Network in the Schools

The Problem:

More and more of our children seem increasingly alienated and disconnected from our society. The recent school shootings in Jonesboro, Paducah, and Littleton leave us horrified, but these represent just the tip of the iceberg. When interviewed, a number of Columbine students and other adolescents admitted their understanding of the feelings and even the actions of the shooters. Many shared that their parents had no idea what they had to deal with at school or what actually went on in the lives of their own children.

Even if we are positive that our children are okay, they go to school and are in mortal danger from angry and disaffected children. They go to town and risk attack from a gang-banger. How can they possibly feel safe? To fit in with their peers, to be a part of something, they may drink, take drugs, or use inhalants.

What is going on? What has happened to our children? What has happened to our society? Is there anything we can do?

The Solution:

Network in the Schools (NIS), a program developed by Dr. Thomas M. Turner and Father Stephen Chinlund, addresses the roots of the violence that has become epidemic among our youth. The NIS program is running successfully today in a number of schools. It works. It is inexpensive. It is self-propagating. It is well documented. It has been tested in New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, San Diego, and Bell Glade, FL. It has been successfully exported to Jamaica and South Africa. For some participants, it is a life-changing experience. And it produces results: In schools that have adopted the program, marked improvement in behavior and academics has been observed.

The Approach:

The NIS model is based on the premise that a sense of belonging, of being listened to, of feeling cared for, and of feeling secure is a necessary prerequisite to growing up as a fully actualized human being. All too often, and increasingly, society, the school environment, and even the home does not provide this for our children. We believe that this lack of connection and safety is the major root of teen pregnancy, drug use, violence, suicide, and gang involvement.

The NIS program has three basic goals: raising children's self-concept, helping them focus on and work toward realizing their dreams and aspirations, and building a network, or community, of their peers. We believe that NIS is a way that society can begin to provide what is lacking in all too many children's lives.

Direct Program Benefits:

  • Improved student self-esteem.
  • Students build a community, a safe place to be themselves.
  • Conflict resolution is built into the process.
  • Students' dreams are respected and encouraged.
  • Younger students build positive relationships with older students.
  • Students can learn a marketable skill (Facilitation).
  • Student jobs are available from D'N'A, Unlimited (Facilitators and Trainers).
  • Parents and guardians can have meaningful roles in the program.
  • Teaching "time on task" is substantially increased.

    • Program Costs:

  • No cost to the school (When supported and funded by Dreams 'N' Aspirations, Unlimited)
  • The time dedicated to NIS is one (1) class period per week (the wasted time recouped by behavioral results vastly exceeds this).

    • The NIS Program

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