Lions Quest
October brings several important opportunities to focus on well-being, prevention, and support across your school community:
National Bullying Prevention Month
World Mental Health Day, October 10
Red Ribbon Week, October 23–31
While these observances often center on students, they also offer an opportunity to consider the adults who support them every day. Educators and school staff need environments where they can notice when stress is building, connect with people they trust, and feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.
This makes October a meaningful time to reinforce CASEL skills such as Identifying one’s emotions, Identifying and using stress-management strategies, Showing concern for the feelings of others, and Seeking or offering support and help when needed across your staff community.
Ways to Strengthen a Culture of Support
Make Support Visible and Easy to Access
Staff may be more likely to seek help when they know where to turn. Consider gathering available supports in one easy-to-find place, such as a staff resource page, shared document, or bulletin board. Include district or school wellness resources, employee assistance information, points of contact, and other supports available to your team. Periodically reminding staff that these resources exist can help normalize using them.
Create Small Opportunities for Connection
Support does not always begin with a formal program. Build brief opportunities for staff to connect during meetings, team gatherings, or everyday interactions. A simple prompt such as What is one thing that would help you feel more supported this week? can give adults an opportunity to identify what they need and give colleagues and leaders an opportunity to listen.
A Simple Leadership Practice: Notice, Connect, Support
As you move through your school or district this month, consider using three words as a personal reminder:
Notice:
Pay attention to changes in energy, engagement, or connection among the people you lead.
Connect:
Make time for a genuine check-in, particularly with someone you have not heard from recently.
Support:
Ask what would be helpful rather than assuming you know what someone needs.
You do not have to solve every challenge your staff members face. Sometimes meaningful support begins by noticing, listening, and helping someone connect with the right person or resource.
Administrator Reflection: Where Do You Turn for Support?
As you work to create a culture where staff can seek and receive support, consider your own well-being:
What signs tell me that my own stress or emotional load is building?
Who can I turn to when I need perspective, encouragement, or practical support?
How comfortable am I letting others know when I need help?
Seeking or offering support and help when needed is an important Relationship Skills practice for leaders, too. When you recognize your own needs and make use of the relationships and resources around you, you reinforce the idea that seeking support is a healthy part of working in a caring school community.
Need support using Lions Quest resources with staff? Contact us at lionsquest@lionsclubs.org. For technical support, email: support@3cisd.com.
Sincerely,
The Lions Quest Team
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