INVEST (Initiating No Violence Education for Students and Teachers) is based on research on youth violence and violence prevention and the documented need for violence prevention materials and resources for middle-level students and teachers. The project and curriculum use a broad definition of violence, which includes any physical, verbal, or emotional behavior that is hurtful to another person. The curriculum helps students define the term violence, examine public perceptions of violence, understand violence causes, recognize ways to identify and confront violent acts in their daily lives, and examine constructive models for dealing with violence. The guidelines for teachers encourage the flexible use of the lessons and materials based on specific needs. The INVEST program also included community forums and the presentation of the materials at conferences. Checklists, class exercises, handouts, and appended background information and discussion of teaching strategies