School Projects

Washington, D.C. - Breaking the Cycle of Youth Violence in D.C.: Beyond the Rhetoric

In response to several violent events in North East Washington D.C., including armed muggings, gang violence, and open air drug use, the Art of Living Chapter mobilized an intervention team to begin a year long program addressing the needs of an inner city neighborhood in a transitional ghetto. The initial outreach culminated in a block party at the Academy for Ideal Education, a private school enrolled with approximately 200 middle and high school students from inner city D.C. The party hosted an international food festival, student fashion show, medical screenings, and meet & greet with the local community. Approximately 250 people attended.

A follow up to this rapport-building event was the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) Program offered to 30 high school students at the Academy. The students enjoyed the program and found it to be helpful in relaxation and stress elimination. The second follow up action was the organization of a town hall meeting addressing youth violence in the district. The meeting hosted a panel of civic and community leaders and focused on providing a forum for youth as well as leaders of the community to voice their concerns, views and suggestions regarding the issue of youth violence.

The three activities in the last 2 months have resulted in implementation of YES! as a year-long program at Ideal Academy and other DCPS high schools. In addition, much networking and rapport building with other civic groups has happened around how to create a culture of non-violence, as well as the creation of a mentoring program utilizing the members of the Washington, D.C. metro area Art of Living Foundation.

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