It was quite encouraging to see such a cross-section of participate at the recent Youth Master Plan session; (YMP- as I will be referring to it going forward) a meeting led by Council President Annie McWilliams. There were entrepreneurs, elected officials, pastors, business and medical professionals, law enforcement, educators, social services and recreational personnel, a gang member, as well as current students who live in the district at the table.
There were no loss for words with this bunch of seasoned elocutionists, but some of the more salient points were delivered by a young man, and current gang member, and a few of our youth who are working on the Plainfield Youth Summit 2011 (more to come about this initiative).
Our law enforcement seem to be concentrating on identifying the misdirected youth, our Mayor was totally absorb with what “she” has done, what “she” is proud of and what “she” would like to see happen.
There were no loss for words with this bunch of seasoned elocutionists, but some of the more salient points were delivered by a young man, and current gang member, and a few of our youth who are working on the Plainfield Youth Summit 2011 (more to come about this initiative).
Our law enforcement seem to be concentrating on identifying the misdirected youth, our Mayor was totally absorb with what “she” has done, what “she” is proud of and what “she” would like to see happen.
The problem I have with both of these positions is that 1). Once you have identified the troubled youth – then what? What alternatives are you going to offer them to counter and/or replace the negative behaviors?
And
2). If what you have done is not stemming the tide of gang violence then it is NOT effective for the very purpose for which it was created. I am not going to jump on the bandwagon to beat our Mayor down, but I will say I was disappointed with her decision to use this meeting as a bully pulpit instead of an opportunity for collective discourse regarding the uplifting of our youth. It certainly is not all her fault, but it would be ludicrous to continue to poor energy and effort into something that is not working. If the youth are telling you they need jobs, and what you are doing is not creating employment opportunities – then you are NOT helping to provide solutions to the issues.
They are telling us THEY NEED something to do…THEY NEED a job…THEY NEED a way to meet financial obligations in their households.
They are telling us THEY NEED something to do…THEY NEED a job…THEY NEED a way to meet financial obligations in their households.
Why do we bother asking our youth what they want and need only to provide them with what “we” think they want and need?
I think the answer to the issues facing our youth is as simple as giving them what they have asked for -- alternative, safe recreational activities that THEY NEED, WANT and will ENJOY……….and………jobs!
Hasta Luego!
Part II Later...
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