Chicago Public Schools: Violence and Death or Peacemakers Prevail?May 10 2010by Rick Phillips, Executive DirectorIn September 2009, 16 year-old Derrion Albert, was viciously beaten to death on his way to school by three other teenage boys. The escalating violence in Chicago Public Schools captured the attention of the nation, particularly Secretary of Education Arne Duncan who was the Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools prior to his cabinet appointment by President Barack Obama, who is also from Chicago. Like many urban areas, Chicago faces many challenges. The turf wars in various neighborhoods, the gang activity among youth, and the lack of resources for safe schools has compounded the obstacles facing school administrators and teachers. Thanks to $30 million in federal stimulus money, the Chicago Public Schools “Culture of Calm Initiative” intends to build and implement a comprehensive, anti-violence plan. Chicago Public School officials state that the goal here is to reduce the likelihood that at-risk students will engage in, or become victims of, violence; and to create a safe, secure and supportive environment for students to improve attendance and excel academically. Requests for proposals have gone out to community organizations to develop a Safe Passage program and to create a Culture of Calm program at 38 high schools that have experienced high incidents of violence. The intention is clear: invest in the young people to become peacemakers. It is an objective that is in sync with the mission of Community Matters—to collaborate with schools and communities to engage, equip and empower young people to become change agents and peacemakers. Community Matters has been contracted by Chicago Public Schools to launch the Safe School Ambassadors Program in 14 high schools in their Area 23 during the month of May. It is hoped that the Program will be expanded to more Chicago schools next fall so that more student peacemakers will be engaged, equipped, and empowered to use nonviolent communication skills to prevent and stop bullying and violence among their peers. It is a clear choice between allowing the violence to escalate or having students involved with changing the culture on their campuses. Community Matters advocates for the choice for peace.
Recent PostsHot news from the White HouseArne Duncan’s Opening Remarks at the 1st Annual Bullying Summit held in August 2010: “The Myths About Bullying: Secretary Arne Duncan’s Remarks at the Bullying Prevention Summit.” Fifth Grader Takes Action Against BullyingZiainey Stokes, a young student from West Philadelphia certainly provides timely evidence that schools are in critical need of programs such as Safe School Ambassadors to prevent violence and bullying in schools. CM Executive Director Delivers Keynote Address at Bullying Prevention Conference in BostonAs the Keynote Speaker, Community Matters Executive Director, Rick Phillips, shared with the audience that building a safer school climate is a complex process that requires a balance between attending to security as well as relationships. The Cost and Benefits of Caring in Spite of Bullying and Violent TraumaWhen schools tap into the power of the students and take time to show that they care, especially students affected by trauma, students become empowered. Bullying, Stress and Health: A Crisis in the MakingHere are some facts we have collected (and there are hundreds more) about the short- and long-term health effects of bullying: |