Big Brothers Big Sisters was represented at the Second Annual Summit on Preventing Youth Violence held in Washington, DC, April 2-3, 2012. Three BBBSNCA Littles participated in the Second Annual Summit on Preventing Youth Violence. Little Brother Joshua, 17 years old from Prince George County, MD, and Little Brother Jonathan, 13 years old, from Fairfax County, VA, along with Little Sister Monica, 17 years old, from Washington, DC shared their insights about how more opportunities can be created for our young people to succeed.

This two-day summit was geared toward policymakers and practitioners in a national conversation focused on preventing youth violence.  It is a reminder to decision-makers about the tremendous value of having youth and families engaged as active participants in solving the problem of youth violence.

Big Brother Big Sisters is a great example of this engagement, clearly showing how our young people can make a difference in their communities, when given the opportunity and right support.

Six cities were represented: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Salinas and San Jose (CA) and their mayors, police and school officials and others will report on their efforts with their programs supported by the Administration of President Barack Obama.