AMAha Movement
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About Aha Movement
Hazing can hide behind tradition, peer pressure, and group mentality. Aha Movement gives young people the information and support to recognize it, question it, and choose safer alternatives, while helping parents, schools, military groups, and communities understand what to look for. Donor support helps sustain education, student ambassador mentorship, parent advocacy, victim advocacy, and grief support in Houston and beyond.
Aha Movement’s work reaches beyond awareness presentations. Trained student ambassadors give peers information, conversation, and a place to share concerns anonymously, while the organization also supports parents and families affected by hazing through advocacy and grief education. Its work is rooted in Debbie Smith’s experience after the death of her son, Matthew Carrington, and includes education about Matt’s Law and alternatives to hazing.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Be Aware Program for High Schools and Colleges
Educational and interactive hazing-awareness presentations covering how to recognize hazing, peer pressure, group mentality, hazing versus bullying, personal development, choices, and alternatives to hazing. Programs include Matt Carrington’s story, video, interactive activities, Q&A, and resources.
Be Aware Program for Middle School Students
AHA!’s hazing-awareness program for middle school-age students.
Ambassador Mentorship Program
Trained high school and college students continue AHA!’s anti-hazing work, provide peers with information and support, and offer a place to share concerns anonymously.
Parent Advocacy Program
Educates parents about hazing, its dangers, and how to recognize it through school programs, parent retreats, PTSA meetings, school and college events, and youth group programs.
Victim’s Advocacy Program
Supports parents and families who have lost a child to hazing, including help understanding criminal proceedings, locating legal representation, attending court, and addressing additional needs.
Military Hazing Program
Provides interactive education for military groups about hazing, positive team building, bonding alternatives, respect, hazing versus bullying, and lessons from actual military stories.
Surviving Grief Program
Provides grief education addressing a new normal, loss, depression, getting out and staying out, and forgiveness.
Children’s Educational Enrichment
The IRS mission describes an educational, fun, and supportive environment where children experience aha! moments through art, science, music, time in nature, and regular meals.
About this work
Mission
The AHA! Movement increases awareness, accountability, and responsibility toward eradicating hazing by empowering young people through education to become agents of change.
Who they serve
Young people in middle school, high school, college, fraternities, sororities, sports teams, drama clubs, bands, cheerleading squads, scouting, and other organizations with initiation activities. The organization also serves parents, faculty, community members, military groups, and families affected by hazing.
How your donation helps
- Hiring full-time staff
- Funding hazing research
- Promoting and evolving AHA! programs
- Increasing hazing awareness, accountability, and responsibility through youth education
Need help?
How someone in need can access Aha Movement’s services.
People can contact AHA! through its contact form, by email at info@ahamovement.org, or by phone at (209) 470-7116. Students can seek information or confidential support through the Ambassador Mentorship Program, while parents and families affected by hazing can contact the organization for parent or victim advocacy.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“The Aha Movement has a vital message for all college students, high schoolers, and their parents. The message is clear, moving, and important.” President, Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill
“With information we have power.” President, Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill
“You are making a difference. There will be students who will remember your words and it will help them to make better choices.” Cal High, San Ramon, California
“It was great to hear about and become educated on this topic.” CSUSM student
“I was surprised to hear how the hazing started with things that may not sound as serious to something gnarly that eventually killed a student.” CSUSM student
In the news
Recent independent coverage of this organization.
- 2019 Great Gatsby Sponsorship Formaham.net.wemissyoumatt.com
- Community Focus – Matt’s Story; The Rise of The AHA! Movement – July 2015ourcommunityfocus.com
Grant support
$3,000 from 1 funder · through 2022 (IRS 990 records).
- POSOLI FAMILY FOUNDATION — $3,000 (2022)FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Aha Movement has shared.
Current needs
- Funding to hire full-time staff
- Funding for hazing research
- Support to promote and evolve AHA! programs
- Funding and community assistance to expand hazing-awareness education
Volunteer opportunities
- Serve as a trained student ambassador in a high school or college
- Share anti-hazing information at school, college, parent, community, Rotary, Lions Club, and other events
- Help organize or participate in community and fundraising events
- Help find funding for AHA!’s work
- Volunteer through the organization’s contact form
- Speak out against hazing
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- 2014 City of Pleasant Hill Ambassador of the Year award received by Debbie Smith for volunteer work
- 2018 Jefferson Award for public service received by Debbie Smith
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What does the Be Aware Program include?
The Be Aware Program uses hazing education, interactive activities, Q&A, and resources to help students recognize hazing and make better choices. It covers peer pressure, group mentality, hazing versus bullying, personal development, and alternatives to hazing, and includes Matt Carrington’s true story.
Who can participate in the Ambassador Mentorship Program?
Trained high school and college students serve as ambassadors. They continue AHA!’s anti-hazing education, offer peers information and conversation, and provide a place to share concerns anonymously.
How does AHA! support parents?
AHA! helps parents understand what hazing is, why it is dangerous, and how to recognize it. Parent education is offered through school programs, parent retreats, PTSA meetings, school and college events, and youth group programs.
What support is available to families affected by hazing?
The Victim’s Advocacy Program supports parents and families who have lost a child to hazing. It can help them understand criminal proceedings, locate legal representation, attend court, and address additional needs. The Surviving Grief Program offers education about grief, loss, depression, forgiveness, and adapting to a new normal.
Does AHA! work with groups beyond schools and colleges?
Yes. AHA! works with military groups, parents, faculty, community members, and youth groups, as well as fraternities, sororities, sports teams, drama clubs, bands, cheerleading squads, scouting, and other organizations with initiation activities.
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