INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Scott
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
National Youth Violence Prevention Week - April 7-11, 2014
FOR the purpose of recognizing April 7 - 11, 2014 as National Youth Violence Prevention Week and urging all Baltimoreans to use this week as an opportunity to reflect on how we can each take a stand for our children by helping to deliver the message that violence is never acceptable.
body
Recitals
Making ourselves and our families safe from violence is, for most of us, an essential priority. Yet, far too many of Baltimore's youth must contend with violence, or the threat of violence, as part of their daily reality. This is not only a tragedy in and of its self, it perpetuates a cycle of victimization and violence that makes us all less safe.
National Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 711, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the problem of youth exposure to violence, and to educate our whole community about ways to stop or prevent violence.
"The goal of National Youth Violence Prevention Week is to empower our youth to make the best decisions to stay safe and violencefree," said Carleen Wray, executive director of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), one of the organizations promoting National Youth Violence Prevention Week . "This year we've put together an amazing group of sponsors who really care about our nation's youth and their future. The daily challenges they've presented will motivate students to actively engage with the topics and make violence prevention come to life."
SAVE has partnered with Teaching Tolerance, the American School Counselor Organization, the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, the Center to Prevent Youth Violence, and Youth Service America to come up with 5 days of suggested activities for students on topics such as promoting respect and tolerance, anger management, and conflict resolution throughout the week.
Promoting non-violence in our schools and communities is a constant challenge that must be grappled with every day. National Youth Violence Prevention Week represents a prime opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to working alongside activists such as SAVE to end school shootings, stop bullying, and create fearfree environments conducive to learning.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council joins with communities nationwide to recognize April 711, 2014 as National Youth Violence Prevention Week and urges all Baltimoreans to use this week as an opportunity to reflect on how we can each take a stand for our children by helping to deliver the message that violence is never acceptable.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Health Commissioner, the Police Commissioner, the Youth Commission, the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, the Mayor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.