Often left out of system-wide efforts to reduce gun and gang violence are those directly impacted by it. While young people benefit from prevention and intervention programming, they are also valuable stakeholders in the development and implementation of solutions that address gun and gang violence. Creating pathways for their involvement can be not only powerful for the personal transformation of youth but also critical in transforming the systems that impact them.
This webinar, presented by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's National Gang Center, will feature programs that have intentionally engaged youth perspective and involvement in the strategic planning, development, and implementation of youth violence reduction strategies as well as system-wide advocacy.
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of youth involvement and leadership in violence reduction efforts.
- Identify pathways and opportunities for youth involvement through examples from community-based initiatives.
- Identify strategies or practices needed to engage and empower youth as leaders in these processes.