National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention 4th Annual 2015 Summit on Preventing Youth Violence Ingredients to a Movement: Opportunities for youth leadership in violence prevention efforts Presenter: Rebecca Esparza, Youth Voice Initiative

Background Where I was What helped Where I am today Moving Forward

Program Summary Despite its effectiveness in addressing issues of gang violence throughout the City, the MGPTF continued to miss the mark in providing youth representation at the policy making level. Through continuous improvement, the City’s selection for participation in the National Forum on Youth Violence and a grant from Target in 2012, the MGPTF can now move beyond concept and put into practice a model that provides a youth voice at local policy making levels. The Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force (MGPTF) has been in existence since 1991 and has been the catalyst to engage community, schools, law enforcement and other government and faith based organizations in efforts to reduce gang violence throughout the City of San Jose. The effectiveness of the MGPTF has been a contributing factor in keeping San Jose one of the safest big cities in the country. Over the next 12 months, two representatives will convene a youth committee in collaboration with key City staff and will partner with Creatv San Jose, a non profit agency, to develop and deliver two youth public service announcements (PSA) and three youth focused talk shows segment that will demonstrate available resources as well as the benefits of civic engagement.

Media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOsJLnCQP0U

Vision To give back to the community of San Jose through creating digital arts projects. Mission To bring awareness to issues affecting youth in San Jose.

Previous Year 2013– 2014 fiscal year 6 Talk Shows Incarceration, Prostitution, Drugs CBO, Non-Profits Youth Perspectives Homelessness 1 Public Service Announcements Anti-Graffiti Anti-Litter

Program Objectives 2014 – 2015 fiscal year 3 Talk Shows Anti Bullying City of San Jose Digital Arts Program The Power of Relationships 2 Public Service Announcements Youth Empowering the Streets

Program Commitments In order to participate in the program you must commit to: Be between the ages of 14 and 22 yrs. old Attend meetings Participate in meetings Attend film dates Participate in filming assigned projects Being trained on digital production equipment Being trained on how to host talk shows Attend Conferences

Questions? Rebecca Esparza Youth Voice Initiative Representative Rebecca.esparza@sanjoseca.gov