Save Our Children

Comment by Tony Frierson on October 29, 2009 at 12:19am

Well Kenny, I'm not sure where we need to start either, but I do know we need to start for our childrens sake. I was approached by a man with ideas, and this is what he says: OPINION: Ways to battle youth violence quoting Wayne Millen, statistics do not solve the problem, action does, but when action that's the real question. I agree that almost every time youth violence is mentioned Law Enforcement Prisons appear to be the focus. Mike Baldwin of Murfreesboro wrote in a email that he believes we need a war on gangs, remember the war on drugs? The White House appointed a drug czar, William Bennett, under President Reagan in the 80's. Look at where we are today with the drug war, Mike goes on to say that we need to give kids an option to joining a gang that should give us all hope. Having 15 years of experience working directly with youth gangs and wanna be's both male and female, options are the key that we need as a community to respond. So here are some options to get started and get it done.First a commitment from Youth Services Agencies, Parents, Churches, Social Services, Community Leaders, Law Enforcement, Schools, Probation Dept. and former Gang Members. This group should appoint a interagency to facilitate this process. Communication and cooperation is imperative for intelligence gathering, two key problems we as a agencies had to overcome for the successful building of the interagency coalition. 1) A history of competition, distrust and inertia in interagency endeavors. Underlying tension and distrust between the black and white community, particularly in regards to recognizing and addressing problems largely of low income black disadvantaged inner city community residents. It's my hope that those that are interested, will establish these key agencies facilitating leadership, vision,be willing and capable of providing organization and coordinating roles. This facilitating role is necessary to get the process started and to get the right individuals together at the right time to address the right issues. 2) The significant key is that all participating organizations must be part of the process. Issues must be identified accepted and there must be a commitment to follow through by the key individual organizations. Procedures and organizational mechanisms where simple or complex must also exist to facilitate collaboration. The underlying basis for these principals should be willingness of participating parties organizations to give up a degree of recognition and control of end results. Because of the greater value recognized through the results of collaborative efforts. The faacilitating leadership and organization needs to be non-threating, held in high esteem and have a reputation for operational competence. 3) Trust between participating parties, especially key individual organizations is necessary in order to bridge any past, present or future negative dynamics. 4) Significant support is necessary from the power base of participating organizations and or government. 5) The more comprehensive the collaborative efforts the greater the need for broad based power support. 6) Sustained intentional connection would result from effectively working towards a common purpose. Malvin Frazier email: vss2fa@mtsu.edu

Comment by Carla Michelle DeCourcey on November 16, 2009 at 11:17am

More monies need to be allocated to youth programs, especially at risk youth. Get them interested in photography, journalism, fashion design, etc....they need more positive role models in each field to mentor them. Shame their parents into getting involved in their lives.

Comment by Tony Frierson on April 1, 2010 at 1:19am

It Takes A Village: Jesus died on the cross so we could live, not so we can let our kids kill themselves, each other and us. In biblical days as well as our African forefathers, people looked out for each other and their children. I say that to say this, let's get together like back then. Let's all be more involved in our community and our children. The opportunity is at hand, The Michael Baisden Million Mentor Campaign is coming to Nashville, April 15 @ TSU. You can get more info on 92q.com or Michael Baisden's web site. Let's get behind this movement and help save our kids and village.

Comment by Angel Michelle on May 11, 2010 at 8:22pm

Got lots of neighborhood children & my 2 of my very own. Let me know what I need to do to get involved with some of the alternative activities for them especially in the summer, so much free time they don't know what to do with.

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