National Youth Violence Prevention Week

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The City of Columbia kicked off its annual National Youth Violence Prevention Week. National Youth Violence Prevention Week is held in order to raise awareness and educate students, teachers, school administrators and staff, school resource officers, parents and the public on effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence. Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine initiated the City‘s involvement with National Youth Violence Prevention Week. “Youth violence has a tremendous and often lifelong impact on families, schools and the entire community. We must work together to make the positive changes needed to save our young people from this national epidemic.” Various planned activities will demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their schools and communities safer. All events are free and open to the public. Schedule of Events Monday, March 23, 2015 Violence Prevention Expo Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue 6-8 p.m. Agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information on a variety of programs, resources, activities and events that will assist youth in making better life choices. Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Protecting Our Children Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 2300 Greene Street 6-8 p.m. There will be seminars on bullying, gangs and sexual assault. The seminars are open to youth and adults. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 “The Insiders” – South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way 6-8 p.m. “The Insiders” is a special group of juveniles who travel throughout the state encouraging troubled children and promoting community awareness of the prevalence and consequences of juvenile crime. Thursday, March 26, 2015 The Aftermath of Youth Violence City Hall, 1737 Main Street 6-8 p.m. A panel discussion for youth and adults to ask questions about the effects that youth violence has had on their lives and families. Friday, March 27, 2015 Game Night: A Night of Non-Violence Greenview Park, 6700 David Street; Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue; King Park, 2300 Greene Street; Pinehurst Park, 2300 Pinehurst Road; and Lorick Park, 1600 Lorick Avenue 6-10 p.m. City community centers will operate on extended hours of “play” so that our youth may engage in positive activities. For more information, please call the City‘s Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.