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from The Telegraph
Our View Editorial
May 28, 2008

Meeting on youth crime a good start
Let’s keep this ball rolling

A meeting last week is the latest of what we hope is many on the criminal problems now plaguing Alton. We need continuing dialogue by every segment of this community if we are to survive and prosper.

Last week's meeting was a daylong program on neighborhood risk factors. The topics included youth crime, drug use, firearms possession and, in general, the conflict that is so often the root of a crisis. The session drew nearly 50 participants at Saint Clare's Hospital and was coordinated by Alton Youth Development Strategy Partnership with the help of a number of agencies. Among them were Alton School District, Alton Weed and Seed Strategy, Arms of Love Pregnancy Resource Center, Chestnut Health Systems, Madison County Health Department, Riverbend Youth Ministries, Senior Services Plus, St. Clare's Hospital, Family Learning Center and Alton YWCA.

There were other participants, but unless you had a venue the size of Yankee Stadium you would not have had space for the many organizations and individuals who have a stake in what's happening. And, let's be clear, everyone has a stake.

The organizers brought in a speaker from Portland, Ore., who suggests, correctly, that getting to the symptoms of youth crime is not simply enough. One must also get to the root causes - and act before the crimes occur.

Why for instance, is there a mentality that ignores the overwhelming number of guns on the street? People who live in "gunfire" neighborhoods know what we're talking about, because they listen to the chorus of shooting all the time. Others know who possesses each weapon and who is pulling the trigger.

Why is there a culture of drug use among young people when everything we've heard said for the past 50 years acknowledges that such use is dangerous to the individual and to society?

Why are there not more organized activities for young people, to keep them from having the extra time to get into trouble? Activities that cater both to the advantaged and the disadvantaged?

And why, if we are wrong on those central premises, are there not more people coming forward to rally for all the good things Alton has to offer?

Another session called "Building Community Bridges: Booster Session" will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. June 10 at Saint Clare's, with the goal of a multi-denominational, faith-based approach to strengthening youth and preventing substance abuse in youth. Call (618) 474-2245 for more information.

Last week's meeting is a start. Let keep this ball rolling.

Alton Weed & Seed Strategy
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