The Brighton Park Safety Net: A Community-led Violence Prevention Campaign
Exit this survey
 

1. This project is open to the first 50 people!

 
Students will have an opportunity to get involved in the Brighton Park Safety Net, a community-led campaign to end youth violence in Brighton Park. They will learn about the history of the campaign, analyze its impact on the community, and discuss what additional resources are needed to address violence in the community. Youth will also research, discuss, and develop their own opinions regarding youth incarceration and the mainstream media’s portrayal of youth. This will prepare them to represent the Brighton Park community at the Safety Net Works Youth Town Hall on Saturday, May 1. Students can also develop outreach strategies to help promote the Town Hall event to the community. Students will have an opportunity to travel to Springfield and join youth from around the state in a demonstration against youth violence.

*
1. Last Name, First Name

*
2. Division.

April 16, 2010 (3:30 pm) Introduction:
Students will be introduced to the project, view Safety Net Works documentary, and meet the Kelly youth leaders who have been representing the Brighton Park neighborhood and planning the Youth Town Hall event.
*Mandatory in order for your hours to count*

Activities:
Students will read articles about youth incarceration, media portrayals of minority youth, and how the state budget cuts could impact social services throughout Illinois and answer questions.
Students will be asked to write a letter to Governor Quinn that explains the need for violence prevention programs in Brighton Park. Due Tuesday April 20th. (MANDATORY)
Students participate in a sign-making activity the night before the trip to Springfield. (OPTIONAL)

April 22,2010 Advocacy Day in Springfield:
Youth will participate in an anti-violence rally in Springfield, and demonstrate their support for state-sponsored violence prevention programs. They will also have a chance to meet with elected officials, and discuss their concerns.
Buses depart Kelly Park at 7:15AM
*Youth must attend at least one event hours to count*
10 hours

May 1,2010 Youth Town Hall at IIT:
Students will serve as the Brighton Park delegation at this event. Youth will listen to panel discussions on youth incarceration and youth in the media. They will have opportunities to participate in the Q&A sessions, and help create youth-led solutions to community violence.
Buses depart Kelly Park at 11:00AM
* Youth must attend at least one event for hours to count.
6 hrs

April 8th, 2010 Follow-up and event evaluation:
• Students will evaluate either/both events and discuss what they have learned through this experience. We will also ask students to suggest ways that youth can get more involved in the Safety Net campaign (MANDATORY)
Reflection paper: Please visit www.kellyhs.org and submit reflection paper online. 1 hr.

There is an opportunity to get extra hours through the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC). Some examples:
• Students can join the 2nd Annual Walk-N-Roll Planning Committee and help coordinate this annual anti-violence march in June.
• We are also very open to any ideas the youth might present for getting more involved in the Safety Net campaign. If youth want to get more involved in the campaign through structured activities, we can discuss awarding hours for this work.