The Need
Most teenagers remain isolated and disengaged from the civic and cultural life of their communities and surrounding neighborhoods. For example:
- 16.2% of New York teens reporting having experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives, compared to the national average of 7 to 10.2% of 12-17 year olds. (Source: 2008 Study by The NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault)
- And, while white youth make up 35% of the youth population in the city, only 16% of the public school population is white.
- Research also found that New York leads the country in segregation for black students and is ranked second nationally for segregation for Latino students (Source: NCES Common Core of Data).
Often, the programs available to them target a single cultural population, isolating them even further.
The teenage years are a time of uncertainty and doubt. In a pre-program survey of City at Peace-New York participants…
- 96% of participants acknowledged that they frequently felt left out
- 70% say they seldom or never feel safe in their neighborhoods
- 33% have a friend or family member who is HIV positive, and
- 33% have a friend or family member killed by gun violence.
Participants have also identified numerous other negative influences that affect their lives and choices, including family conflicts, discrimination and violence against GLBT youth, peer pressure, racism and gender inequities. The risks for youth and their segregation in New York City abound and few programs are available to meet their complex needs or ameliorate these negative conditions.
The Demand for City at Peace Programs
As our reputation grows, demand for City at Peace-New York rises. This is demonstrated by the large number of young people auditioning for the program (over 260 in 2008), as well as the enthusiasm from teachers, guidance counselors, parents and youth alike who see the concrete results of City at Peace-New York and want to be a part of it. This year, 130 teenagers who auditioned for the program had to be turned away due to lack of resources.
We know that it is important to give our youth a positive sense of future. Studies show that young people who can envision themselves in their future are less likely to commit violence and more likely to make healthy and purposeful choices in their lives (Benson, 1996). Conversely, young people who believe they will be victims of violence or that their lives are governed by fate, circumstance or are beyond their own control, are more likely to engage in unsafe sex and alcohol and drug abuse. City at Peace-New York addresses the negative influences in the lives of youth and transforms their potential into positive action.
In Their Words: What CITY AT PEACE Youth Have to Say
Since 1994, over 1,200 youth have completed the City at Peace program. What follows are some of our youth’s words about why they needed City at Peace and why other young people should have the opportunity to experience it in their communities.
“City at Peace has helped me build my confidence and find my voice.”
“This experience has really changed how I see myself.”
“City at Peace means family and hope in life.”
“I’ve learned to be more of a leader.”
“I’ve found out that I don’t always have to come off as a tough girl.”
“I’ve learned that words are powerful.”
“I’ve learned that I have a lot of love to give.”
“City at Peace has made it easier for me to smile every day.”
“This experience has shown me that taking risks and trying new things are good.”
“This is the only place I feel I can be true to myself and not be judged.”
“The friends I’ve made here I hope I never lose – they are a part of the reason I’ve changed so much.”
“When I’m at City at Peace, I feel free.”
“This cast has helped me prepare for how to deal with the world.”
“City at Peace is definitely the most positive thing in my life right now.”
“City at Peace has connected me to people.”
“I may not have thought positively about myself before, but now I do.”
“I can’t explain how much City at Peace means to me.”
“Now I can speak to other people without being afraid.”
“I’m seeing how many people go through the same struggles as me… it makes me feel like I’m not alone.”
“The City at Peace experience has changed my identity, my life.”
“City at Peace helped me define what I am in the world and where I’m going.”
“Nothing can compare to the feeling I get when I come here.”
“I have learned the art of teamwork.”
“City at Peace has affected me in ways that I couldn’t ever imagine.”
“This year I have gained the ability to listen and analyze better.”
“City at Peace has made me a better person in all aspects.”
“I am more responsible, accountable, and am better with conflict resolution.”
“This has made my relationships stronger.”
“I look forward to becoming successful and giving back to City at Peace.”