Community Matters
Community Matters is an internationally recognized innovative and thought-leading organization committed to improving the social-emotional climate of our nation’s schools and communities. In 1996, after twenty years as a teacher and administrator in the public school system, Rick Phillips, former Executive Director, founded Community Matters. CM has evolved from its earliest focus on youth development and bullying prevention to become a widely respected consulting, training and presenting organization. CM provides programs and services for educational, youth-serving and governmental entities through our Whole School Climate Framework. Since its inception, Community Matters has worked with more than 2,000 schools, agencies and organizations across 43 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Japan and Paraguay. Our work has been featured in numerous media outlets, and we have presented to audiences at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Funding may be available from SIA to support our member districts who partner with Community Matters in programs such as:
- Become a Safe School Ambassador
- With Restorative Practices
- With Professional Development
- Implement the Safe Schools Buddies Program
Please contact Prevention Services for information and eligibility.