Shortly after multiple shootings happened across the country townhall meetings were held at the George L. Stevens Senior Center in the Skyline/Encanto area. The focus of these meetings was to promote healing and bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.
As youth advocates we have a unique opportunity to make significant change in the world. As a matter of fact, the involvement of young people has already made a difference all across the country and the world.
Kaori McGowan delivered a heartfelt speech where he questioned “How can I not be a victim of the system, when I’ve lost so many friends, family and brothers. It’s sad that every morning I have to tell my little brother “make sure you stay safe.”
H.E.A.R.T. (Higher Education And Rising Together) believes that Youth can…
Advocate for policy change:
Young people are effective at garnering support for policy development and capture the attention of political leaders and the media in ways that adults can’t.
Project a powerful voice:
Youth have credibility with their peers and other community leaders.
Young people naturally provide innovation and creativity, making this work more exciting and attractive to policy makers, partners, and other youth.
San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, several police officers, community leaders and residents attended the meeting. Zimmerman said her officer have worked hard to build relationships with the communities they patrol, and they will continue to improve communication.
One man in attendance said the meeting was a good start, but unless police departments do a better job of policing themselves, the shootings will probably continue and might take place in cities like San Diego. “Until we actually face and attack racial prejudice that’s embedded in police departments, we’re going to continue to have these problems,” said Armand King who lives in the Skyline area of San Diego.
The Blue Heart Foundation is focused on the empowerment and education of underserved youth. Our program is based on nine (9) core competencies which fall under three categories: 1) Abilities, 2) Applications, and 3) Character. Advocacy falls under character development where members model high standards of personal conduct at all times and in all places.
7. Advocacy – Members are advocates for just causes in their schools and communities. 8. Equity – Members are committed to social, political, and educational equity for all people. 9. Ethics – Members model high standards of personal conduct at all times and in all places. These are critical traits in a young man’s growth as well as ensuring that fundamentally they make good choices when exposed to difficult decisions.
