Step 1: Educate the Student Population
Who is Hope Squad? What do they do?
You can ask faculty who teach courses every student takes (English, math) to play the whiteboard video at the beginning of their class. You can also ask all homeroom teachers to play the video. Whatever works best for your school!
Step 2: Poll the Student Population
Clearly define the ideal Hope Squad member as someone who is caring, kind, friendly, and a good listener, while explicitly stating that they should not engage in bullying behavior.
- We encourage you to share the student nomination video with your students.
Reinforce that the selection process is not a popularity contest. Students should vote for whom they trust, not who they think their friends will vote for. Encourage students to vote based on trust rather than anticipating their friends’ choices. While some Hope Squad Members may be considered popular, stress the importance of ensuring representation from all student groups and demographics.
For nominations, Advisors can use the nomination form under the Getting Started tab or create a Google Form that can be distributed to every student. Google Forms can sort the responses for you in an Excel document, which can make it easier to review.
Assure students that the entire process is confidential.
Tip: Have students complete the Google Form when they register for classes.
Step 3: Review Nominations and Make Selections
How do you pick your Hope Squad? What should you look out for?
After you collect your results, each Advisor should go through and review the selections. Who are the top chosen individuals? Are they good listeners, easy to talk to, or do they intend to engage in bullying behavior?
Are all school demographics (race, gender, religion, etc.) represented? Do you have athletes, band kids, the tech club, etc.? Are all grades represented?
Check with your counselors. Have any of the top selections had mental health issues in the past that may make it hard for them to support others?
Review the group with the principal for final approval.
Why poll the students? Why not let teachers choose Hope Squad Members?
While teachers and staff typically have a good understanding of student life, seeking nominations from the student population is beneficial. Frequently, students nominate individuals whom the staff would also select. However, at times, a significant number of votes will go to a student that a counselor or teacher might have not considered. Allowing students to nominate their peers gives them a voice and reveals who they would turn to when facing challenges.
Do the Advisors make the final decision for who is on the Hope Squad?
Absolutely! Advisors should be mindful of the students nominated and may need to reconsider students who may not be a good fit. This includes individuals exhibiting bulling behavior, those with current or past suicidal ideation, or students with a history of suicide attempts. It is crucial to treat each nomination as an individual case. For instance, a student who struggled with suicidal thoughts in the past could be a valuable addition if they have received the necessary counseling. Advisors are encouraged to hold an additional meeting with students who have faced challenges in the past, involving their parents and potentially obtaining a note from a therapist confirming their current mental health well-being. Furthermore, advisors should ensure that all student groups and demographics are appropriately represented.
How many Hope Squad Members should a school have?
The number depends on the size of the school and the available Advisors. We recommend having 8-12 students per grade level, resulting in a Hope Squad of approximately 40 students. Advisors should oversee the number of students that they feel comfortable managing.
What about nominations for elementary programs?
Elementary students should still nominate their peers. Some schools will also have each teacher nominate students that they think should be on the Hope Squad. By comparing the student nominations and the teacher recommendations, a fantastic group of elementary Hope Squad Members can be formed.
Do existing Hope Squad Members continue the program for all 3 or 4 years or should Advisors start fresh every year?
Advisors have the option to advance current Squad Members. It is recommended to meet with current Squad Members to discuss their interest in continuing with the Squad and their availability to remain an active Squad Member.