V-Free (1325)

The Columbine incident serves as a launch pad for efforts around the country to address youth violence. In New Jersey the V-Free initiative was created to prevent the three V's - violence, vandalism and victimization. It's designed to educate children on resources available to fight and prevent violence. It's a response to the fact that kids need someone to talk to. Secretary Soaries plains the program and the organization that manages it, the Center for Youth Policy and Programs, which coordinates resources and activities the state has for kids. Later student leaders join us to talk about their own anti-violence efforts such as peer leadership, mentoring, ways of getting to know and including all kids.

Guests - DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., NJ Secretary of State - Christopher Burns, Student Council President, Newton High School - Angelique Douyon, Student Leader, The College of New Jersey.