Overview
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These are both dangerous and challenging times for young people, and yet exciting times as we now have developing technologies and programs to protect and empower our children. SAF A is a national resource for organizations featuring systems to better the lives of so many students across the country. Our initial areas of focus to best address these challenges and threats are in the areas of school safety, drug and alcohol abuse, and bullying in and around our schools.
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Safer America for All, Inc (SAFA) is a national clearinghouse and fundraising platform focused on relevant, innovative, and timely new ways to connect stakeholders in school districts to each other, while facilitating access to resources to reduce school violence, drugs, and bullying in schools and promoting school safety.
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The digital revolution has changed the world and with this new paradigm comes both opportunities, dangers and challenges. Never in history has the human mind been bombarded with as much information and as many influences, both positive and negative.
How is this digital revolution affecting and influencing our children? How is never escaping the watchful (and often scornful) eye of social/digital media shaping how our youth view and cope with the real world? Most cope well, however, some do not and fall prey to self-destructive solutions such as anti-social behaviors, drugs and violence.
SAFA is a clearinghouse of entities and organizations dedicated to finding solutions and to assist in providing resources to implement those solutions.
Stakeholders may include administrators and other school staff; school resource officers; students; parents; drug and school violence school safety researchers, organizations, and training providers. The resources provided will focus on evidence-based programs, organizations, best practices, threat assessments and various school safety technologies and programs available for schools and community organizations to utilize and implement into their school safety efforts. Additionally Safer America for All (SAFA) will help schools raise funds for technology & training to address violence in schools. SAFA helps schools customize their online fundraising process and presence to better reach their fundraising goals. To learn more about fundraising please visit our fundraising page
SAFA is a clearinghouse of entities and organizations dedicated to finding solutions and to assist in providing resources to implement those solutions.
Stakeholders may include administrators and other school staff; school resource officers; students; parents; drug and school violence school safety researchers, organizations, and training providers. The resources provided will focus on evidence-based programs, organizations, best practices, threat assessments and various school safety technologies and programs available for schools and community organizations to utilize and implement into their school safety efforts. Additionally Safer America for All (SAFA) will help schools raise funds for technology & training to address violence in schools. SAFA helps schools customize their online fundraising process and presence to better reach their fundraising goals. To learn more about fundraising please visit our fundraising page
Additionally, SAFA has identified best fundraising practices to assist school districts in raising funds for existing school safe technology, training, equipment and opioid awareness. SAFA acts as a national model addressing school violence and school safety through providing new ways to connect, share and collaborate on mutually beneficial opportunities. The SAFA platform features, opioid awareness, school safety and threat assessment trainings through interactive, multi-media videos and webinars. To ensure successful comprehension of the training, SAFA is developing online assessments using “Accelerated Learning”, a state-of-the-art training methodology that measures the participant’s comprehension and knowledge of the content. As defined and integrated into this platform, accelerated learning is the reduction of learner time required to meet learning objectives in a training event. Through engaging learners, the accelerated learning process improves usability and increases human performance.
Objectives, Implementation and Development
The implementation process for SAFA consists of two objectives:
Objective One: Seeking school districts, selecting training partners, populating the digital platform with resources, and demonstrating accelerated learning. To provide school districts with the tools necessary to enhance their safety and drug awareness plans, SAFA has developed a Digital Directory of Training Programs and Tools. First, SAFA will analyze and choose resources by contacting vendors and conducting interviews about their trainings, products and/or services. These products and services will be further reviewed through contacting and collecting the feedback from school districts that have already utilized them. SAFA will continue to identify selected training programs to add to the digital community, while also implementing accelerated learning.
