National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence

We’re proud to welcome Dr. Dewey Cornell to the NCPCV Advisory Board.

Dr. Cornell is the Virgil S. Ward Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and a nationally recognized expert in school threat assessment and violence prevention. He is also the developer of the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) used by schools across the country.

With his addition, NCPCV’s advisory board now represents well over four decades of experience in school safety.

We’re honored to have his expertise helping guide our mission to build safer schools and stronger communities.

Terri Reynolds

🧠 Behavior is the first language of distress. Before violence occurs, there are often signs - small changes in mood, behavior, or social interaction that signal something deeper.

Research shows that in the vast majority of school violence cases, students did show clear warning signs. The challenge? They weren’t always recognized or acted on in time.

That’s why at NCPCV, we train school leaders and educators to spot the signs early - and respond with empathy, not punishment.

Prevention is possible. but it starts with paying attention.

Violence doesn’t always look like violence. It can start with isolation. With hopelessness. With a community that stops listening. This week, we invite you to take a moment. To hold space. To reach out. Because prevention starts with connection. 🕊️

Share this image, tag someone who’s helped you feel seen, and join us in creating a culture that cares - before crisis begins.

👮‍♂️ From walking the school halls in the '80s to leading a national movement for violence prevention - Bobby Kipper, our Executive Director and Founder, was one of the first School Resource Officers in the U.S.

Back then, he saw firsthand how behavior, safety, and education were deeply connected. Today, those challenges have only grown more complex - but one truth remains:

“Every act begins and ends with behavior.”

At NCPCV, we continue that mission: helping schools, communities, and law enforcement work together to build safer environments where students can thrive.

Thank you, Bobby, for continuing to lead with purpose, vision, and compassion. 💙

Meet Our Board: Courtney Gardner

Courtney Gardner currently serves as Director of Advancement at Hampton Roads Academy, where she leads efforts in relationship-building, philanthropic support, and community collaboration to drive student success.

With over 20 years of experience in arts leadership and education - including her prior role as Director of the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts - Courtney brings a strong belief in the power of culture, connection, and communication to prevent violence and support thriving communities.

We’re proud to have her voice and insight guiding the work we do at NCPCV.

💡 We believe violence is preventable.
💡 We believe safe communities start with connected communities.
💡 We believe everyone - from educators to faith leaders to first responders - plays a role in prevention.

Through tools like our Green Zone™ program, training, and research partnerships, we help build cultures where violence is less likely to happen in the first place.

Learn more at ncpcv.org.

🧡 Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day - and we to honor lives lost and demand a future free from gun violence. 🧡

Gun violence impacts every community - and behind every statistic is a person, a family, a story that deserves better.

👉 Click through to learn why we must act.
👉 Tell your followers to today, June 6 - and all weekend long (June 6-8)!
👉 Not sure how to go orange? Find simple ideas here: wearorange.org/ways-to-participate.
👉 Want to get more involved? Text ORANGE to 644-33 to join events this weekend.

Together, we can prevent violence and build safer communities for all.

Violence prevention starts before a crisis.

That’s why our School Safety Center works directly with schools across the country to:

✅ Conduct safety audits
✅ Assist with crisis planning
✅ Support educators in identifying and addressing risks
✅ Offer expert training and de-escalation resources

Our goal? A safe, supportive learning environment where every student - and every educator - can thrive.

🗺️ Currently serving over 26 states.

Let’s build safer schools, together.

👉 Learn more at ncpcv.org

“Psychological safety” means feeling secure enough to speak up, ask questions, or make mistakes - without fear of embarrassment or punishment.

It’s the foundation of healthy relationships and strong communities.

💬 What helps people feel psychologically safe?
Sometimes it’s as simple as:
- A teacher who listens without judgment
- A leader who admits when they don’t have all the answers
- A friend who says, “I’ve got your back - no matter what”

Small moments build big trust.

👇 What made you feel safe growing up or at work? Drop it in the comments.

Today, we pause to honor the lives of the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country.

At the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence, we recognize that creating a safer, more compassionate future is one way we can honor their legacy.

Let’s remember them not just today - but in the way we live, lead, and care for others.

📉 Did you know that in the 2021–22 school year, 67% of U.S. public schools reported at least one violent incident?

Additionally, about 19% of students aged 12–18 reported being bullied during school, and 15.7% experienced electronic bullying.

At NCPCV, we believe violence prevention starts early - with empathy, connection, and community. Our school-based programs are designed to build safer, more supportive environments from the inside out.

Ready to take the next step in prevention? Let's talk.

➡️ ncpcv.org

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