Taking steps to prevent youth violence

We've advocated for a robust community response to the gun violence that took the life of one local teenage student and has another facing a murder charge. We are glad to see so many community groups taking up the cause.

One such example is being led by U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa, which is working with local law enforcement agencies in an effort to get local middle school and high school students to sign the 2015 'Student Pledge Against Violence” and encourage local schools to mark the National Day of Concern with events emphasizing the consequences of violence.

Middle schools and high schools in the Cedar Rapids, College Community, Marion and Linn-Mar school districts are taking part. Students are signing the pledge, which promises they will never use violence at school or to solve disputes, and they'll use their influence to keep friends from resorting to violence.

The districts have a variety of events planned to help drive home the message. At Metro, students will write essays about 'The Rest of Their Lives” -- discussing what historic figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Mahatma Gahndi might have gone on to accomplish if their lives hadn't been cut short by violence. At other schools, students will participate in panel discussions, or watch a video message from young people directly impacted by violence. In some districts, the events will be connected to ongoing efforts to stop bullying.

Having students sign a pledge or write an essay may seem a small response to the violence that has unnerved residents in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods. But enlisting youths in the solution is a critical piece of a broader community response.

As Assistant U.S. Atty. Justin Lightfoot told us this week, 'The purpose is to really begin the conversation, give them a sense of empowerment that they have a role in this. Get them to talk about it. That's a first step.”

Many more steps must follow. Lightfoot mentioned the Mentors in Violence Program, which trains student mentors and adults to lead discussions and activities aimed at preventing and confronting violence. Another step: Educating gun owners about the dangers of leaving firearms in unlocked cars or other places where they easily can be stolen by young friends, family members or even strangers.

There are many factors contributing to troubling youth violence in Cedar Rapids and across the country. We must all pledge to do our part.

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