Speak Up Stand Up Save a Life Month 2026 - Proclamation TOFH

PROCLAMATION

Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Month

WHEREAS, the Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life movement presents an ideal opportunity
to help bridge the gap between young people, our local community, government, and law
enforcement in a positive way; and

WHEREAS, our local schools are facing preventable suicides and tragedies that may include
warning signs in person or online, but bystanders and friends remain silent among threats
or cries for help; and

WHEREAS, our young people can be empowered to seek help for themselves, be advocates
for their peers, report concerning posts or comments to school representatives or law
enforcement, and adults can receive training to help spread the message it is okay to care
enough to speak up, stand up and save a life; and

WHEREAS, Arizona students from 169 public, charter, private and tribal schools have
learned the message and created student-led impact projects in their schools and
communities that have impacted over 500,000 youth in the state of Arizona.

NOW, THEREFORE, |, Gerry M. Friedel, Mayor, along with the Council of Fountain Hills, do
hereby proclaim the month of January as:

SPEAK UP, STAND UP, SAVE A LIFE MONTH

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Arizona schools, students, parents, educators,
police departments, and community organizations are encouraged to coordinate a variety
of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer and
promote a healthy environment for all children and adolescents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, | have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official
seal of the Town of Fountain Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona this 20" day of January, 2026.

Pred a0

Gerry M. Friedel, Mayor

ATTEST: