Program Overview & Progress ReportJuly – September, 2010

Teen Speak! Program Design Teen Speak! Program Design • Teen Speak! is a program where youth gather to discuss life, violence, and the potential

consequences of their behavior. The sessions and presentations are facilitated by Youth Violence Prevention Program (YVPP) staff members and selected guests who have expertise in youth violence prevention. Through innovative and interactive dialogues and presentations, youth share their experience with violence, its impact on their lives, and learn new tools to assist them in making life-affirming decisions.

• The program primarily seeks to engage youth and young adults (ages 10-18) currently living in neighborhoods identified by Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) as neighborhoods that would benefit from violence reduction programming. These neighborhoods are Avondale & Walnut Hills; Over-the-Rhine, West End and Pendleton; and South Cumminsville, Millvale and Fay Apartments. Winton Hills has recently been added to the priority neighborhood list due to an uptick in violence over the summer months.

• The primary focus of Teen Speak! is to prevent youth from engaging in violence while they are still adolescents. This is accomplished by providing youth with tools to deal constructively with conflict, manage their emotions, and weigh the consequences of their behavior before committing a violent act.

Youth GroupsYouth Groups• Various core materials are used to educate and empower youth to resist

violence. While conducting Teen Speak programming, YVPP staff attempt to teach youth about violence prevention/intervention and conflict resolution while utilizing creative methods to spread the message of peace and non-violence. Upon completing program sessions, participants of the program become “Peace Ambassadors”, acting to influence other young people the value of positive results of non-violence. These Peace Ambassadors assist YVPP staff in developing future youth violence prevention programming.

• Between July 2010-September 2010, Teen Speak! has conducted a total of six youth groups. Three of the youth groups were conducted at The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati in the month of July, and three youth groups were conducted at Rockdale Academy in Avondale during the month of August.

Teen Speak! - Youth Group at Urban League (CPPC Host Agency)

• Youth participant total: 6

• Youth within target age: 6Male youth: 2Female youth: 4

• Youth Participant RaceBlack: 6

• Communities served:ColerainMt. AuburnWestwood

Teen Speak! - Youth Group at Rockdale Academy

• Youth participant total: 28• Youth within target age: 28

Male youth: 13Female youth: 15

• Youth Participant RaceBlack: 27Black/White: 1

• Communities ServedAvondaleNorth AvondaleNorthside

AssembliesAssemblies• During the months of July 2010-September 2010, Teen Speak program

staff conducted a total 20 assemblies by collaborating with various organizations within the Greater Cincinnati Area. A total of 254 youth within the program target age range have had contact with the Teen Speak through these assemblies. Our partnership with the following organizations have helped the program teach, educate and engage youth about their response to violence and how they can live violence-free lives:

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center (“2020”)Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center (“2020”)

Mayor’s Green Leaf ProgramMayor’s Green Leaf Program

Cincinnati Parks Summer Nature CampCincinnati Parks Summer Nature Camp

Mt. Calvary Baptist ChurchMt. Calvary Baptist Church

Teen Speak! Assemblies at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center (“2020”)

• Total Assemblies: 10

• Total youth (10-18) reached (through 9/30/10): 137 • Teen Speak! assemblies are currently being conducted every Tuesday at 2020 Youth Center from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

• A Letter of Support for the Teen Speak! program from the Coordinator of the Youth Center is included with this report.

Teen Speak! Programming with Mayor’s Green Leaf Program

Teen Speak! Assembly with the Mayor’s Green Leaf Program

• Total Assemblies with the Green Leaf Program: 2

• Total youth reached: 34

• Teen Speak! collaborated with the Mayor’s Green Leaf Program to conduct a two day assembly for youth employed by the program. At right, YVPP volunteer, Margaret Long, told her story to the youth about what it is like to be a gun violence survivor.

Teen Speak Assemblies with the Cincinnati Park Department Nature Camps

• Total Assemblies: 5• Total participants: 425• Total youth (10-18) reached: 81

In collaboration with the Cincinnati Parks Board, Teen Speak! staff conducted five non-violence assemblies for a total of 425 youth; 81 of whom were in the target age range, and 344 participants between the ages of 3 to 9 yrs. old.

Age-appropriate presentations were developed by YVPP staff for these younger children, all of which focused on avoiding conflicts and making good decisions.

Additional Assemblies, Special Events & OutreachAdditional Assemblies, Special Events & Outreach• During this reporting period, Teen Speak! collaborated with the Summer Youth Camp

Program at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Avondale. Through two assemblies with Mt. Calvary, Teen Speak! reached a total of 21 participants, 13 of which were within the target age of 10 - 18.

• Teen Speak! also participated in three special/outreach events during this reporting period. Participation involved distributing Youth Violence Prevention materials and information to youth in attendance, recruitment of youth for participation in future Teen Speak! events and activities, and assisting with organizing the events. The three special/outreach events that occurred during this reporting period were:

Avondale Health Fair Black Family Reunion

Summer Peace Concert Series

Teen Speak! - Summer Peace Concert Series

• Total participants: 28

• Total youth (10-18) reached: 4

• Teen Speak! assisted in recruiting local youth to participate in play about youth violence prevention, which was performed at the Summer Peace Concert Series at Eden Park.

Teen Speak & Avondale Health Fair

• Total participants: 35•Total youth (10-18) reached: 10

YVPP personnel attended the Avondale Health Fair and provided informational material about youth violence and its impact in Cincinnati.

