Pubdate: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 Source: News Journal (DE) Copyright: 2002 The News Journal Contact: http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/822 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) THE UPCOMING SUMMIT FOR YOUTH SHOULD FOCUS ON OUTREACH PROGRAMS This month, the members of the Stop the Violence Coalition will continue their daunting task of trying to reduce shootings, drug use and other illegal activities among young people in Wilmington. A week from Saturday they will hold their second "Teen Youth Summit" since last August at Salesianum School. The group was formed after a particularly unfortunate shooting in a barber shop near 4th and Market streets left a man and a little boy dead. These fatalities were part of a stream of shootings that have plagued Wilmington for years. Mayor Baker rightfully sees drugs at the root of most violence and other illegal activity. The shootings seem to ebb and flow but never diminish. The coalition holding the summit intend to focus on how young people can avoid drug and alcohol use, resolve conflicts and deal with curfews, parents and police. These are worthy goals. But there is a problem: the 500 or so teens who will come to the summit already understand the need for changed behavior and, in fact, aren't the thugs committing the crimes. We would urge the coalition leaders and the young people who attend the summit to devote at least part of the day to development of an outreach program; an effort to bring the coalition's worthy message to the young people selling drugs and defending their territory with guns. It is right to nurture the instincts for good, law abiding behavior in the "good kids," but until the gangs of anti-social hoodlums are persuaded to leave drugs and weapons alone, the shootings in Wilmington will not abate. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom