Gang Violence

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

vital stats:

people impacted:

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why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

Submitted by bballant23 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 17:15

the problem:

I am trying to solve the problem of innocent people losing their lives either for no reason or too early, and to help kids know that they dont have to go down the wrong path. Also provide relief for families in poverty, do after school programs (study hall, tutors, etc.), toy/food/school supply drives, mentor program, etc.

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why it's important:

Its important to me because even though I didnt go off track when I was younger, my uncle, Cleveland Ray "Fats" Lewis, had a heavy influence on keeping me on the right path, but he was killed for trying to do the right thing. Alot of people in my city have lost their lives because people dont believe that is a better option than violence, so its just best to do as much as we can as a community to give the youth more options to prove to them there is something GREAT on the inside of them. They just need to ignore the negative & focus on the positive.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is knowing that I have to begin small, just focus & listen to God's instructions of what needs to be met. He birthed it in me so I am just trusting that it will be completed. I will also go to my city office & apply for a grant there because anything we can get to get this off the ground will help. I will start small with getting t-shirts, brochures, things of that nature to get the program's name out, then branch off from there. Im honestly just running off faith & love for the people.

how you can get involved:

Others can help not just by donation of money; but more importantly by volunteering to help with shirts, brochures, tutoring, mentoring (checking up periodically to make sure the kids are on track); donating toys during the holidays, school supplies when its time to go back to school, and donating food/canned goods/clothing for families in poverty.

project updates:

Should police officers be able to search cars without consent?

Submitted by jkultgen on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 08:42

Submitted by Together We Rise on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:58

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Together We Rise is trying to solve the problems associated with the broken foster care system and the lack of awareness about this issue.

Together We Rise is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children in America by funding programs that give a sense of normalcy, comfort, and self-esteem to combat the disproportionate opportunities available to foster youth.

vital stats:

people impacted:

3,000

people involved:

100

why it's important:

The devoted and enthusiastic staff of Together We Rise (TWR) work tirelessly to solve the many challenges that foster children face. The life of a foster child is often bleak and the statistics clearly display this. For example, nearly 23,000 foster children will die of neglect or abuse by their 5th birthday and almost half of those children will become homeless within 18 months of leaving the foster care system by 2020.

TWR makes decreasing these bleak figures the cornerstone of our organization. However, the issues that TWR solve go well beyond what the numbers show; we also work to bring a level of normalcy to foster children's lives.Their lives are often very unstable and changing this is one of major goals.

the plan of action:

Children are the future and we believe they deserve to live the best life possible. They have been put into a situation that they have no control over. We want to show them that there are people in the world who care about them and want to see them grow into successful adults. If we have the ability to touch even one child's life and know we made an impact in a positive way, then we have done our job. We have developed programs that allow them to be successful in society, school, sports, creativity, and life. Our sports camps also help to raise awareness about childhood obesity and teach them ways to stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

how you can get involved:

Together We Rise (TWR) values its relationship with the foster community, its sponsors, and its volunteers. Innovation, creativity, and a strong work ethic are instilled to improve the lives of foster children through integrity, commitment, and dependability. TWR utilizes young adult volunteers through social and digital media to host sports camps and implement educational programs with various subjects. A variety of programs are created to reach the diverse and varying interests of foster children, offering them an assortment of activities to provide a well-rounded experience. We welcome all interns or volunteers from around the nation and encourage applicants to apply through our Facebook page.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by struggleoflove on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:32

the problem:

Our Reach 4 Peace Picnic consists of multiple business and organizations setting up booths and providing helpful information to the community. This provides a toolkit of information for families in the community. By inviting other non-profits to distribute helpful information about their organizations has proven to be a very successful partnership with benefits for both the organization and the community. It is a fun way to promote community awareness and community togetherness. We provide free food and free activities for the whole family. We will also have health care specialist on site to provide free screenings for the youth and adults.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

why it's important:

This event is important because it helps the community come together as one. By coming together as one we are able to get to know our neighbors and create peace among one another. It's also a good outlet for the youth to participate in a variety of activities and continue by registering with one of many organization providing services and activities for the youth to get involved in.

the plan of action:

We are reaching out to local business and nonprofit organization to set up a booth for free. We are also reaching out to local restaurants for donations of food and drinks. We will coordinate a variety of activities from local event resource center to display games free for the youth. We are also in touch with the local Medical Center and have invited them to come and give from health screening as well as dental.

how you can get involved:

We need help with resource information, planning and overall coordinating activities for this event. We will also need volunteers on the day of to help set up and clean up after the event.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by Inspiration Men... on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 08:14

the problem:

Poverty, Gangs, Childhood Obesity, Broken Homes, Lack of Education/After School Enrichment/Mentoring/Role Models/Knowledge/Resources. There are several underprivaledged students that turn to gangs and drugs after school because there are no or very few after school programs offered.

