How To: Get Your School to Teach the Red Cross "Masters of Disaster" Series

Is your school ready for a disaster? Would the students know where to go and what to do? The Red Cross's "Masters of Disaster" Get your principal on board with your plans! The award-winning curriculum teaches people how to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other emergencies. Get your principal on board! Here's how:

1. Get the facts. It's important that you know what the "Masters of Disasters" is before you try to sell it so be sure you know the ins and outs of it first. Print out some lessons plans and activities for her reference.
2. In your hood. Is your area prone to natural disasters? Do you live near a river? Tornado alley? Hurricane prone areas? You'll want to give her some examples of past disasters in your area to demonstrate the need for disaster preparedness.
3. What's the plan? Write down at least three reasons you think the curriculum should be taught in your school. Is it because it teaches young people the importance of preparedness while reducing fear of the unexpected? Or maybe it's because the lessons create a culture of preparedness and adhere to national education standards? Whatever your reasons, write at least three down.
4. Practice makes perfect! Now practice what you're going to say and how you're going to say it. Be sure to include at least three reasons in your presentation.
5. Write it out. Are you too nervous or shy to talk directly to administration? Then write a letter. Some things to keep in mind:

• A short direct letter is powerful. Your principal is busy so if it's longer, they may not get the message.
• If you decide to write your letter by hand, make sure your writing is neat and legible. If other people can’t read your writing, then they won’t read your letter.
• Be polite; don’t be too aggressive.
• Be sure to include the facts on disasters in your area. Facts carry a lot more weight than reasons such as "because it’s bad" or "because I like it."
• Print out a few lesson plans and activities you like and include a link to the "Masters of Disaster" website so she can check it out for herself.
• Include your name, address, and ways to contact you (phone number, email) on the letter AND the envelope.

Good luck! And when you're done, tell us all about it!