Wednesday, November 22, 2000
Mayor's Youth Summit Reveals Public Safety, Education, and Jobs Are the Main Areas of Concern for District Youth
More Than One Thousand Youth From All Over the City Participate in Historic Event
(Washington, DC) - Today more than one thousand youth from all over the city participated in Mayor Anthony A. Williams' The City is Mine: Youth Summit 2000 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. District youth between the ages 14 and 21 took advantage of the opportunity to meet, articulate, and determine what they need in order to thrive in the District and what commitments their communities must make to develop and nurture those conditions on their behalf.
During the Summit, job training, public safety, and education were chosen as the three main areas of concern to youth. The participants felt that if their peers had jobs, they could be self-sufficient. Second, the participants expressed a desire to have a different relationship with the police. They wanted to see the police in the community as partners, not just law enforcement officers. Finally, the participants wanted more after-school opportunities in their communities.
"The youth of this city have raised the bar for civic participation today. They've shown that committed, concerned, and caring young people can make a difference in the quality of life in this city," said Mayor Anthony Williams. "I am going to do everything I can as their Mayor to make their city a place where they and all other young people can thrive."
The Summit's activities will include a follow-up meeting on December 12th at Southeastern University, where 125 of today's participants and 125 adults from city agencies, community-based organizations, and the private sector will further discuss recommendations from the Summit and create an action plan for implementation.
In a brief exit survey conducted at the Summit, 80% of the participants said they want to stay engaged in the process that began today, and 54% felt today was a great day for them.
"This day has exceeded my expectations by a long shot. I feel I am walking out of here not only with more hope but also with many more friends, who are partners in changing the city, as well," said Youth Mayor Crystal Williams.
Participants attended workshops on a wide variety of topics including technology, clean neighborhoods, leadership, and cultural differences. The Summit included students from area public, charter, private, and parochial high schools and university students, as well as out-of-school youth and Job Corps participants. Youth from Oak Hill Detention Facility also participated via satellite.
The Office of Neighborhood Action in the Executive Office of the Mayor coordinated Youth Summit 2000.
