Groups Raise Awareness During Youth Violence Prevention Week

To mark a national week focused on preventing violence among youth, the Youth Violence Prevention Center of Kansas City, or YVPC-KC, will partner with community organizations and schools to offer a variety of events and arts opportunities.

The YVPC-KC, which is supported through a federal grant to the University of Kansas, will kick off National Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 22-26.

Throughout the week, the YVPC-KC, in partnership with Enough is Enough, plans to share “Youth Violence Prevention Fast Facts” to spread awareness on through social media. The campaign will feature young voices sharing the top actions parents and community members can take to prevent youth violence. Throughout the week, there will be features on YVPC-KC partners, youth, and facts using the tag #wethryve.

Another highlight of the week will be to showcase the powerful artwork of artist Juan Flores, a student at Wyandotte High School, illustrating the impact of youth violence on students nationwide. Flores and a group of other ThrYve Youth Advisory Board members contributed to designing billboards that will be displayed at locations near 1200 Central Ave., and near 5241 State Ave., in Kansas City, Kan.

On April 24th, area youth will engage in the 3rd annual Youth Voices in Violence Prevention Forum in collaboration with the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, or MOCSA, as a part of the violence prevention strategies of the Wyandotte County Community Health Improvement Plan.

Wrapping up the week on April 28th, youth representatives from YVPCs in Denver, Michigan, and Kansas City will participate in a podcast that will delve into crucial topics such as the toll of youth violence on grief, families, communities, and the need for policy reform. A link to the podcast after production will be shared through ThrYve.

“We are thrilled and immensely proud of the dedication and creativity our young leaders have shown in spearheading these projects and making their voices heard,” said Ebony Dancy, research project manager.

Jomella Watson-Thompson professor of applied behavioral science and director of YVPC-KC, added, “By following the innovative ThrYve approach, youth are truly making a difference as change agents in our community through the YVPC-KC and the ThrYve Youth Advisory Board.”