Before the Tragedy: Who’s Connecting the Dots?

One person notices a troubling change. Another hears a concerning comment. Someone else knows a child is struggling. How do we bring those pieces together—and act while there’s still time to help?

In this episode, Scarlett Lewis welcomes Rick Shaw, founder and CEO of Awareity, to explore a question every parent, educator, and community member should be asking: How do we connect the dots before tragedy occurs?

Rick has spent decades studying school shootings and other acts of violence, examining warning signs, information gaps, and missed opportunities for intervention. He shares what he’s learned, where prevention can break down, and what he believes can help us turn concern into action.

Together, Scarlett and Rick connect this work with Choose Love’s focus on addressing pain, strengthening belonging, and teaching the skills to make thoughtful choices. Because school safety begins long before a crisis—and noticing someone’s struggle is only the beginning.

You’ll walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of what “connecting the dots” means: How separate concerns can reveal a bigger picture when information reaches the people who can help.

• A fresh perspective on warning signs: Why noticing matters—and why sharing concerns and following through matter, too.

• A stronger sense of your role in prevention: How parents, educators, and community members can take concerns seriously and help people access support.

• An understanding of how connection supports safety: Why helping children feel safe, seen, and supported belongs in the prevention conversation.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What could I do to help prevent something like this?”—this conversation is for you.