Extending Your Reach: 2. Into the Community
Leveraging the Model
The Dangerous Decibels Program delivered in the classroom influences the individual and interpersonal level (students and their friends/peers). The classroom teacher and the Dangerous Decibels educator also become adult influencers at the interpersonal level. 
Students, teachers and Dangerous Decibel educators can also have influence at the organizational level, especially when we think about schools as the “organization”. What types of activities and events at the school might benefit from having earplugs or earmuffs available for the attendees to use? For example, if earplugs are available at sporting events, it becomes the norm that everyone uses them without making rules that they must be worn. Another example would be to empower students to turn down the music at school dances. Parents can be involved through school-based parent/teacher organizations. Perhaps deliver the Dangerous Decibels program to both students and their parents at the same time, or have the students teach their parents. There are also opportunities to use media to keep the safe listening message in front of the students, through school newspapers, announcements, website content, videos, yearbooks and social media.
Dangerous Decibels can be extended into the community level by offering the program through local libraries, clubs, camps, summer learning programs etc. Advocate for hearing protection to be readily available in local stores and at community events.
Do the students want to create or influence public policies within their school or community regarding high sound levels? How might they advocate for a quieter world that is safer for their ears? Activities can be designed that allow for the students to take a leadership role at this level.