What can get a handle on gang violence? Healthy, supervised activities is one avenue. Other avenues include individual commitments by the youth and parents made publicly and supported by the institutions that they respect — school, church, neighbors.
Churches, for example, have Graduation Recognition ceremonies. How about Initiation for Peaceful Solutions Ceremonies for youth starting by age 9 that are renewed once a year? And to bolster that public commitment by youth and parents blessed by priests and ministers create safe communities that are gun/knife/weapon free. Encourage parents to create ways to swoop up the guns and weapons that are on the streets and in the hands of children. And yes — structured activities such as soccer that encourage cooperation and healthy competition will enhance self esteem.
Below is how Live Oak, California is addressing the problem of gang violence. It is a start!!
A Volunteer Opportunity
A FREE 6 week indoor Soccer Program for youth ages 6 – 17 is being offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00pm June 14th – July 21st. at Shoreline School in Live Oak. It is offered through a partnership between the Sheriff’s Activity League, the Live Oak Family Resource Center, Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA) and the Live Oak School District. VOLUNTEERS (adults and older teens) ARE NEEDED – coaches, refs, line refs, security, “team parent” etc. There will be a volunteer training on June 7th 6-8 pm. For more information call 476-7284 x 104.
Pre registration for players is June 3rd. Priority to youth living in the Live Oak School District but all kids accepted on a space available basis. Call same # to find out how to register There are many kids living in our community who cannot play soccer because their families cannot afford it. This program promotes self-esteem, teamwork and leadership skills while offering healthy activities in a safe space.
