• Introduction • Get Organized • Get Educated • Get Active • Stay Active

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Volunteer groups tend to start out strong, but can gradually lose focus and energy to carry out the vision. Our society also has a tendency to work on something for a while, and then to drop the ball. But the problem of youth suicide is not going away.

What keeps people in a group, staying active? How can group members find it rewarding and fun to be involved? What can be done to sustain this effort?

You can learn from Case Studies included in this section, detailing the impetus, planning and activities of three community groups in Washington working on youth suicide prevention.

In this section, you'll learn about:

4.1 Looking back and looking ahead

• What makes this work rewarding? Review the benefits of your labors.
• What are the challenges? How can we tackle them with new energy?
• Tips for breathing new life into the group and keeping meetings fun.

4.2 Promote your Activities

Promoting your projects through the media lets others know about what you are doing, can influence community leaders and educate the public. Seeing reports in the media can also help your group feel good about its accomplishments.

• How to write a Press Release
• How to write a Letter to the Editor

4.3 Celebrate

Recognition of your hard work is vital. It's important to feel acknowledged and appreciated. After a solid effort, have a gathering to celebrate your success. Give kudos and awards to each other for all your hard work.

4.4 Case Studies

• Life Is Valuable (LIV), North Kitsap
• Clark County Task Force
• Greater Issaquah Youth & Family Network