vital stats:

people impacted:

200

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me because I've seen several students turn to gangs and drop out of school. So many young ones are underprivileged and forced into negative lifestyles. I take any and all students who want to participate as well as students who are referred by teachers, parents and/or guardians. Typically those students have trouble at home or in school, and I use a one on one tactic to find out what there interests are so I can determine rewards for improvement. A lot of the students I've worked with were caught up in gang life/selling drugs, failing school and not participating in any after school programs because there weren't any offered at their schools. I thought that was one of the main reasons why students were turning to gangs, so I started by mentoring a few boys and they all got out of the gang life and became more focused on school, sports, arts and music. I think students just need the knowledge and opportunities to express there interests and talents to reach their potentials, succeed in high school and beyond.

Obesity is another issue that I have helped students battle. Teaching them how to eat healthier and giving them a work out plan that you motivate them through can do wonders. However, motivation is key and varies from student to student. It might be a work out plan playing basketball, wii fit, skate boarding, hiking or basic lifting/cardio etc. You just have to take the time to figure out what works best for each individual.

the plan of action:

Provide mentoring and after school programs such as Leadership, Music, Sports, Art, Tutoring, Guidance etc. Inspiration Mentoring

Mission Statement: Our goal is to assist students in reaching their fullest potential by offering them one on one mentoring and tutoring as well as several leadership and extracurricular enrichment opportunities they wouldn’t experience otherwise. We focus on students individual interests and reward them when they reach certain goals. Many of our students suffer from broken homes, gangs, obesity, poverty etc. We provide them with the knowledge and resources necessary to overcome these obstacles.

Every student is different, so every approach is different. We develop a, “Success Plan” for every student which includes goals with step by step, day by day, week by week and month by month objectives, so we can measure effectiveness and improvement. No one is turned down and we have a 100% success rate since we’ve started. Students have dropped out of gangs, improved academics and found passion for activities such as music, art, photography, outdoor education, sports, debate etc.

It is our belief that all students have a passion for something and want to learn, it is just a matter of finding out what that passion is and how to motivate each individual. If you can reward a student with an opportunity they’ve never experienced or dreamed of they will do anything to succeed. I have brought students to professional recording studios, vocal lessons, acting auditions/classes, movie sets, mountains for skiing/snowboarding/tubing, youth recognition ceremonies to receive awards I nominated them for, ribbon cutting ceremonies to meet the mayor, community service events and many other places/events all for the first time to show them I care about there individual interests and to earn their respect.

I base every “Success Plan” on a rewards system that students must earn to motivate them to reach their goals. I combat the lack of role models, broken homes, obesity and gang life on a daily basis. However, it’s these situations that keep me passionate and motivated to help. Some people go to third world countries to help better peoples lives, but I have found that are several people in my own community that suffer from some of the hardships. I believe it is my calling to do whatever I can to help and I will stop at nothing to succeed.

I would like to expand across the entire district and eventually state and country. I have a big vision for Inspiration Mentoring and want it to improve the nations education, obesity rate, crime rate and drop out rate. It will start off small in every school and build every year until every school in the area has a program.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by volunteering, mentoring, facilitating, advertising/spreading the word, donating etc.

project updates:

Submitted by maliyah2002 on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:16

the problem:

I'm trying to solve a basic community problem. I want to educate the youth a find positive ways to keep them motivated with hands on participation from the community itself. Someone needs to take charge in this area to ensure we mold the youth in becoming assets to society and grow up being law abiding citizens with a goal of making this world better in every possible direction because we are losing our youth day by day and it's time to get them back because they are our future and they will have to run this world someday. We do not want to see America go down in flames, so we have to educate our youth.

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why it's important:

This project is important to me because I really care about where young people are heading and I feel like if I have an opportunity to make sure I guide thousands of children and teens in the right direction, I would do it. We all have some purpose here on earth and mine is to definitely help people, it's only fair.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to get started writing grant proposals and look for sponsors. From then on, find some land and get started on how to administer this program in Memphis by all means and that includes making all proper notifications to government and filling out the proper paperwork. It won't be easy, but it will be worth the effort.

how you can get involved:

Others can easily help me by simply contacting me by email or visit me on facebook with ideas, connections, or words of wisdom. I can use all the help I can get.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by mireles007 on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 22:09

the problem:

I am currently trying to keep all teens ages 13-18 from joining gangs. Currently there are approximately 28,000 gangs across the U.S. and about 775,000 members, with teens making up about 60-70% of gangs. Reasons for seeking membership may be but not limited to ease of access to drugs/guns, lack of employment, lack of recreational opportunities, excessive sex and violence in television, movies and even internet videos. they might also join gangs because they seek companionship, protection, sense of belonging, money, relief of frustration, self esteem.

