Helping Create Safe Communities & Neighbourhoods

By: Steve Woolrich

When we talk about resources today most of us automatically think about our environment and the many risks we face in the future.  Let’s shift gears for a moment and think about our greatest resource, our youth! Yesterday, I attended the “Youth at Risk” planning meeting with more than 135 participants including the organizers, community stakeholders, youth workers and naturally, some of our local youth.  It was a moving experience and one that would get anyone with a pulse excited. Why?  Because it’s this type of event that brings everyone together in collaboration and encourages new ideas and a vision for the future of our youth and our community.

So what is the definition of “High Risk Youth”?  For this event it was defined as follows:

Young people whose family circumstances, lifestyle, genetic characteristics and/or behaviors create a higher than average risk of significant problems, including those youth who are homeless.

The opening prayer, Mayor Flewwelling’s remarks, video presentations and various group activities during the course of the day were inspiring.  However, more inspiring yet were the youth in attendance and the thoughts they shared with us.  It was clear to me that their vision is why I believe they’re our greatest resource and we need to listen!  If given the opportunity, many of these individuals will help us learn more about ourselves and our community.  It’s a Win Win situation for all of us!

I could not help thinking about “A Covenant for Honoring Children” by Raffi.  I offer the opening which reads “We find these joys to be self evident:  That all children are created whole, endowed with innate intelligence, with dignity and wonder, worthy of respect.  The embodiment of life, liberty and happiness, children are original blessings, here to learn their own song.  Every girl and boy is entitled to love, to dream and belong to a loving “village”.  And to pursue a life of purpose.”

Let this village be our community and let our youth be shown the unconditional love they so deserve. May this event be the springboard for change in Red Deer and beyond.  May each of us be “The Face” our youth need to see on a daily basis!

Lyrics for The Face
Artist: Ryandan

Traveler of the great divides
Vagrant on a path to life

Everyday feels a little closer
To where it is that you’re headed for
Given to a hope of so much more

For every time you fall apart
There’ll be a soul to guide your journey
But if you choose to turn away
There in the mirror
You’ll see my face
You’ll see my face

Think you’re on this road alone
Looking for the truth untold

Many times you’ve been close to breaking
Giving up and letting go
Something inside says it’s not over

For every time you fall apart
There’ll be a soul to guide your journey
But if you choose to turn away
There in the mirror
You’ll see my face

And when the world crowds your space
Remember days when noise was silent
Now empty vows, loveless displays
Just a sense of knowing
You’d see my face
You’d see my face

Filed under Community Crime Prevention, Education & Awareness