About the Choose Love Movement
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. We offer programs tailored for any age from toddlers through adulthood.
Three million people across more than 120 countries have already decided to Choose Love.
The Story Behind the Movement
It Began With 3 Words
Scarlett Lewis founded the Choose Love Movement after her son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012 which remains as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.
At six years old, Jesse, alongside 19 of his first-grade classmates and six educators, died. In the ultimate act of courage, law enforcement later learned that Jesse used his final moments to heroically save nine of his friends.
Upon returning home, Scarlett discovered a message Jesse had written on their kitchen chalkboard that became the catalyst of the movement. It read, “Norturting Helinn Love”. After hours of research and consultation with numerous experts, these words became our call to action and 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.
Core Values
"Nurturing, Healing, Love," are the foundational values for the movement. Their individual meaning form a profound and powerful formula for choosing love:
Nurturing means loving kindness and gratitude.
Healing means forgiveness.
Love is compassion in action.
Awards & Recognition
2023
AARP Purpose Prize Fellow
Scarlett Lewis was named winner of the AARP Purpose Prize Fellow award. This award recognizes those who are using their life experience to build a better future for us all. This one-of-a-kind national award honors people age 50-plus who have proven that they are using their knowledge and life experience to make a difference.
September
Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Award
Scarlett Lewis was presented with the Charter for Compassion’s Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Award at this year’s Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Illinois. The Charger for Compassion supports the emerging global movement of compassion to co-create transformation at all levels, by connecting, cultivating, and encouraging networks of compassionate action.
August
Anthem Award
Choosing Love in our Brave New World, a special school program created to address needs of students and educators and provide support during and post-COVID19, was awarded a Silver Anthem Award for a Non Profit Campaign in Education, Art & Culture, Product, Innovation, or Service Categories (Nonprofit).
February
2022
2022 Bloomberg 50
December
Bloomberg Businessweek named Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, to the 2022 Bloomberg 50, its annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have changed the global business landscape over the past year. An unranked list, the Bloomberg 50 represents the most influential thought leaders in business, finance, politics, entertainment, science, and technology whose 2022 accomplishments were particularly noteworthy.
2022 New York Times Dealbook Summit
November
Scarlett Lewis was invited by the New York Times DealBook Summit team to share her message and her journey, and how it has influence the world. Scarlett spoke alongside world leaders, CEOs of businesses, and emerging leaders. Scarlett Lewis share her story in confronting the dangers of misinformation as she fought (and won) to honor the legacy of her son, Jesse — and the lives of all the children from Sandy Hook.
2022 Stevie Awards for Women In Business
Female Innovator of the Year — Government or Non-Profit —10 or Less Employees
The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business are the world’s premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.
2022 CT Entrepreneur Awards
April
Runner up – Education
These awards celebrate Connecticut’s leading entrepreneurs, ventures, and the varied ecosystem elements throughout the state that support and encourage them. Mike Roer, coordinator of the CT Entrepreneur Awards program, stated he appreciates the innovative work being done by the impressive finalists, individually and collectively, in a variety of disciplines. “Together, they all have a strong impact on our state and its communities, and that’s good news for Connecticut this year, and years to come.”
Holistic Wealth Trailblazer
March
Issued by Keisha Blair, Founder of the Institute on Holistic Wealth, this award honors a select group of individuals as Holistic Wealth Trailblazers. This group is composed of women who are on a mission to live a happy, joyful life and who have persevered through times of difficulty. These individuals reflect the transformational power of living with purpose, collecting experiences, engaging in meaningful work, cultivating their health and well-being, and creating emotional and spiritual connections with others.
2022 Anthem Awards
February
The Silver Award, presented to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Leader of the Year in the Awareness Category: Education, Art, & Culture (an individual person who is an outstanding pioneer and/or innovator leading a team or organization to raise awareness on behalf of an Education, Art, & Culture cause).
2021
2021 New Haven Biz: Women in Business Awards
November
New Haven Business Journal recognized Scarlett Lewis as an outstanding woman with significant achievement within the education industry, and as an advocate for peace, and esteemed by both the business community and the community beyond. The purpose of the annual “Women in Business” awards initiative is to put a spotlight on a few of the successful women in the region and their accomplishments.
2021 Gold Stevie Award
September
Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.
Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Honoree
July
Scarlett Lewis is one of 50 women who are leading the way with impact and changing their communities and the world in ways big and small through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy and education. It’s the second chapter of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 project, launched in June and produced in partnership with Mika Brzezinski’s Know Your Value initiative.
CT Entrepreneur Award – Education
April
Scarlett was honored for her dedication, resiliency, ingenuity, and her mission of continually finding innovative ways to help children and adults thrive in life and to make the world a safer more peaceful and loving place for all.
Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021
March
WTNH News 8 named Scarlett Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021 for being a woman who inspires, leads, and forges the way for other women, and the great contributions she has made to her local community and to our nation. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress, and the quality of life.
2020
2020 Silver Stevie
September
Awarded to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year — government or nonprofit — with 10 or less employees. The International Business Awards® are open to all organizations worldwide, and include categories to honor accomplishments in all aspects of work life.
2020 Unsung Hero
June
Presented to Scarlett by NonProfit PRO for being one of the nonprofit sector’s best and brightest — people who are doing incredible work to change the world. They honor those people who are passionate, hard-working, and selfless and thank them for their countless hours of dedication, resourcefulness, perseverance, and resilience to the causes they care so deeply about.
