On Friday, December 3, 2010, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will host its eleventh “World Against Violence” Youth Conference (WAV #14): “Learning to Succeed: Failure is not an Option” for 550 invited students from various Essex County high schools! The goal of the one-day summit is to engage high school students in a one day symposium on the dangers of dating violence, the consequences of becoming involved with gangs, guns, drugs and other delinquent behavior.
This invitation only youth conference will be held at Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Center in Newark from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino will give the welcome address. Mr. Hashim Garrett, a motivational speaker will encourage students to make positive choices.
A panel discussion on how to overcome obstacles to achieve success will be held. Panelists will include Newark Councilman and high school principal, Ras Baraka, Susan Verinec, founder of identitymagazine.net, Stacey Haynes, former executive with Planned Parenthood, Ahmad Rasool, assistant prosecutor and Freddie Ruiz, co-founder of the grassroots organization, “Stop Shootin’ Inc.” Members from the non profit organization, A Partnership For Change will provide a workshop to students about dating violence.
The students will experience a variety of speakers and breakout group discussions focused around the theme “Learning to Succeed; Failure is not an Option!” The additional breakout sessions will include: 1) “Cyberbullying: Staying Safe in Cyberspace!” In this interactive workshop students will receive information about Cyberbullying , made aware of the dangers of online predators and ways to keep safe on the Internet. 2) “Gang Life: More Dangerous Than You Know!” This workshop gives students the answers to questions about the realities of the gang lifestyle; 3) “The Big Yard or the Grave Yard” is a workshop that will offer students the realities and dangers of guns and gun violence; and, 4) “Polishing Your Image- Interviewing Techniques” is a workshop designed to teach young people how to carry themselves professionally. Major funding support for this activity is provided by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. This is our fourteenth youth conference and each year we have a great turnout. If you need additional information, please contact Gwendolyn Williams at 973-621-4209 or Nicole Graves-Watson at 973-621-4663.
