| Author |
Message |
    
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4503
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 12:44 am: |     |
For me, this effort must be all about our youth in town.
IMHO, we need to reach out to them in a way that doesn’t criminalize them, but rather humanizes them. We can’t accomplish this by legislation or regulations. It must be hands-on, it must come from our hearts, and we must be willing to give up some of our valued time to accomplish it. It’s a just cause…
The issues of gangs in Maplewood, and the problems associated with some local students showing disrespect to adults and property in certain neighborhoods has raised issues of racial bias again in our community.
To deal with these issues, an organization is now being formed of residents who are interested in working together to reverse this perception of conflict and disorder.
The following is an invitation to join a "GANG" of your neighbors to meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas and work to make things better for everyone. At this point I've just named the project GOOF...
…………………........................ GOOF
……………………….……...…"Lets make it right!"
A gang presence doesn’t always have to mean a bunch of criminals. It can also be a group of good people interested in having fun and helping one and other in the community.
The “Gang Of Our Friends” organization, GOOF, will be about just that. Providing role models and mentors for the youth in our communities is the initial goal. We will reach out and let students know we care about them and want to work with them to bring about better relationships..
My initial plan will be to work in cooperation with the Maplewood Township Committee, the Board of Education, and the Maplewood Police department. GOOF members will provide a series of public monthly meetings where parents, students, and other members of our community can ask questions and voice their concerns. Our meetings will also include guest speakers, video clips, and be attended by individuals from all parts of our community.
For any program to be successful, we must involve all aspects of our community. Therefore, I will send letters to the TC, BOE, and the MPD asking for meeting space, guest speakers, and suggestions. If we can maintain an open line of continuing communication with the children, parents, and the rest of the community, where all sides can come to be heard, it will be a giant step in the right direction.
JB, this is about all I can come up with on such short notice, however, I would appreciate hearing from others willing to get involved and become part of a planning committee. I will start a separate thread tonight for GOOF by re-posting this post in the “Mostly Maplewood: Related to Local Govt." section of MOL. I plan to have our first public meeting early next year.
In the mean time tell your kids, friends, and neighbors you’re thinking about becoming a GOOF Off...
BTW, the name GOOF is a little weird, but we can work more on a name change later. :-)
Please make your comments and suggestions on this thread, not in the Soapbox, and PL me if your interested in getting involved. Thanks. Art |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1689
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 5:54 pm: | |
not a bad idea
 |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4507
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 7:23 pm: | |
...exactly! We need to clean up the the town and remove the problems ...  |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page