The Mayor could seriously learn a few things from James Kelly, ED of the Urban League of Seattle. In a morning press conference, Kelly unvieled the League’s plan to respond to gun violence, and the grief it leaves behind.
From the Seattle Times:
In response to a growing number of young people who are traumatized by escalating violence in their neighborhoods, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle unveiled a two-phase program on Monday to help the community mourn the losses and give teens creative outlets to express their rage, fear and heartbreak.
At a time when the city is enjoying its lowest crime rates in 40 years, gun and gang violence is disproportionately impacting young people, especially in Seattle’s Central Area and Rainier Valley. Last week, the Seattle City Council released a 12-point initiative for reducing street crime that deals with everything from gang graffiti to aggressive panhandling.
The Urban League’s new program is meant to dovetail with the city’s efforts while strengthening partnerships with local organizations already involved in getting guns out of kids’ hands and getting kids off the street, Kelly said.
Called “Project Interruption,” Kelly said the first step is to provide a forum for young people, their parents and others affected by violence to voice and acknowledge their grief. Those who need it can be connected with pastors, psychologists, grief counselors or — in the cases of those who need the most help — therapists with Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress.
“It is us stepping up and acknowledging the grief and the loss. It’s kids killing kids; it’s a loss of life,” Kelly said.
More at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008138207_gangs26m.html
