LOVE programs

LOVE youth are a multicultural group, ages 13-20 whose lives have been burdened by violence, either as victims, witnesses, and/or perpetrators – it includes people from every race, socioeconomic level, and background. LOVE gives children the courage to change their lives. This affects their performance in school and turns them into respected and valuable members of their communities.

Photojournalism:
Working with media professionals, LOVE trains youth participants in photojournalism and writing, empowering them to express their emotions about violence and tell their personal stories. Over the course of an academic year, LOVE Youth learn about photography, story telling techniques, writing styles, and other skills necessary to powerfully document their perspective on violence and youth culture. Themes that emerge in the photographs and written stories, poems, and lyrics are shared and discussed. LOVE Youth build self-confidence as they discover innate talents, find their “voice,” develop skills and begin to believe in their potential for success.

Leadership:
LOVE Youth Leadership Training is for LOVE Youth who have displayed leadership qualities and expressed interest in becoming leaders within LOVE and effective spokespeople in the effort to end youth violence.

In a series of interactive workshops, LOVE leadership trainees strengthen their interpersonal skills through the study of conflict resolution, anger management, active listening, goal setting, team building, public speaking, and media training. In addition, program participants develop a deeper knowledge of the root causes and many forms of violence in society. At the end of the training, LOVE Youth Leaders are able to share their personal experiences with violence in group settings; this skill is essential as they reach out to schools and other youth organizations with messages about youth violence impact and prevention.

Leadership Training also provides resources and support for LOVE Youth to pursue educational and professional goals. High school juniors and seniors receive instruction in college application, scholarship application, resume writing, and interview techniques. Youth develop marketable skills in computer and broadcast media. LOVE encourages discipline and perseverance as youth set themselves on a path toward educational achievement and meaningful work.