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May 2026 NEWSLETTER

Your Journey. Your Values. Your Choice.



Congratulations to the Class of 2026!


One of the most beautiful chapters of your life is about to begin. As you prepare to step into college life, we invite you to pause and reflect on the incredible opportunity that lies ahead. It is a time to explore new ideas, join groups, create memories and form lifelong friendships. College should be joyful, expansive, and full of possibility.


We hope you enter this chapter with enthusiasm and intention, carrying with you a deep sense of your own values, boundaries, and compassion for yourself and others. And we hope you carry something else too: your courage to prevent hazing wherever you see it.


As you explore the clubs, teams, and organizations you would like to join, here are a few things to consider:


Remember why you want to join

Let your values lead the way. Ask yourself what you are truly seeking before you join any groups. Do you want to make new friends? Learn new skills? Engage in group activities? Develop an artistic, academic, or athletic interest? Give back to the community? Make sure that the groups you select move you towards those goals.

 

Do your research 

Before committing to any group, take time to learn about their traditions for welcoming new members and observe how existing members treat one another. Notice whether the culture of the group reflects your values. If an organization’s actions or traditions feel uncomfortable, trust your intuition and walk away. You can always find other groups to join.

 

Consider your boundaries

Choose organizations that value who you are, and honor your dignity and gifts. Hazing often starts in subtle ways and escalates to become dangerous.  Taking time to be mindful about your own boundaries before you explore a new group can help you recognize when initiation rituals are becoming dangerous, humiliating or inconsistent with your values. Remember, you always have the power to say NO to organizations that engage in harmful behaviors. Make your own decision about which groups to join. You don’t have to follow the crowd to find your people.

 

Be kind to yourself and others

If you see someone struggling or in distress, do not look away. Understand that legal protections are in place to ensure that it is always safe to seek or provide help to a friend, or even a stranger. A compassionate leader steps in to help. That is the kind of leader the world needs more of, and we believe that leader is you. 


Remember that in your life journey every choice you make shapes the community around you. Every act of compassion creates a ripple effect. 


Together as ONE we lead with compassion!



ATLF Ambassadors’ Corner




Hello All!


My name is Gabrielle Heckler, and I am a current Junior at Ransom Everglades. I joined ATLF this fall, and I truly believe my experiences as an ambassador this year are the most meaningful in my life. 


I was first exposed to ATLF my sophomore year of high school, when Mrs.Tomasello and others conducted presentations for my grade about how to lead with compassion, especially when it is difficult. When I realized that I could become an ambassador, and spread this message to others, I jumped at the chance. I joined ATLF because I felt a need to take action, and I knew that here at ATLF, I could make a real difference in the lives of others. 


This year, I have led those same modules that deeply resonated with me last year, in the hopes that I can impact the lives of my peers. I see each module that I lead as an opportunity to spark awareness and encourage action. As an ATLF ambassador I am also given the space to grow as a leader. Mrs. Tomasello and I organized and facilitated a module at my temple (Temple Beth Sholom) last month, and I was excited to bring ATLF’s message to a new group of kids that were not familiar with what compassionate leadership is. We presented “The Journey from Hazing to Compassionate Leadership” and I was amazed by the insightful questions and interaction that these youth leaders had. 


Gabrielle Heckler

ATLF Ambassador



The Student Leadership Conference at Ransom Everglades: The Compassionate Architect



On April 6, we had the privilege of returning to the Ransom Everglades Student Leadership Conference to educate their student leaders about the transformative power of compassionate leadership. More than 150 student leaders gathered for powerful conversations about building inclusive and vibrant clubs that truly reflect their values.

 

This conference was a remarkable collaborative achievement, made possible by the dedication of Ms. Miller, Dr. John King, Dr. Brandon King, Coach Hamm, Mr. Shoemaker, and the entire Ransom Everglades leadership community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and vision.

 

A special thank you goes to our ATLF Ambassadors Garrett and Christopher, who stepped up as lead facilitators for The Compassionate Architect sessions with confidence, passion and caring. We were deeply proud to witness all of our Ransom ambassadors in the audience, fully engaged and embodying the compassionate leadership skills they have been building all year.

 

To everyone who made this day possible, thank you. Moments like this remind us why this work matters.

 

Together as ONE we lead with compassion!


Compassionate Leadership in Action:

Hazing Prevention for Athletes

 


Last month, ATLF ambassadors gathered for a powerful session on Hazing Prevention for Athletes.  We were honored to support ATLF mentor and professional soccer player Michael Bittner as he presented this important module.

 

The conversation was rich and real: embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, setting healthy boundaries, and understanding the crucial difference between the pain of growth and the pain of degradation. At the core of it all was a simple but profound question: what does it truly take to build the kind of team every athlete dreams of being part of?

 

We are grateful to Michael for sharing his story, his friendship with Antonio, and his time and expertise. His presence made this session truly meaningful.


Preventing Bullying and Hazing through Compassionate Leadership at the Key Biscayne Community Center


Join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to bullying and hazing prevention through the power of compassionate leadership. This free event is open to all high school students and their parents. Come ready to learn, connect, and be empowered. Pizza will be served at 6:30 PM.


Donations are warmly welcome and deeply appreciated:

Please note: No parking available at the center.


 
 
 

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