vital stats:

people impacted:

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why it's important:

This is important to me because both my community and I have witnessed this first hand and coming from a rural area these teens have very little to look forward to during their week. What I want to do is to keep these teens active and off the streets as much as possible.

the plan of action:

I have recently been talking with my teachers, parents and friends and we have decide on a schedule to keep these teens occupied after school hours. The schedule is as follows, but is subjected to change as we see fit:
Mondays-Pick up trash/ we will go around our community picking up trash we see on road sides and lots.
Tuesdays-Gym Day/ we will meet at the local gym and have a work out day for all our members.
Wednesdays-Help A Resident/ we will go around the community door to door and help out senior citizens, disabled residents, single mothers, etc to do odd jobs such as cut yards, trim hedges and trees, plant flowers, etc.
Thursdays-Pet Day/ every member is encouraged to bring their pet to the meeting and we will have a pet grooming and walking day for better health for the pet as well as the owner.
Fridays-Club Day/ we plan on obtaining a DJ system and as a reward for all the members throw a party to reward the members on a great week, it will be alcohol free and only ages 13-17 with security at the doors to make sure that no over aged people walk in and no teens leave unattended.
Saturdays-Beach Day/ we will spend part of the day cleaning up the local beach and then after we have cleaned up members will be rewarded by eating at a local Peter Piper Pizza as a reward for such a hard day at work.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by either joining my project or supporting it.

project updates:

Submitted by mahmoodj on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 18:49

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Around the world, children are fighting to play the game they love. They play in trash dumps and busy streets, dodge cars and wade through swamps to get to their next game. They ignore the indignity of their circumstances but are often hurt – and sometimes killed – by the danger they play in.

Less visibly, children lose the positive impact sport has in their lives as they lose access to the game. Sport has the power to change lives – it helps children develop socially, physically, and mentally. Soccer facilitates growth in both individuals and their communities.

vital stats:

people impacted:

6,000

people involved:

why it's important:

I grew up playing soccer and all types of sports. Involvement in sports had a profoundly positive influence in my life - it displaced a lot of the negative things I was susceptible to in my childhood. I learned a ton about working in a team, how to stay healthy, discipline, and work ethic.

I want children around the world to have access to the same opportunities through sport - they made a huge difference in my life.

the plan of action:

love.fútbol is the only organization, world-wide, that builds safe soccer fields for children through a community-driven approach. love.fútbol staff identify communities where children play in especially dangerous circumstances and don't have access to safe environments for soccer. We engage the communities with the greatest beneficiaries to take on their own soccer field projects, by creating internal institutions (a love.fútbol project planning committee) to plan and execute the project. love.fútbol raises the money to provide the raw materials and technical expertise necessary to complete the project. The community donates 100% of the labor and also the land required for the project.

As a result, children have a safe place to play sports and the community emerges with capacities, institutions, and skills that can help catalyze further development endeavors. love.fútbol has successfully completed nine projects in Guatemala and recently expanded to Brazil. love.fútbol plans to complete 20+ projects in time for the 2014 World Cup.

love.fútbol was founded in 2005 by Drew Chafetz and his soccer teammate, Alfredo Axtmayer. Drew came across some children playing in especially dangerous conditions in a small town in Morocco, which he visited during a semester abroad. Drew raised money from his friends and family, spread awareness, and implemented the first love.fútbol project in 2007.

how you can get involved:

love.fútbol has created a program called love.fútbol for All which encourages soccer-passionate individuals and soccer teams to hold events in support of safe soccer spaces for kids. Recently, a small Bethesda, Maryland girls team (Real Bethesda) raised $5,000 through events and fundraising, sponsoring all of the raw materials for a love.fútbol project

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by chrisrim on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 01:41

the problem:

Eliminate bullying and discrimination in all schools, workplaces, and online by educating students and adults the harmful effects bullying can have on people's lives.

vital stats:

people impacted:

30,000

people involved:

145

why it's important:

As the founder, this is important to me because I have been bullied before and I have witnessed countless acts of bullying that go unpunished. There needs to be an end to bullying, and It Ends Today is going to make that happen.

the plan of action:

The mission of It Ends Today is to promote anti-bullying awareness in schools and communities throughout the country by awarding scholarships to students who talk publicly about their experiences with bullying and its effects on them.

It Ends Today, Inc. is an organization formed with one purpose: to end bullying now. The organization holds presentations to inform others on the dangers and consequences that come with bullying. A non-profit organization, It Ends Today, Inc. also encourages teenagers to speak out against bullying via the internet, in hopes of spreading its message more efficiently.

how you can get involved:

n/a