The Teen Speak! program was also highlighted during an open dialogue about youth violence prevention at this event, which was held at the Hirsch Recreation Center.

Teen Speak! & Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion

•Total participants: 100•Total youth (10-18) reached: 35

• Teen Speak! personnel participated in the Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion by showcasing the Teen Speak! Program through dialogue with participants and distributing program materials dealing with youth violence prevention.

Teen Speak! Coming Events Teen Speak! Coming Events

• Teen Speak! is currently conducting youth group programming at Rockdale Academy in Avondale, and a second round of programming is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2010.

• Teen Speak! is scheduled to continue facilitating assemblies with pre-adjudicated youth at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center through the end of December 2010

• On October 6, Teen Speak! began facilitating new youth group programming at the Life Skills Center of Cincinnati. This programming with continue through November 18, 2010.

Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants

Participants in Teen Speak Youth Groups and Assemblies provide valuable feedback through post session questionnaires and evaluations. The comments below representa sample of some of the responses from youth participants in the target age group and illustrate how they are being positively impacted by the Teen Speak program.(NOTE: The following comments are from sessions facilitated by Partnering Centerstaff using curriculum developed by the CPPC.)

Comments from the Boys & Girls Club Regional Conference – held July 9, 2010 at Xavier University – Alter Hall:

Q. What did you learn from today’s session? “I learned that I can change my life around if something went bad.” - Age 14 “No matter what the situation you can make changes to the kind of life you lead.” – Age 18 “I learned that it isn’t too late to turn my life around.” – Age 16 “Not to be violent” – Age 15 “I am somebody.” – Age 15

Q. What will you do differently when faced with a violent situation? “I will try to avoid the situation in any way possible. - Age 18 “Teach others” – Age 16 “Think about my options.” – Age 18 “I could try to stop the violence and try to help a friend to stop thinking about violence.”

Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants

Participants in Teen Speak Youth Groups and Assemblies provide valuable feedback through post session questionnaires and evaluations. The comments below representa sample of some of the responses from youth participants in the target age group and illustrate how they are being positively impacted by the Teen Speak program.(NOTE: The following comments are from sessions facilitated by Partnering Centerstaff using curriculum developed by the CPPC.)

Comments from the Boys & Girls Club Regional Conference – held July 9, 2010 at Xavier University – Alter Hall:

Q. What did you learn from today’s session? “I learned that I can change my life around if something went bad.” - Age 14 “No matter what the situation you can make changes to the kind of life you lead.” – Age 18 “I learned that it isn’t too late to turn my life around.” – Age 16 “Not to be violent” – Age 15 “I am somebody.” – Age 15

Q. What will you do differently when faced with a violent situation? “I will try to avoid the situation in any way possible. - Age 18 “Teach others” – Age 16 “Think about my options.” – Age 18 “I could try to stop the violence and try to help a friend to stop thinking about violence.”

Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants (continued)(continued)

Comments from Assembly Sessions with youth participants in the Mayor’s Green Leaf Program – held August 4 & 5, 2010:

Q. Did you learn a new way to avoid peer pressure to be involved in violence? How will you do this?

“Don’t be involved with the wrong people.” - Age 16“I will refrain from addictive substances and hang with better people.” – Age 14“Stay occupied, focused on school and surrounding myself around mentally strong individuals.” - Age 17 “Talk things out.” – Age 17“Believe in yourself that you are too good for the bad decisions.” – Age 14

Q. What specific ways did you learn to prevent / refrain from violence?

“Be more careful, be responsible and help your friends and calm them if they are angry.” - Age 14“Really listen to people who is trying to help you” – Age 16“Tell someone when I witness a crime. – Age 17 “By telling people that violence is never a solution to anything.” – Age 16

Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants Post– Session Comments from Teen Speak Participants (continued)(continued)

Comments from Assembly Sessions with youth participants at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center - held September 28th, 2010:

Q. Did you learn anything new from today’s assembly? Please explain.

“That I need to be 13 and stop doing what I’m doing because I have a 6 year old brother at home” - Age 13

“Yes. I need to change.” – Age 14 “I learned what to do when I get out.” – Age 15 “Coping skills to learn how to control myself in tough situations.” – Age 16 “I learned you can talk to someone without them judging you.” – Age 15

Q. How can you apply today’s message to your life?

“Never give up. No one’s perfect.” – Age 17 “If I go home, respect my mom and dad and get new positive friends.” – Age 16 “Stop giving in to peer pressure and get back into school. Try to get a job and get involved.” –

Age 16 “I can do that by contacting you guys and getting help.” – Age 16

The following comment was written on the back of the evaluation form by a 16 year old female currently at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center. She writes:

“I have a daughter named Maliyah. She’s my world. I wanna be in a program thatwould help me with how I act and what responsibilities to do for my daughter and

myself. I need help on self control and respect. Thx!!!”

This young woman from Price Hill then went on to leave a number where she canreceive text messages, as well as her parents’ phone number. Teen Speakpersonnel are following up with this youth and her parents. We look forward to acontinued relationship with her as she leaves 2020 and works to “get on the rightpath” and anticipate the day when she will be among our program’s “PeaceAmbassadors.”

Her story and the many others like it that we have received from the youth weserve sums up the importance and impact of the Community PolicePartnering Center’s Teen Speak program. We thank the City of Cincinnati fortheir support of this program and remain committed to continuingour work to help the youth of Cincinnati realize a productive and violence-free future.