Join the Movement
Change starts with language. But it doesn’t stop there.
If you believe dignity matters — take the pledge.
I will say “died by suicide.”
I will not blame the victims.
I will not blame parents or siblings.
I will not shame and ostracize grieving families.
I will correct harmful language when I hear it.
I will honor the lives of those lost.
I will stand beside those left behind.
This is how the world changes.
One voice at a time.
Why Language Matters
Words shape how the world understands tragedy.
For generations, suicide has been spoken about in ways that assign guilt, shame, and blame - not only to the person who died, but to the families left behind.
Phrases like, "commited suicide" carry the language of crime and sin. They quietly suggest wrongdoing where there was suffering.
But suicide is not a crime.
It is a complex human experience involving pain, illness, despair, and circumstances we often cannot see.
When we change our language, we change the culture around it.
We move from blame to understanding.
From silence to conversation.
From stigma to compassion.
That is why this movement begins with a simple shift:
We say, "Died by suicide."
Not to sanitize the truth, but to restore dignity to the lives that were lost and to the families who must carry their memory forward.
Change begins with the words we choose.
The movement begins with you.
Your Words Matter
When you say, "committed" you assign guilt.
When you whisper, you reinforce shame.
Language is not neutral, it shapes culture.
Culture shapes how grieving families are treated.
Say it clearly.
Say it correctly.
Say it:
"DIED by SUICIDE."
Silence Protects Stigma
Silence keeps families isolated.
Silence keeps shame alive.
Silence allows harmful language to continue unchecked.
When no one speaks up, nothing changes.
If you hear "committed," correct it.
If someone shames a grieving parent, call them out.
If a school erases a child's death, challenge it.
Stigma lives in quiet rooms.
Say it:
"DIED by SUICIDE."
Don't Look Away
Schools avoid the truth.
Their data along with their memories, are deleted. Students aren't honored at graduation.
Friends change the subject.
Families awkwardly say nothing when their name is mentioned.
People avoid talking about them.
Looking away is easier.
That is part of the problem.
If you believe all who die deserve dignity and all grieving families deserve compassion - STOP participating in the silence.
Look directly at it.
Say it:
"DIED by SUICIDE."
The Movement Moves With YOU.
Coming Soon
Public Awareness
Help expand the reach of the movement
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Community awareness outreach
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Distribute educational materials
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Organize local awareness events
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Connect with schools, churches and community groups
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Coordinate speaking opportunities
Media & Messaging
Help amplify the message and change the conversation
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Social media advocacy
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Podcast or YouTube outreach
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Content writers & editors
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Graphic designers for campaign materials
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Video editors for educational content
Advocacy Ambassadors
Represent the movement locally and help spread the message.
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Share movement materials
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Speak about suicide stigma reduction
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Encourage respectful language around suicide
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Help expand the "Died by Suicide" pledge campaign
Administrative & Remote
Support the movement behind the scenes
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Email communications
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Website updates & maintenance
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Volunteer coordination
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Grant research
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Newsletter writing
Research & Education
Help develop accurate resources and training materials
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Resource research
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Data & policy research
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Educational curriculum support
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Suicide language & stigma research
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Training material development
Fundraising & Partnerships
Help build the financial support needed to expand the movement.
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Fundraising campaign support
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Corporate partnership development
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Grant writing
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Donor outreach
Become an Advocate
Change happens when people are willing to challenge stigma and stand beside suicide loss families.
Please review our Volunteer Advocate Guidelines and Code of Conduct before applying.