Citywide Youth Coalition, Inc.
Press may contact: Rachel Heerema, (203) 464-7838, rachel@cwyc.org
“I Face Gun Violence”
May 19, 2012 - New Haven, CT – More than 150 New Haven youth attended the first CWYC Youth Summit from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the Parish Hall of Center Church on the Green. With 2 young deaths in the week leading up to the Summit, strong themes emerged in the discussions: violence and murder.
“While adults debated the significance of the murder statistic in 2011 reaching 34, it’s clear that these young people are feeling the direct impact of the violence. There were 100 shootings in New Haven last year; and untold numbers of young people getting jumped or threatened,” said Rachel Heerema, director. “This needs to stop.”
Friday’s Youth Summit is part of an effort to expand youth leadership and raise youth voices. Young people participated in the planning team, as MC, graphic designer, musical performers and spoken word poets, greeters, videographers, event decorators, caterers, and trained as dialogue facilitators and press spokespeople.
At the Summit, young people gathered at tables and asked each other "What is the biggest issue or problem facing our generation in New Haven?" Of the 63 responses, 39 indicated that violence (fighting, bullying, shooting, killing, guns) is the biggest issue. This theme is clear through the responses from the 13 to 21 year old attendees:
“I face gun violence and drugs. People need to go out and let their voices be heard about what’s going on.”
“Every student should stand up for themselves and take a chance for each other”
“It starts with a goal then you have to nurse it and make it grow to a dream, stop letting those haters put you down and smothering your dream. You have to have faith, consistency, and hard work.”
“Some people are shooting. People dying. Some people are fighting. [We need] mediation and to address the gang violence.”
“Staying away from the appeal of violence and drug life, and looking into a bright future they can have.”
“More jobs, incentives for employers to hire youth, more positive adult and youth leaders. Focus on how to make the economy stronger.”
“People don’t know what to do with themselves and that’s why everyone is dying. Give youth activities to do during nightly or after school hours.”
Citywide Youth Coalition supported young people’s and youth organizations’ efforts to host the Youth Summit, to listen to young people and to build youth leadership within the city. “What we heard was powerful, real, and needs the attention of decision-makers,” said Heerema. “These are the issues that youth are telling us affect them. We’ve been working on this and will continue to work hard.” To get involved supporting in next steps that youth are planning, contact Citywide Youth Coalition by email at info@cwyc.org or by phone at 203-464-7838.
Citywide Youth Coalition, Inc. is a network of over 500 youth-serving staff, community stakeholders, and individuals working together to build a courageous community in which all youth can succeed. We are thankful to our event sponsor, Barrett Outdoor Communications, as well as the Center Church on the Green for donating their parish hall for the Youth Summit.
Rachel Heerema, Executive Director
Citywide Youth Coalition, Inc.
71 Orange St
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 464-7838
Rachel@cwyc.org
@NHV_Youth
www.cwyc.org
Join the conversation: http://links.cwyc.org/discuss
ALL Youth Can Succeed!
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