On April 20,1999, the country was forever changed by a shooting that happened at Columbine High School.
 

Quote from Rachel: “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same.”

Two senior students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, murdered a total of 12 students and one teacher. They injured 24 additional students, with three other people being injured while attempting to escape the school. The pair then committed suicide.
 

One the students who they fatally shot was Rachel Joy Scott.
 

Described as a normal teen who loved life and experienced the same struggles as every other teenager, Rachel changed hundreds of lives while she was on earth. Those who knew her say Rachel learned the power of simple compliments and acts of kindness at an early age. These were actions that she demonstrated every day within her life.
 

After the tragedy, her legacy has lifted the lives of thousands of teens across the world who have struggled greatly with depression, self-esteem, and other issues within their lives…
 

According to statistics, each day 160,000 students do not go to school because they are bullied, teased and harassed. But by turning the story of Rachel’s tragic death at Columbine High School into a mission for change, a nonprofit is helping create safer learning environments and making a world-wide impact.
 

Directors of Rachel’s Challenge say the nonprofit offers a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17 year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school.
 
 
Shortly before her death she wrote:
 

“I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”

 
Rachel’s Challenge was started by Rachel’s dad and stepmom, Darrell and Sandy Scott when they realized that the writings and drawings Rachel left not only had an impact on her friends and classmates, but also resonated with students worldwide.
 
 
Since the nonprofit launched, its directors say more than 19 million people have been touched by Rachel’s message, and they continue the legacy of making a difference in their communities. Each year at least 2 million more people are added to that number. These are just a couple of the results of Rachel’s Challenge. In one survey, 78% of students indicated they would definitely intervene in a bullying incident in their school after seeing Rachel’s Challenge. In the last 3 years, Rachel’s Challenge has received nearly 500 unsolicited emails from students stating that after hearing Rachel’s story they reached out for help as they were contemplating suicide. Some even state that “Rachel saved their life.”
 
 

RIZZARR INTERVIEW

We were so touched by this story and wanted to make sure that we shared Rachel’s life and how her legacy lives on through the nonprofit. We interviewed Rachel’s sister, Dana, who was the first presenter for Rachel’s Challenge. She still works with Rachel’s Challenge as our FOR Club coach. We hope you enjoy the interview.
 

(Photo courtesy of Rachel’s Challenge)

1. What story inspired the creation of this non-profit?

Rachel Scott was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. She had committed her life to living out kindness and compassion for others day after day. Her writings reflected her belief that we can all start a chain reaction through acts of kindness and compassion.
 
 

2. How has this non-profit taken such a tragic event and used to help inspire and change youth and young adults?
We simply tell a story about a normal teenage girl who made a tremendous impact on those around her. This story makes being kind a “cool” thing to do and reinforces the value of every person.
 
 

3. What is the central core message and mission of this non-profit? What issues does it particularly touch on?
Rachel’s Challenge is about creating and sustaining a climate and culture of kindness, respect and caring on every school campus. We’re not “anti-“ anything. We’re for kindness, compassion and respect. When those things are prevalent things like bullying and violence dissipate. We are also told that hundreds of students have decided to not commit suicide as a result of the culture change at their school after Rachel’s Challenge was there.
 
 

4. How is the non-profit operated, and what does it offer to schools?
Rachel’s Challenge is a non-profit organization with headquarters in Littleton, CO. The primary programs are an assessment of school needs, a student assembly, and training events, staff development events and community presentations. A team of 40 presenters work in schools and communities at any given time. Schools pay a fee for the programs and the organization receives some additional donations.
 
 

(Image courtesy of Rachel’s Challenge)

5. Tell me about the importance of Rachel’s message: “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”
Rachel’s simple message of kindness and compassion has spread around the globe. Her story has been told from China to Europe to Africa to Australia. Visitors from all 192 countries on the globe have visited the RachelsChallenge.org website.
 

