YOUT Youth Success (NAPSA)—Over the past decade, much has been made about the issue of youth violence. However, most reports only focus on a narrow definition of this term, one in which actions turn deadly. Fortunately, there are ways young people can get involved in preventing violence in its various forms. Oneskill of an effective leader is to be able to address problems such asyouth violence. One example is a Family Career and Community Leaders of America program called STOP the Violence, Students Taking on Prevention. Through this program, young people help other youth and adults recognize the warning signs of violence. They build awareness through learning activities, communication efforts and local action projects. STOP the Violence empowers young people to recognize, report and reduce the potential for youth violence. It also helps young people realize that it is important to report troubling behavior—and that doing so keeps everyone safe; it is not “ratting” on peers. Another key element of the program is the prevention of “bully” behavior. STOP the Violence reinforces the concept of building positive relationships among peers in order to help makeschools “bully free.” STOPthe Violence is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. To learn more about the program, visit the FCCLA Website at www.feclainc.org.
