Keeping kids off the streets and involved in activities for personal growth and community leadership was the focus of a forum March 31 entitled "Involving Youth in the Community," held at the Mayfair Presbyterian Church.

The forum was sponsored by the Community Peace and Safety Network, whose goal is to promote communication and collaboration among people interested in the peace and safety of their neighborhoods.

The April issue of U.S. News and World Report cited the average violent juvenile criminal starts getting into trouble at age seven. Many organizations are attempting to combat this statistic by providing young people with constructive activities to build self-esteem and to keep them off the streets.

The forum, designed and promoted by Brenda Eddings of the Good Shepherd Mediation Program and Rita Bradley of the Mayfair Town Watch, included panelists from Mayfair Civic Association, Olney Baptist Church, Philadelphia Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence Network, Oxford Circle Girls' Soccer, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Good Shepherd Mediation Program.

Each panelist educated the audience with the particulars of their youth programs. The floor was then open to all-youth group leaders and parents alike-to offer additional suggestions.

"Parents are clueless as to what their children are doing," said Phil Schmeer, a panelist and member of the Mayfair Civic Association. "They need to be involved in their (childrens') activities"

One of the programs the civic association offers is 'Kid's Night Out.' This program focuses on a structured good time for children from the fifth to eighth grades

The Philadelphia Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence Network offers a wide range of prevention presentations, workshops and training programs on topics including self-esteem, anger management, drug prevention, problem solving and effective parenting skills.

Getting children involved in athletics or seeking programs that help children discover possible career paths were also suggested. The Explorer Program offered by the police department is a good example of this.

"We provide young men and women with a first hand look at the job," explained Police Officer Harry Kamenir, 15th District police community relations officer.

The after school program run by Pastor Paul Chaya of Olney Baptist Church incorporates art, music and movement as a vehicle to get to the heart of children. He also conducts seminars for parents on such topics as handling homework and talking with their children.

"Offering programs won't solve the problem of violence amongst our young alone," said Mr Chaya. "We need to have a change of heart. We need to determine why children are angry, selfish, and disrespectful."

The parents who attended the meeting agreed that keeping children involved in activities outside of school is important. However, parental involvement is equally important.

"I've lost several jobs because my children came first." said Mary Clark. "You can get another job, but not another set of kids."

Gumay Vidot, once a troubled teen and now a member of the Good Shepherd Mediation Program summed it up when he said, "Parents need to have heart-to-heart talks with their kids, especially when they get in trouble. A real talk, not just "Oh don't do that."

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