Here at Independence High School, we have a SAFE Club; SAFE stands for Student Alliance for Equality. SAFE Club was initiated after a tragedy on campus. SAFE Club originally had a different name, but SAFE Club was essentially started to transform a hostile environment into a focused, supportive, and protective one. Many students face challenges such as bullying and discrimination throughout their lives. SAFE Club was created to stop bullying and create a space where people can be comfortable. Ms. Beck states, “Students needed a place free from judgment. SAFE provided that.”
Everyone is welcome to join SAFE Club, and those who join SAFE Club can help create a more unified and inclusive campus; SAFE Club is a judgment-free zone. Anyone can join the SAFE Club, whether it is because you support the LGBTQ+ community, wish to support racial, gender, or socioeconomic equality, or just need a place to feel safe, wanted, and comfortable. Ms. Beck states, “SAFE Club is a friendly and welcoming group. They support each other and have fun together.”
Students in SAFE Club learn the stories of historical figures in the fight for equality. SAFE Club meets with other clubs in the district to march in the Phoenix Pride Parade every year. SAFE Club has picnics and lots of fun activities, such as board games, and they take days just to socialize and have fun. SAFE Club often has days to deal with everyday stress by doing calming and fun activities like coloring. Students help each other learn techniques they can use to deal with difficult situations.
Furthermore, students are learning that there are people who will not judge them for who they are, and they learn that there is a place where they are free to express themselves, which is a big boost to students’ well-being. Victoria Breen, a student in SAFE Club, says she learns about not judging others and about different cultures. Saphira Bellairs notes, “It’s a safe place for everyone to be themselves.” Ms. Beck states, “We are a group that wants to promote campus unity, provide a safe place for all students to socialize, and be accepted and celebrated for who they are.”
SAFE Club is run by our very own Stacie Beck. Ms. Beck has been here at Independence since the 2014–2015 school year. When she first started here, she was an instructional assistant, but she’s been in the teacher position in the Academic Learning Center for two years. Ms. Beck decided to come here because her husband worked in our district. Ms. Beck continues to work here because she truly feels like Independence is a family.
Ms. Beck states, “We’ve overcome a lot of adversity over the years. Independence definitely takes care of its own. We show up for each other.” She loves the staff and teachers here, but most of all she loves Michelle Monaghan. Ms. Beck notes, “#1 Michelle Monaghan, my mentor and friend, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without her. I was her assistant for almost nine years. I’m the teacher I am because of her.”
Something motivational the director of SAFE Club would like everyone to know is, “If you don’t feel comfortable joining, or only come once in a while, that’s okay. We are here whenever you need support, and we’ll continue to stand up for you.” Ms. Beck also mentioned, “Don’t be afraid to stand up for others. A little kindness goes a long way,” and “I missed a lot of opportunities because I was afraid to put myself out there. Take chances. Try. Follow your dreams.”
