On Tuesday, February 20th, during his remarks at the City Council Workshop meeting, Mayor Paul Callaghan read a proclamation encouraging Rochester citizens to embrace the Choose Love Movement as a way to enrich and enhance the betterment of their daily lives and interpersonal relationships.

The Choose Love Movement was founded by Scarlett Lewis after her son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012 which remains one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

Soon after the incident, Scarlett discovered a message Jesse had written on their kitchen chalkboard that became the catalyst of the movement. It read, “Nurturing Healing Love”. After hours of research and consultation with numerous experts, the words became a call to action and a formula for uplifting lives. Scarlett came to realize that if the shooter had received more nurturing in his life, the tragedy might never have happened and the Movement was launched.

Since then, Scarlett has traveled the country spreading the message of Choose Love, encouraging people of all ages to nurture safer and more loving communities through next-generation essential life skills and character development for all stages of life.

On February 7, Scarlett led a keynote presentation in the Spaulding High School auditorium for educators and municipal staff. Mayor Callaghan and Executive Councilor Joseph D. Kenney were in attendance.

To learn more about the Choose Love Movement, and its many educational programs and resources, visit www.chooselovemovement.org.

See below for the Mayor’s full proclamation.

WHEREAS; The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create safer and more loving communities through Character Social Emotional Development programs (CSED) that are suited for all stages of life, offering programs tailored for any age from toddlers through adulthood; and

WHEREAS; elevating consciousness about the significance of mental and emotional well-being can profoundly enhance the lives of our youth, families, and communities by nurturing hope and fostering a positive outlook; and

WHEREAS; the development of character and social-emotional skills equips students with the tools necessary to navigate challenging circumstances and flourish physically, emotionally, and mentally; and

WHEREAS; addressing the mental health needs of many children ensures an environment conducive to increased academic success, positive social behavior growth, a reduction in conduct issues, and diminished emotional distress; and

WHEREAS; amid the challenges our country faces, it becomes imperative to support the social and emotional welfare of students, parents, and communities holistically; and

WHEREAS; Embracing Love as a conscientious response empowers us to reclaim our personal agency, fosters tranquility within our schools, homes, and communities, and establishes secure and compassionate atmospheres.

Now, Therefore, I, Paul Callaghan, Mayor of the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, on behalf of the Rochester City Council, do hereby encourage Rochester citizens to embrace the Choose Love movement as a way to enrich and enhance the betterment of their daily lives and interpersonal relationships.