For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health and Human Services Administration provides an online PDF version of their training, Addressing Risk of Violent Behavior of Youth. This training will be converted into an online delivery platform and integrated with an assessment tool for each participant to measure their gained knowledge and comprehension of the key elements. SAFA has begun collecting the information of school districts nationwide in order to reach out to them about joining the virtual community. SAFA is conducting a comprehensive national search to identify all school violence reduction training programs in the U.S. Along with training resources, SAFA has created an ongoing Master Research Index of other resources, research, technologies and funding opportunities. SAFA will then consolidate all resources, training, research and funding opportunities into the Digital Directory of Training.
Objective Two: SAFA has established a partnership with the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence (IPE). IPE includes a group of seasoned professionals from across the broad spectrum of non-profits, located across the U.S., with a common interest … leaving a legacy of helping great organizations engaged in education, health and human services, arts and culture, community service, and all of the not-for-profit arenas, reach their full potential in building out their missions. IPE build from a global perspective, while ensuring and appreciating a local awareness. More details are available in our “Fundraising Tab.”
In order to assist schools with the financial aspect of enhancing their school safety efforts, SAFA has developed a fundraising portal populated with funding sources and grant writing assistance. SAFA will: 1) Prepare a Funding Readiness Assessment (FRA) and provide training on its use and results interpretation; 2) Assist districts in mapping funding needs; 3) Provide technical assistance and grant writing guidance; 5) Provide accelerated learning training on fundraising; and 6) Plan and execute regional fundraising launch events.
Objective One: Seeking school districts, selecting training partners, populating the digital platform with resources, and demonstrating accelerated learning. To provide school districts with the tools necessary to enhance their safety and drug awareness plans, SAFA has developed a Digital Directory of Training Programs and Tools. First, SAFA will analyze and choose resources by contacting vendors and conducting interviews about their trainings, products and/or services. These products and services will be further reviewed through contacting and collecting the feedback from school districts that have already utilized them. SAFA will continue to identify selected training programs to add to the digital community, while also implementing accelerated learning.
For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health and Human Services Administration provides an online PDF version of their training, Addressing Risk of Violent Behavior of Youth. This training will be converted into an online delivery platform and integrated with an assessment tool for each participant to measure their gained knowledge and comprehension of the key elements. SAFA has begun collecting the information of school districts nationwide in order to reach out to them about joining the virtual community. SAFA is conducting a comprehensive national search to identify all school violence reduction training programs in the U.S. Along with training resources, SAFA has created an ongoing Master Research Index of other resources, research, technologies and funding opportunities. SAFA will then consolidate all resources, training, research and funding opportunities into the Digital Directory of Training.
Objective Two: SAFA has established a partnership with the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence (IPE). IPE includes a group of seasoned professionals from across the broad spectrum of non-profits, located across the U.S., with a common interest … leaving a legacy of helping great organizations engaged in education, health and human services, arts and culture, community service, and all of the not-for-profit arenas, reach their full potential in building out their missions. IPE build from a global perspective, while ensuring and appreciating a local awareness. More details are available in our “Fundraising Tab.”
In order to assist schools with the financial aspect of enhancing their school safety efforts, SAFA has developed a fundraising portal populated with funding sources and grant writing assistance. SAFA will: 1) Prepare a Funding Readiness Assessment (FRA) and provide training on its use and results interpretation; 2) Assist districts in mapping funding needs; 3) Provide technical assistance and grant writing guidance; 5) Provide accelerated learning training on fundraising; and 6) Plan and execute regional fundraising launch events.
SAFA Overview Board of Directors
SAFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has a three-member board, including Robert G. Clark, Gary W. Sisney and Michael L. Sandefur. Robert G.
