MASA Information Session: Gun Sanity to Solve the Gun Madness: A Turnkey Lesson that Checks the MN Statute Boxes

This session shows participants how to meet Minnesota’s new violence-prevention training requirement in a single class period using the 11-minute Gun Sanity film paired with a state-listed evidence-based mini-lesson, specifically Sandy Hook Say Something. We’ll walk through the turnkey Teacher Kit—discussion prompts, pre/post checks, and documentation—so schools can deploy quickly. Attendees leave with plug-and-play materials and a clear plan to capture impact data.

About our Presenters:

Sgt. Melvin Carter Jr. — Retired St. Paul Police Sergeant and Executive Director of Save Our Sons. He co-created the Gun Sanity film to help students grasp the legal, social, and spiritual consequences of gun violence through first-person testimony, and regularly speaks in schools and communities on prevention and help-seeking.

Debbie Schneider — Debbie blends technology and the arts to champion social change. As outreach lead for Save Our Sons and co-developer of the Gun Sanity classroom package, she uses theater and film to foster critical thinking, empathetic engagement, and action in the communities she serves.

Pam Hoff — Held a two-year position as a research specialist at the University of Minnesota Psychology Department, followed by a master's in education with an additional degree in special education (Emotional Behavioral Disorders).  The degrees led to 26 years teaching social studies in juvenile correctional facilities for St. Paul Public Schools while simultaneously tutoring students elevated to adult detention in Ramsey County.