We highly encourage the follow-up process as a part of Joel’s assembly presentation.  His message has the potential to be life-changing for teenagers.  It is very possible that what Joel shares will hit a deep nerve inside the heart of the student who is struggling with life.  Because of this, it is vital that follow-up takes place the day of the assembly.  Please be sensitive to this reality and consider 3 practical steps to provide this important follow-up opportunity for your students:

1 Utilize the “Stand Your Ground” follow-up worksheet.

Whether you have students fill out the sheet or simply use the questions to foster discussion in small groups, this is a powerful tool.  We understand that scheduling issues may prevent a large-scale follow-up.  However, we feel that even 15 minutes of discussion following the assembly would be extremely valuable in helping bridge the gap between Joel’s message and its individual life application. 

 DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET

2 Provide students with the name of a staff member who can to talk with them after the assembly.

This may be a guidance counselor or teacher who is willing and able to volunteer their time and listen to students who need someone to talk with.  You may wish to make them available after school if the schedule does not permit them to be available directly after the assembly. 

3 Hold students accountable to the commitments they make on the follow-up worksheet.

Often times students feel alone in their life struggles to keep their commitments. Having a teacher or counselor touch base with students yearly or quarterly to see how they are doing may give many students the encouragement they need to follow through and "Stand Their Ground."