"Bobby" Clark has been an entrepreneur for 40 years and has started and managed several for-profit and non-profit organizations. Clark is Founder and President of Sustainable Business Ventures (SBV), a non-profit that helps difficult-to-employ individuals create their own jobs through self-employment. SBV has managed government contracts and grants for over twelve years, totaling more than $500,000. SBV has piloted a Green Entrepreneur Program at Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio. Additionally, SBV has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to help inmates develop business plans with a sustainability focus to present to local entrepreneurs. With that being said, Clark possesses the skills and experience needed in order to run a non-profit, form partnerships, create programs and cultivate a beneficial organization. SBV is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation that supports the development of “sustainable” businesses, social enterprises, environmental literacy training and entrepreneurial training focused on the needs of the 21st century job market and consumers in the world economy. SBV also explores opportunities to assist entrepreneurs in clean and renewable energy projects and other social enterprises. Graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing and a master’s degree in Public Administration with concentration in Public Finance. Former VP of Bluegrass Tomorrow’s (BGT) Bluegrass Forever Green Division that promotes and enhances conservation, preservation, and sustainability activities. Bobby is co-founder of the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (www.entrepreneurhof.com). Since 2010, KEOHF has annually recognized some of Kentucky’s great entrepreneurs.
Mike Sandefur is the President of Thermal Wall Technologies, LLC, President of two not-for-profit organizations: Sustainable Climate
Solutions, Inc. and Big Creek Wildlife Foundation; and Board member of Safer America for All. Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Environmental Protection from Ball State University, where he received the distinction of being selected as the Outstanding Senior. Prior, Mike obtained an Associate of Science degree from the University of Kentucky and Diploma in Solar Mechanics studying alternative energy technologies at Southwestern Technical Institute in North Carolina. Mike worked independently for several years in the solar industry before accepting a position at Ball Plastics where he was promoted to the engineering section, managing the tool and die and process management sections. Mike then returned to college and after receiving his degree in Natural Resources Environmental Protection accepted the position as Manager of Environmental Affairs for Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Company (SIGECO) and was later promoted to Director of Environmental Affairs for Vectren, the top environmental position in a multi-billion dollar gas and electric utility. Mike was responsible for integration and management of the environmental programs for three utilities: SIGECO, Indiana Gas Company and the gas operations of Dayton Power and Light. Duties included development, prioritization and implementation of corporate environmental compliance programs associated with a major provider of gas and electric services to two thirds of Indiana and parts of Ohio. Mike has implemented numerous major environmental pollution control projects, some in excess of $100 million dollars. In 2002 Mike elected to leave Vectren and pursue independent business opportunities associated with ecological land development, real estate and wetland restoration via his partial ownership in Wetland Services, Inc. In less than 8 years the company grew to become a leading wetland and stream delineation company in the U.S., performing more ecological assessments on streams and wetlands than any company in the U.S. In 2014 Mike focused his attention on developing and patenting new technologies. Mike has developed an innovative holistic construction technology which enables a structure to come very close to heating and cooling itself. A patented knife sharpening tool and numerous inventions related to emergency evacuation systems and notification. Mike has served as Co-chairman of the Evansville Chamber Environmental Committee; Treasurer of Evansville Clean Cities (a non-profit organization); State representative for the Midwest Ozone Group; Indiana Legislative Environmental Quality Service Council, Air Sub Committee Member; Southwestern Indiana Regional Air Quality Committee Member; ORSANCO Power Industry Advisory Committee Member; twice chaired the Indiana Electric Association, Environmental Policy Group; served as a Board of Director for Babb
International; served on the Indiana State Legislature, Environmental Service Council, Wetlands Committee; and at the behest of Congressman John Hostettler, attended White House Energy Policy discussions for the Indiana 8th District.
