTITUTE FOR CHARACTER in January 2022 at 729 Main Street in Klamath Falls Oregon to meet the needs of our mentees, mentors, and community. As our programs have expanded, our office was busting at the seams. CITIZENS INSTITUTE FOR CHARACTER is a safe space for program participants and mentee and mentor matches, to gather for fun activities and skill building, community and partner education, after school drop in tutoring and reengagement services, and mentoring circles!
You Matter to Klamath Suicide Awareness Coalition
We believe that suicide is everybody’s business and are proud to collaborate with over 25 local agencies and organizations to bring suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention education and services to Klamath County. This multi-agency coalition is dedicated to eliminating suicide in Klamath County through education, awareness, and community training on the warning signs and available resources. We know that talking about suicide opens communication about a topic that is too often kept a secret.
To watch youth created suicide prevention videos and the 2021 Virtual Suicide Prevention Symposium, check out the You Matter to Klamath Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKv-n8__C7QNLRgP3ZEaBuQ
Klamath Promise
Citizens For Safe Schools is a proud partner of Klamath Promise, helping Klamath County to reach 100% graduation rate one student at a time. This is accomplished through our Youth Reengagement Program, Graduation Sensation activities, and…
- Energize and unify the community to improve the graduation rate.
- Develop strategies and actions to utilize the community in bringing about this improvement.
- Develop a culture of high expectations of student achievement and parental involvement.
- Complete community engagement to prepare our youth for the future.
Annual Banquet
Each fall we host the CHARACTER COUNTS! and Mentoring Matters fundraiser. This event has been a banquet with keynote speakers and a Murder Mystery Theater. While this is primarily a fundraising opportunity, we believe in returning value to the community in all we do. In that spirit, all funds raised provide opportunities for youth and partners beyond our programming including community education, connection to resources, and need fulfillment. The annual banquet fundraiser provides businesses with the opportunity to contribute by becoming a sponsor or by donating an item to our silent auction.
Community Events and Education
Citizens for Safe Schools participates in a variety of community engagement activities throughout the year including the Ross Ragland Kids Fair, Third Thursday, Scare Crow Row, Klamath PRIDE, Graduation Sensation, Suicide Prevention Month activities, and so much more! We know there is wisdom to be gained from gathering parents, educators and students together to talk about the most pressing issues of our time. In addition to being active in the the community, we strive to bring impactful resilience building and training opportunities for youth and anyone involved in the lives of youth. Check out the Events and Trainings page for training opportunities and community events.
Holiday Cheer Campaign
Sponsor a merry Christmas for a local child in need. Stop into Everybody’s Vintage on Main Street to choose a child from the Giving Tree, or contact Citizens For Safe Schools.