The keys to her message are 1. To “go out of your way” to be kind. Random acts of kindness are good, but it’s when someone is intentional to go out of their way to be kind that an impact is made, and 2. “…never know how far a little kindness can go.” It’s the small things that can make the biggest difference in a person’s life. We look for the big, world changing opportunities that don’t come around to everyone. But anyone can make a difference in one person’s life that will start a chain reaction. The message is all inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your station in life is, or what things you’ve experienced in your life. You can still have a positive impact on the world around you.
 
 

6. What do you and others who are part of the non-profit take away from what you are doing?

Rachel wrote about how she believed everyone has a light within them and when we look hard enough and see that light in others, we can help it to grow. She believed that there is such good and potential waiting within each of us. I realize that most people want to have a positive impact on the world and the people around them, but not everyone necessarily believes that they can. Then they are reminded that it’s the little things we do day to day that have the greatest impact and, having heard that, they walk away with a new sense of purpose. They see their worth.
 

Rachel’s message is so simple yet so profound in its impact. Sometimes I feel I’m just reminding people of something they knew in their heart all along. They know we need kindness, compassion, love, and understanding. When it clicks for them that they can change the world with something so simple and free… something they CAN offer, they run with it. The chain reaction continues, that light within them grows brighter, and the foundation for their own legacy is laid.

(Photo courtesy of Rachel’s Challenge)

7. What are some of the challenges that the organization has faced, and how have you all overcome them?
It takes lots of money to keep 40 presenters deployed on the road. Schools pay for the program so we are constantly helping local schools raise money for the program. We help bring business and community organizations together to combine resources to make Rachel’s Challenge possible for a school.
 
 

8. What do teachers, parents, and especially youth have to say about the non-profit has changed their lives?
The list is varied and endless. Gang members have taken off their gang colors and joined into the mainstream of school life. Students who have bullied others have stood up and apologized to entire student bodies. Suicides have been prevented. School violence has been prevented. Discipline referrals have been dramatically reduced. Families have rejoined after being estranged. Thousands of service projects have been completed. And on and on. In living a life of kindness and compassion towards others, they start to see their own value and worth for themselves… that truly makes all the difference.
 

Presenters in nonprofit speak about Rachel’s story to students in schools around the world, hoping to change their perspective on their lives.(Photo courtesy of Rachel’s Challenge)

9. Why it is so important to have non-profits and organizations like this in today’s time?
So much of our lives today is based on the methodical teaching and objective measurements that the relational aspect of life has been neglected. We live in a time where we are so connected one way and yet there seems to be a great disconnect. When relationships are created and nourished, we find relatedness and unity in all aspects of life. It’s the relatedness that we encourage celebrating.
 
 

10. If someone is trying to create something, like a nonprofit, company, etc. to change the world. What advice would you give them?
Look for needs closest to you. Pay attention to the issues and areas that honestly stir up compassion within you. How can you make a big difference by doing the little things? Part of Rachel’s chain reaction is that small things often lead to bigger opportunities to make an impact on the world. If you are genuine in the small things, others will come alongside to help with the bigger things.
 
 

Dana:”Be a see-througher, not a look-atter. See through the situation or emotion to the possibilities and purpose on the other side of the moment.”

11. What advice would you give to any youth or young adult who is facing tragedy or is having a hard time loving themselves?
Be a see-througher, not a look-atter. See through the situation or emotion to the possibilities and purpose on the other side of the moment. You have worth that you can’t possibly see or comprehend simply by focusing on the pain or disappointment of the moment. Your life is much bigger than what you see or hear from a smart phone or computer screen.
 

Your very existence affects so many people around you.
 

You may discover that the things you once thought of as weaknesses are truly strengths when in the right situation. You may find that the struggles you’ve endured create a platform to connect with and help others. Give yourself permission to be you… flaws and all. No one is perfect… don’t try to be. Decide to be genuine, honest, and real instead. And, let everything you do, every task you undertake, let it flow out of that place that is truly and uniquely you. And, if you find that it doesn’t flow out of that place, simply move on to something else that does. You will find your purpose, your worth, and you will see for yourself how loveable you truly are.
 
 

 To find out more about how you can get involved in this nonprofit  or to book an event with Rachel’s Challenge, click here.
 

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