think everyone is aware that the City of Chester has put in place a Minor’s Curfew Ordinance, limiting the hours that unaccompanied youth can be outside. This is not unheard of in this day and age–even some Jersey Shore Towns considered places of respite are having to do the same or even ban backpacks because of the youthful behavior or bad choices–but Chester Mayor Stefan Roots chose to do something entirely different in response to the youthful upheaval in his city. He invited all the invested parties to a Summit.
There’s always something very powerful about people coming together to conversate; whether it’s families, organizations, or government entities, it makes a bold statement. It expresses the willingness to listen, compromise, and change if necessary.
Roots showed just that kind of willingness in his commitment to keeping children safe during the summer months, holding a Summit with non-profits, community leaders, stakeholders and organizations, politicos, law enforcement, and other interested parties on Juneteenth.
The Summit provided an awesome opportunity for community members and stakeholders to come together with each other to support our children and ensure that they have the safest summer possible,” remarked Councilwoman Tamika Gibson Williams.
Prior to the Summit, guests received a brief survey to submit information on their organization’s summer youth programs and activities. Over 70 local leaders from local non-profits, businesses, and religious institutions as well as other community leaders and elected officials were in attendance. Following the greetings and salutations, everyone split into three breakout groups focusing on youth 5 to 12 years old, 13 to 17 years old, and 18 to 24 years old, sharing what activities and programs are already occurring for that age group. What followed was a shift into discussing where the gaps might be, viable ideas, and resources required to make ideas a reality, with each group expounding on some of their ideas, needs, and solutions.
“It was a very powerful event gathering our community stakeholders together to determine how we’re going to use our current resources and apply new ideas leveraging all that’s available to better service our youth in the City of Chester,” said Councilwoman Portia West.
Based on the survey and the suggestions put forth by the breakout groups, Mayor Roots has compiled a “Safe Summer” web page listing Summer Youth Activities across the city. Roots has promised to keep citizens apprised of the progress of this initiative. The website is:
https://www.chestercity.com/safesummer/
Cory Long, Founder/Executive Director of Making a Change Group, said, “I think the Summit was very necessary and effective. There were dozens of community partners in attendance, giving us all an opportunity to network and organize–which is an important component in creating a safe summer plan for our youth across the board.”
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