Brooklyn Anti-Violence Youth Group Recruiting Future Activists

Pictured: S.O.S. program manager David Gaskin. Photo by John V. Santore

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Youth Organizing to Save Our Streets (YO S.O.S.), a Crown Heights-based anti-violence organization, is hosting summer events for area youth throughout the summer, as well as recruiting its next group of youth organizers who will hit the streets in the fall.

S.O.S. chapters operate throughout Brooklyn, working to mediate conflicts and prevent gun violence before it happens. (This week, they were active in Bed-Stuy following two non-fatal shootings in and around Herbert Von King Park.)

Throughout the summer, YO S.O.S. is running free youth workshops open to anyone aged 14—19. Upcoming workshops take place on July 27 and 29, as well as August 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19.

The workshops, which take place at 267 Kingston Ave. in Crown Heights, involve movie nights, connect participants to mentors, and discuss ways kids can work to reduce gun violence within their communities.

You can learn more or sign up for a workshop by calling Heather Day at 646-789-1201, or by emailing yosos@crownheights.org.

The organization is also currently recruiting members of its 2016-2017 Leadership Development Program, which students participate in twice per week from October through May. The program is open to anyone 14-18 (or in grades 9-12).

According to YO S.O.S., the program is focused on teaching the tenets of community organizing, helping young people to understand and confront the impacts of violence and mental health in their communities, and introducing them to critical anti-violence concepts like de-escalation.

Those in the program will go on college tours, hear from professional speakers, and learn interviewing skills and resume writing. Participants can also receive a stipend for their work, and can be connected to paid summer work.

More information can be provided by Heather Day (again, by calling 646-789-1201 or emailing yosos@crownheights.org). You can also apply directly to the program online.