The Criminal Justice Commission’s S.T.Y.L.E. Super Group has won the 2008 Racial Justice Award sponsored by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
In keeping with the YWCA’s goal to “eliminate racism wherever it exists,” the YWCA continues its tradition of honoring ordinary people doing extraordinary work in the area of racial justice. Criteria for the award includes demonstrated leadership in the elimination of racism, significant involvement in the struggle for peace, justice and freedom and dignity for people and demonstrated commitment to empowerment of all people. Group members will receive the award at a gala held at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.
The Criminal Justice Commission formed a countywide Youth Group as a critical cornerstone of its Youth Violence Prevention Project. The S.T.Y.L.E. (Saving The Youths’ Lives Everywhere) Super Group is comprised of approximately 75 Palm Beach County middle and high school students who have an interest in empowering fellow students and local communities in an effort to motivate teens and reduce youth crime.
Another key focus is helping youth “find their voice” by sharing crime prevention ideas with city and county leaders, and encouraging them that you do not have to be an adult to become an advocate and work for change. As a young adult, each member can act to make change, can educate and inspire your community, and can become an advocate for saving youths’ lives everywhere.
During the past school year, Group members have participated in over 20 community outreach and youth empowerment projects, such as “Reducing Youth Violence” poster contest, Next Media bus shelter display advertisements, Martin Luther King Day parade, Kaleidoscope, Youth Criminal Justice Academy, National Youth Crime Prevention Conference: Building Champions, Youth Criminal Justice Academy, Pangea Day observance, administration of “Survey on Youth Violence” to area youths, Summer Movie Night series, Super Group MySpace Page at www.myspace.com/stylesupergroup, attending the Norton Museum of Art Kinsey Collection, and a Tri-Youth Empowerment Center social event.
# # #
Government