2020 Peace Heroine
January
Scarlett Lewis is the Peace Center’s first 2020 Peace Heroes Legacy Hall inductee. The Center strives to be the iconic symbol of peace in the community, envisioning a Connecticut where differences are respected, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and violence is not tolerated. Scarlett is a humanitarian who is on a mission to make the world a peaceful, more loving place for all. With this award, the Center celebrates how Scarlett inspires hope and recognizes her commitment to advancing a global movement of peace through the Choose Love Movement.
2019
2019 NEASC Charles Eliot Award
December
Presented by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, in recognition and appreciation of the quiet contributions, the achievements both acclaimed and unknown, and the personal sacrifices made for the benefit of all.
2019 Jason Award
November
Presented by Children’s Square U.S.A. to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, to honor her for her vision, courage, and will.
2019 Silver Stevie – Organization of the Year
November
Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.
2019 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year
November
Presented to Scarlett Lewis as the founder of The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.
2019 Mindful Family Award
October
This award was presented by Mission Be to Scarlett, Jesse, and J.T. Lewis for their outstanding courage, love and compassion for others.
Global Presence 2019 Humanitarian Award
October
Scarlett was presented with the Parenting 2.0’s 2019 Global Presence Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual and/or organization that has nurtured Life Skills development in a magnanimous manner.
2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award
June
The Courage, Confidence, and Character Award is presented by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut to an individual who has overcome unique challenges in their life and has made outstanding contributions to their community or achieved extraordinary success.
Certificate of Accomplishment
June
Senator Murphy recognized Scarlett’s commitment to empowering educators and students by promoting social and emotional education in schools and being an inspiration to young women and girls everywhere. He noted that Scarlett’s leadership exemplifies all that it means to be a Girl Scout, not only for those she works with now, but for generations of change-makers in the years to come.
Certificate of Special Recognition
June
CT Senator Richard Blumenthal recognized Scarlett for receiving the Girl Scouts 2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award for her extraordinary work and advocacy for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
Official Statement of Recognition
June
Lieutenant Governonr Bysiewicz recognized Scarlett for receiving the Courage, Confidence, and Character Award presented by the Girl Scouts of CT, thanking her for her many years of service and for her commitment to serving as a role model for women and girls across Connecticut.
Ford Theatre Gala
June
Scarlett was honored at the Ford Theater Gala with a standing ovation for almost a minute. This tribute showcases the extraordinary individuals for their service and work to help create a more unified and compassionate nation.
2018
2018 Character and Courage Award
October
Presented by Character.org – Over the years, we’ve been proud to honor individuals who have displayed character throughout their lives through their words and actions.
Promising Practices Award
October
Presented by Character.org – The award is given to organizations that “plan and implement unique initiatives that foster collaboration and good character building.” The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement received a Promising Practices Award for its work promoting Social and Emotional Learning to students.
Changing the World One Heart at a Time Award
August
Award presented by The Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for dedication and commitment to spreading Jesse’s message of Nurturing Healing Love as a global movement for peace.
2018 Woman of Distinction
May
The YWCA Darien/Norwalk selected Scarlett Lewis as a recipient for the 2018 Women of Distinction Awards. The award recognizes women who have made significant and unique contributions that have made a difference in the community. Scarlett is recognized for her work at Hindley School in Darien, CT and All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk, CT as well as the global impact she makes teaching students how to Choose Love through the Choose Love Enrichment Program.
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
May
Presented to Scarlett by Quinnipiac University’s College of Arts and Sciences
2017
2017 Gold Stevie – Organization of the Year
November
Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.
2017 Silver Stevie – Female Executive of the Year
November
Presented to Scarlett for Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.
2017 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year
November
Presented to Scarlett for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.
2016
2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit
November
Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by Great Nonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits.
Family and Community Service Award
October
Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Rotary Club of Meriden, CT in recognition of outstanding service to families and communities.
16th Serenity Award
September
Presented by the Center for Serenity to Scarlett Lewis for her faithfulness in spreading Jesse’s message and nurturing healing love around the world.
Keys To The City
Fayetteville, Arkansas
2014
Legacy Award Honoree
September
Presented to Scarlett Lewis by Aurea McGarry’s Live Your Legacy Summit for being the world’s strongest mother and carrying on Jesse’s legacy with his message of nurturing, healing love.
Hero of Forgiveness
August
Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance in recognition of her courage and commitment to forgiveness, peace and reconciliation.
Plaque of Appreciation
August
Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Tri-County Mental Health 24th Annual Banquet for her support.
2014 Common Ground Award
October
Presented to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Search for Common Ground. The Common Ground Awards are presented annually to honor outstanding accomplishments in conflict resolution, negotiation, community building, and peace building. Recipients have made significant contributions toward bridging divides and finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems. We honor those who deal with conflict in new ways; who meet crises with creativity, wisdom and courage; who inspire and bring hope to totters. Recipients of the Awards work in their local communities or internationally. They show us what can be achieved when we work with, and for, each other.
Plaque
February
Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference in appreciation for serving as a Plenary Speaker
Plaque
City of Germantown
Positive Ogive Award
2013
Plaque of Appreciation
September
Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the LEVAS Organization in appreciation for her supportive speech at the 18th Annual LEVAS Memorial Tribute to 1st Responders of 911, U.S. Military, Mothers United Against Violence, Newtown and many others.
Meet The Team
Scarlett Lewis
Shannon Desilets
Betsy Carlson
Jan Pierret
Rick Rood
Phyllis Unebasami
Sponsors & Partners
Contact Us
We Would Love to Hear from You
Please write or call us with your questions or comments
Address
Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
PO Box 605
Newtown, Connecticut 06470
