Showing posts with label neighborhoods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighborhoods. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
GUN Violence: Symptom of Unmet Needs!
If we are going to stop gun violence, think like a mother (and some men). PREVENTION starts at home but if children are neglected...neighbors can help.
Find out what children need to help them overcome pain and hurtful events.
For more information or to join our Safe Kids Now Network, email us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2012: How Safe is Your Community?
Did you know... the safest families live in neighborhoods where people know each other, communicate and build trust relationships with families and children. Family and neighborhood support keep your child safe from bullies, drugs, gangs and violence. People who know each other care and will help protect your child.
Check out these questions and rate your family involvement...
1. Do you know all your neighbors? (10 families around you)
2. Do you know and talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them and/or notify their parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, traffic, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you belong to a neighborhood group or association?
10. Do you have your neighbor's contact information (phone, email).
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)? (Social isolation can escalate violent behavior.)
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your neighborhood as national issues? You have the power to change your neighborhood!
Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas. Get involved!
Set a goal for 2012 to work with neighbors to keep families and children safe.
For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Tell us what you are doing to help your community on www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann
Check out these questions and rate your family involvement...
1. Do you know all your neighbors? (10 families around you)
2. Do you know and talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them and/or notify their parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, traffic, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you belong to a neighborhood group or association?
10. Do you have your neighbor's contact information (phone, email).
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)? (Social isolation can escalate violent behavior.)
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your neighborhood as national issues? You have the power to change your neighborhood!
Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas. Get involved!
Set a goal for 2012 to work with neighbors to keep families and children safe.
For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Tell us what you are doing to help your community on www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann
Monday, August 1, 2011
Keep Your Child Safe!
PARENTS: Discuss with children how to stay safe. Let children know they can tell you anything and you will listen.
1. Dial 911 in an emergency only. (Show and tell)
2. Never give your name or address to someone you don't know.
3. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
4. Never tell callers you are home alone.
5. Never cross the street without looking both ways. (Stay in crosswalk)
6. Never accept a ride from someone you don't know.
7. Never play with matches.
8. Never walk alone, always use the buddy system.
9. If you feel scared by someone you don't know, run away and yell for help.
10. Get permission before you ride in a car with anyone.
11. Play in your backyard or near adults.
12. Create a family password in case a stranger needs to pick up your child.
13. If you are lost, look for a police officer, woman with children or a store clerk for help.
14. If someone asks you for help (directions, find a pet), run away and tell a trusted adult.
15. If someone tries to bully you, speak up and tell a trusted adult.
16. If someone tries to grab you, fight back, kick and scream for help.
17. If anything upsets you, tell me immediately and we will work it out together.
PARENTS: For extra protection...create a network of support around children and know all your neighbors!
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
1. Dial 911 in an emergency only. (Show and tell)
2. Never give your name or address to someone you don't know.
3. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
4. Never tell callers you are home alone.
5. Never cross the street without looking both ways. (Stay in crosswalk)
6. Never accept a ride from someone you don't know.
7. Never play with matches.
8. Never walk alone, always use the buddy system.
9. If you feel scared by someone you don't know, run away and yell for help.
10. Get permission before you ride in a car with anyone.
11. Play in your backyard or near adults.
12. Create a family password in case a stranger needs to pick up your child.
13. If you are lost, look for a police officer, woman with children or a store clerk for help.
14. If someone asks you for help (directions, find a pet), run away and tell a trusted adult.
15. If someone tries to bully you, speak up and tell a trusted adult.
16. If someone tries to grab you, fight back, kick and scream for help.
17. If anything upsets you, tell me immediately and we will work it out together.
PARENTS: For extra protection...create a network of support around children and know all your neighbors!
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
Friday, September 10, 2010
San Bruno GAS EXPLOSION! Tragedy could have been prevented!
The gas explosion in the San Bruno CA neighborhood (4 dead, 52 people injured, 38 homes destroyed, 37 homes badly damaged) demonstrates the critical importance of neighbors connecting, sharing information, reporting what they see or smell.
1. How many people smelled gas before the explosion? (Neighbors stated, "I smelled gas for several weeks.")
2. How many neighbors smelled gas but didn't reported it?
3. Could involved neighbors have prevented the tragedy? (We don't know all the facts yet but YES is a good possibility.)
Neighbors are powerless as individuals. Together neighbors who discuss concerns and report as a group can protect each other! Aware and involved neighbors can also stop bullies, car thefts, burglaries, drug dealers, gangs and violence. In the process, neighbors reduce social isolation and fear as they become role models. Youth need to see neighbors as problem solvers and active participants in community life.
1. How many people smelled gas before the explosion? (Neighbors stated, "I smelled gas for several weeks.")
2. How many neighbors smelled gas but didn't reported it?
3. Could involved neighbors have prevented the tragedy? (We don't know all the facts yet but YES is a good possibility.)
Neighbors are powerless as individuals. Together neighbors who discuss concerns and report as a group can protect each other! Aware and involved neighbors can also stop bullies, car thefts, burglaries, drug dealers, gangs and violence. In the process, neighbors reduce social isolation and fear as they become role models. Youth need to see neighbors as problem solvers and active participants in community life.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
5 myths - Keeping inner cities locked into crime!
For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, gangs and violence continued from one generation to another.
The 5 myths are:
1. Police can keep us safe.
2. Money will solve problems.
3. Laws control behavior.
4. Racism keeps the community down.
5. Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.
Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. An additional 100,000 police on the streets can increase response time, as their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The police cannot keep us safe.
Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, programs, home security, guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop rival gangs, demand for drugs or violence on our streets. As an area receives funding, violators move to another neighborhood.
Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
A politician’s job is to keep the public safe. That is critical for national security but laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay no attention.
Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or blaming people just because they look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to join rival gangs as gang leaders gain a false sense of power. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated, uncivilized men.
Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power as they create an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars have been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and the “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to “help” poor people, we destroyed their self-confidence and motivation. We created dependency.
We are at a crossroads…will security require more surveillance and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?
Americans can no longer ignore our largest group of crime victims…children. They are “canaries in the mine.”
Our national goal must be to strengthen families. Freedom is an inner journey with support for families and disconnected neighbors.
We need a major shift in thinking to create peaceful cities. We need:
1. A spiritual awakening to raise children with a conscience.
2. Community participation to create strong communities.
Ever wonder how low-income citizens get off drugs when they don’t have money to pay for medication or counseling?
I worked with the homeless for 4 years and started a support group for men. They have incredible stories of pain and survival. However, they learned how to take charge of their lives. (Foundation for writing, "Street Safe Kids.")
When youth understand their potential, they make responsible choices. Children need support to discover their strong, resilient inner power and identity. Most inner city youth, do not join gangs, take drugs or become violent but they do need a supportive, involved neighborhood.
City leaders can support neighborhood involvement by providing stipends to train citizen community coaches. Youth will see neighbors participating in problem solving and neighborhood projects, as they become teachers and mentors.
Civic, church and community groups who know and trust each other should be encouraged to adopt one block to help build relationships with neighbors. As community support grows, cities will become safer for everyone.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 steps to a safe and healthy neighborhood.”
“Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to building self-esteem and staying centered.”
www.safekidsnow.com
safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
The 5 myths are:
1. Police can keep us safe.
2. Money will solve problems.
3. Laws control behavior.
4. Racism keeps the community down.
5. Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.
Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. An additional 100,000 police on the streets can increase response time, as their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The police cannot keep us safe.
Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, programs, home security, guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop rival gangs, demand for drugs or violence on our streets. As an area receives funding, violators move to another neighborhood.
Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
A politician’s job is to keep the public safe. That is critical for national security but laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay no attention.
Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or blaming people just because they look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to join rival gangs as gang leaders gain a false sense of power. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated, uncivilized men.
Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power as they create an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars have been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and the “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to “help” poor people, we destroyed their self-confidence and motivation. We created dependency.
We are at a crossroads…will security require more surveillance and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?
Americans can no longer ignore our largest group of crime victims…children. They are “canaries in the mine.”
Our national goal must be to strengthen families. Freedom is an inner journey with support for families and disconnected neighbors.
We need a major shift in thinking to create peaceful cities. We need:
1. A spiritual awakening to raise children with a conscience.
2. Community participation to create strong communities.
Ever wonder how low-income citizens get off drugs when they don’t have money to pay for medication or counseling?
I worked with the homeless for 4 years and started a support group for men. They have incredible stories of pain and survival. However, they learned how to take charge of their lives. (Foundation for writing, "Street Safe Kids.")
When youth understand their potential, they make responsible choices. Children need support to discover their strong, resilient inner power and identity. Most inner city youth, do not join gangs, take drugs or become violent but they do need a supportive, involved neighborhood.
City leaders can support neighborhood involvement by providing stipends to train citizen community coaches. Youth will see neighbors participating in problem solving and neighborhood projects, as they become teachers and mentors.
Civic, church and community groups who know and trust each other should be encouraged to adopt one block to help build relationships with neighbors. As community support grows, cities will become safer for everyone.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 steps to a safe and healthy neighborhood.”
“Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to building self-esteem and staying centered.”
www.safekidsnow.com
safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sex Offenders
Is your neighborhood safe? Are you children safe? CA has 66,000 registered sex offenders, 49,000 supervised, 10,000 on probation, 6,700 on parole!
What has gone horrible wrong is the US? There are solutions!
(Source: California Sex Offender Management Board)
What has gone horrible wrong is the US? There are solutions!
(Source: California Sex Offender Management Board)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Announcement: The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook
Learn how to launch a citywide campaign to strengthen families, restore hope and build trust in your neighborhood. In the process, you and your group can reduce fear and isolation which fuels drugs, crime and violence.
Don't wait for someone else to do it. Become a community leader. Barbara in San Pablo CA saved her neighborhood and later become mayor of her city.
Be the change you want to see in your community.
For more information click on "Safe Kids Now" and read about, "Adopt-A-Block."
Don't wait for someone else to do it. Become a community leader. Barbara in San Pablo CA saved her neighborhood and later become mayor of her city.
Be the change you want to see in your community.
For more information click on "Safe Kids Now" and read about, "Adopt-A-Block."
Monday, March 8, 2010
Are your children really safe in your neighborhood? 5 Ways to tell!
Are your children really safe in your neighborhood? 5 ways to tell.
HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
1. Ask the kids on the block if they feel safe.
2. Talk to neighbors about any neighborhood concerns.
3. Contact your police department to get statistics.
4. Check www.meganslaw.com to see if predators live in your area.
5. Hold a meeting and bring neighbors together to discuss neighborhood safety.
If you want the whole community to get involved, check out the Adopt-A-Block Guidebook at www.safekidsnow.com
HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
1. Ask the kids on the block if they feel safe.
2. Talk to neighbors about any neighborhood concerns.
3. Contact your police department to get statistics.
4. Check www.meganslaw.com to see if predators live in your area.
5. Hold a meeting and bring neighbors together to discuss neighborhood safety.
If you want the whole community to get involved, check out the Adopt-A-Block Guidebook at www.safekidsnow.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