"Bobby" Clark has been an entrepreneur for 40 years and has started and managed several for-profit and non-profit organizations. Clark is Founder and President of Sustainable Business Ventures (SBV), a non-profit that helps difficult-to-employ individuals create their own jobs through self-employment. SBV has managed government contracts and grants for over twelve years, totaling more than $500,000. SBV has piloted a Green Entrepreneur Program at Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio. Additionally, SBV has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to help inmates develop business plans with a sustainability focus to present to local entrepreneurs. With that being said, Clark possesses the skills and experience needed in order to run a non-profit, form partnerships, create programs and cultivate a beneficial organization. SBV is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation that supports the development of “sustainable” businesses, social enterprises, environmental literacy training and entrepreneurial training focused on the needs of the 21st century job market and consumers in the world economy. SBV also explores opportunities to assist entrepreneurs in clean and renewable energy projects and other social enterprises. Graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing and a master’s degree in Public Administration with concentration in Public Finance. Former VP of Bluegrass Tomorrow’s (BGT) Bluegrass Forever Green Division that promotes and enhances conservation, preservation, and sustainability activities. Bobby is co-founder of the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (www.entrepreneurhof.com). Since 2010, KEOHF has annually recognized some of Kentucky’s great entrepreneurs.
Mike Sandefur is the President of Thermal Wall Technologies, LLC, President of two not-for-profit organizations: Sustainable Climate
Solutions, Inc. and Big Creek Wildlife Foundation; and Board member of Safer America for All. Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Environmental Protection from Ball State University, where he received the distinction of being selected as the Outstanding Senior. Prior, Mike obtained an Associate of Science degree from the University of Kentucky and Diploma in Solar Mechanics studying alternative energy technologies at Southwestern Technical Institute in North Carolina. Mike worked independently for several years in the solar industry before accepting a position at Ball Plastics where he was promoted to the engineering section, managing the tool and die and process management sections. Mike then returned to college and after receiving his degree in Natural Resources Environmental Protection accepted the position as Manager of Environmental Affairs for Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Company (SIGECO) and was later promoted to Director of Environmental Affairs for Vectren, the top environmental position in a multi-billion dollar gas and electric utility. Mike was responsible for integration and management of the environmental programs for three utilities: SIGECO, Indiana Gas Company and the gas operations of Dayton Power and Light. Duties included development, prioritization and implementation of corporate environmental compliance programs associated with a major provider of gas and electric services to two thirds of Indiana and parts of Ohio. Mike has implemented numerous major environmental pollution control projects, some in excess of $100 million dollars. In 2002 Mike elected to leave Vectren and pursue independent business opportunities associated with ecological land development, real estate and wetland restoration via his partial ownership in Wetland Services, Inc. In less than 8 years the company grew to become a leading wetland and stream delineation company in the U.S., performing more ecological assessments on streams and wetlands than any company in the U.S. In 2014 Mike focused his attention on developing and patenting new technologies. Mike has developed an innovative holistic construction technology which enables a structure to come very close to heating and cooling itself. A patented knife sharpening tool and numerous inventions related to emergency evacuation systems and notification. Mike has served as Co-chairman of the Evansville Chamber Environmental Committee; Treasurer of Evansville Clean Cities (a non-profit organization); State representative for the Midwest Ozone Group; Indiana Legislative Environmental Quality Service Council, Air Sub Committee Member; Southwestern Indiana Regional Air Quality Committee Member; ORSANCO Power Industry Advisory Committee Member; twice chaired the Indiana Electric Association, Environmental Policy Group; served as a Board of Director for Babb
International; served on the Indiana State Legislature, Environmental Service Council, Wetlands Committee; and at the behest of Congressman John Hostettler, attended White House Energy Policy discussions for the Indiana 8th District.
Superstars for School Safety
Mission: To establish a celebrity network toward promoting a safe mental and physical environment for our nation’s school age children. Goal and Actions: To encourage successful people of celebrity status from all professions to participate in a national campaign to promote solutions to make our schools safer and to provide an atmosphere of safety and wellbeing conducing for learning.
- To enlist celebrities to identify as Super Stars for School Safety
- To enlist Super Stars to promote programs, policies, technologies, and public policy toward enhancing school safety.
- To facilitate Super Stars to promote school safety related non-profits, such as, Safer America for All-in fund-raising activities.
- To facilitate Super Star’s to assist dedicated individuals and entities living near the Super Star’s region in promoting programs, technologies and fund-raising activities at the school, town and/or school district level.