CLUSTER Launches Police/Youth Dialogue Project

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October 9, 2008 | Yonkers Tribune | Yonkers, New York

The Westchester Mediation Center, a program of CLUSTER Community Services will be announcing the beginning of the Police/Youth Dialogue Project, at a kick-off reception on Tuesday, October 14, 2007 at 5:30PM in the Atrium of the Yonkers Riverfront Library.

The Police/Youth Dialogue is an effort to promote positive collaborations between young adults and law enforcement officers in Yonkers.  This exciting initiative has been developed by The Westchester Mediation Center and the Yonkers Police Department. The project is based on a nationally recognized model call “Study Circles” which provides a safe space for youth and police to share their fears, concerns, misconceptions, biases, experiences and hope as it pertains to change.

Twelve students between the ages of 14 –18 years old, who attend Gorton, Roosevelt and Riverside High Schools and Palisades Prep have been selected to participate. As a result of Commissioner Edmund Hartnett’s unflagging support and encouragement, twelve Yonkers Police Officers have also volunteered to become involved in these Dialogues.

Tajae Gaynor, Supervisor of School Based Programs for Westchester Mediation Center stated, “We are tremendously excited about this initiative. It is a wonderful opportunity for police and young people to speak up in a constructive and collaborative manner and to learn from one another.  This is how change begins.”

For more information about the Police/Youth Dialogue Initiative, please contact Tarjae Gaynor at 914-963-6440, ext. 202.

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Learn more: Police-Community Relations  | Youth