wfn.org | Kids and violence topic of May teleconference

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

March 24, 1999 News media contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-71B{161}

NEW YORK (UMNS) -- Ideas on how to deal with rising violence in U.S. society
will be discussed during a May 18 United Methodist-sponsored satellite
teleconference.

"Kids, Guns and Violence: How to Make a Difference!" will air from 8 to 9
p.m. Eastern Time. The Rev. Arthur Cribbs Jr., a religious journalist and
United Church of Christ minister, will serve as moderator.

In particular, the program will focus on ways to prevent violence in schools
and society, both in urban and rural settings.

"School violence received a great deal of media coverage last year with the
school shootings and kids killing kids," said Shirley Whipple Struchen,
teleconference producer. "Easy access to guns and young people being
saturated with violent images are only two of the reasons youth resort to
violence to solve problems.

"In our teleconference, we are going to explore other reasons and how adults
can have a positive influence over the lives of youth," she added.

A panel of experts  will offer insights on how troubled kids can be
identified and helped. Initiatives and current programs being used in
schools, churches and communities will be identified.

Panel members are Sarah Wilke, director of the Wesley-Rankin Community
Center in Dallas; Pamela Riley, executive director, Center for the
Prevention of School Violence in Raleigh, N.C.; and Jerel Eaglin, director
of youth services for the National Crime Prevention Council in Washington
D.C.

Wilke came to the United Methodist-related Wesley-Rankin center in 1986,
after spending 14 months for the Peace Corps in Central America. Her skills
in Spanish assisted with her work in the Hispanic community in Dallas. She
also has strengthened ties between the United Methodist Church and the
community.

Riley became executive director at the Center for Prevention of School
Violence when it was established in 1993 by the executive order of North
Carolina Governor James B. Hunt. Along with a staff of 14, she provides
information, research and educational programs on school violence to
communities around the country.

Eaglin is a nationally-known speaker on youth violence and gang prevention
and has worked in juvenile counseling and youth crime prevention for more
than 24 years. In addition to his work at the National Crime Prevention
Council, he is program director for the National Youth Network, an
organization dedicated to strengthening the voice of young people across
America.

More information about the teleconference, how to register as a downlink
site or how to participate is available by calling 212-870-3802. The
teleconference Web site can be found at www.umcom.umc.org/umtc/violence.
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______________
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