Convener: Marsha Garst
Scribe: Amy Schlueter
E101 Session I
Attendees: Marsha Garst, Brenda Spencer, Elly Stoecker, Beth Bland, Nevin Zehr, Marisa Clymer Shank, Elizabeth Phelps, Scott Wootten, Diane Kellogg, Dana Haraway, Sharon Kniss, Mickey Moore, Hero Brew, Don Driver Jr, Martha Garibay Metzler, Reagan Eshlem, Brent Campbell, Amy Schlueter
1) Discussion included trying to address the issues that cause gang involvement before there becomes a problem.
a) Inform the community about what individuals can do, open communications between organization to help identify kids in need.
b) The importance of one positive adult showing interest in a child can make the difference between joining and not joining gangs.
c)Community and School Model
- one) A member discussed a model that she use to be a part of that is no longer in running and the importance of reuniting the model back into the school systems.
- two)The model coordinated a variety of different aspects of trying to prevent at risk youths. The program was voluntary on the youth’s part. In order to be eligible for the program the youth had to experience some sort of failure.
2) How to provide education to the public about gang awareness/prevention
- a)Who can be reached to be educated
- one) Frontline workers who will be able to educate clients/at risks youths. For example: CPS workers, Health Department workers, educators
- two) People who come into contact daily with community and can discuss prevention methods. For example hairdressers or wal-mart workers.
3)Types of location to hold meetings for gang awareness/prevention
- a) education can be provided to business at employee meetings
- b) Go to already establish meeting places and times and ask to do a presentation. This is what the SAW program has done.
- c) It was suggested that PTA meetings maybe a good place to promote awareness.
- d) make sure you have food at meetings in order to entice people to come.
4)During discussion it was concluded that middle school children should be the focus of gang prevention.
- a)Outreach to the children could included key/good public speakers. A role model who has a ‘cool’ image to come talk to the children.
- b)It was discussed if it would be better to have key speakers talk in school or after school hours. It was discussed that in school would be better because some of the kids at risk may not stay for after school programs
5)Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS)
- a)Introduction and history of BBBS. Been in the area since 1976. BBBS started off as a program for children who have a parent in prison and grew. BBBS serve youth up to the age of 18. Most of the cliental are from single family homes, high poverty levels, and are at risk in some way.
- b)Volunteering: Volunteers are screened and matched with families that will benefit from the relationship.
- c)Children are on waiting list so the need for more volunteers is important. I believe that last year around 867 children were served but don’t quote me.
- d)Volunteering with BBBS is one way that at risks youth can be connected to a positive adult role model.
- e)Discussion included that there should be some educational material provided to volunteers and families about gang prevention/awareness.
Contact BBBS of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County
225 North High Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
info@bbbshr.org
www.bbbshr.org
(540) 433-8886
SAW program
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth
KelloggDG@ci.staunton.va.us
http://www.saw2010.info/
Action:
- Become aware of what is going on and figure out how you can help.
- Information to be given to individuals as discussed in meeting
- Try to find key speakers to talk with youth as discussed in meeting
