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The yearlong youth-driven campaign will focus on student-led activities that involve community and classroom workshops on gun violence, celebratory gunfire, bullying and gang activity. Youth leaders of YIP will work with other high schools, middle schools and elementary schools to engage students on the importance of conflict resolution and productive ways to settle disputes. The campaign will also distribute trigger locks and gun safety brochures throughout the community.
NSO’s YIP program gives future youth leaders the skills and knowledge they need to be the leaders of tomorrow. Participants include individuals who have experienced gun violence on some level. YIP members plan and organize activities designed to promote non-violence and substance abuse prevention.
WHY: In 2007, 3,067 youth were killed by a firearm in the United States for an of average of 8 children and teens ages 0-19 killed every day. In 2008, 20,702 children and teens ages 0-19 were injured with a gun in the U.S. In 2009, 82% of murder victims, ages 12 to 24 years old, were killed with a firearm. Community violence, including gun violence, has the equivalent emotional impact on children as war or natural disaster.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
WHO: Chief Ralph Godbee; Councilman James Tate; Frank McGhee, Neighborhood Service Organization Youth Initiatives Project; Youth Leaders of YIP
CONTACT: For interviews or photo opportunities, please contact:
Jennifer L. Cherry or Talitha Johnson, 248-855-6777 (office), 586-212-3122 (Jennifer’s cell) - jcherry@marxlayne.com
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For more than 20 years, suburban Detroit-based Marx Layne & Company has provided outstanding, results-oriented communications counsel to a broad spectrum of clients in the business, government and non-profit sectors.
Photo:
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