<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4IjNI9_0wEoHMac00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4IjNI9_0wEoHMac00" width="1320" height="743" >In the midst of a mass shooting off Jefferson Street last weekend, followed by a 14-year-old fatally shooting another 14-year-old Friday, according to Metro Police, Nashville city leaders are working to create a brand new office- the Office of Youth Safety.Metro Council approved a million dollars for the effort in June, partnering with advocates from the organization Southern Movement Committee, who work directly with youth in Middle Tennessee."It is an opportunity and a request to really shift the culture in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our communities, and the way to do that is through conflict resolution," said Erica Perry, executive director of the Southern Movement Committee. The goal is to stop escalating tension, before it ends in gunfire. SMC voluntarily proposed the idea of an Office of Youth Safety to city leaders, along with the organization's own budget formula, aiming to combat gun violence."We know that conflict happens. It's natural. It's a natural part of life," continued Perry. "But what should not happen is someone lost their life because of a conflict."SMC has been working alongside metro leaders, like Council Member Delishia Porterfield, since the summer to create the new office. Metro Council approved $750,000 for five positions for the Office of Youth Safety, and another $250,000 for a restorative justice pilot program at the Napier Community Center."The recent tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions that not only address conflicts but also promote healing and understanding," said Porterfield in a statement to Fox 17 News. "We are diligently working on the establishment of our Office of Youth Safety, which is dedicated to teaching conflict resolution skills and implementing restorative justice practices. By empowering our youth with the tools they need to navigate conflicts constructively, we aim to break the cycle of violence and create a more harmonious community.""Before a conflict even happens, and before it is able to escalate, (we must) provide those tools and resources for people to be able to access to prevent conflict," Perry said. "Engage in healthy conversation so that we can really deescalate it, as opposed to escalate it."SMC said it also heavily coordinates with the community, particularly young people, in how to shape the program from its onset. SMC hosted a townhall discussion Saturday, to hear more from kids, teens, younger adults, parents, and families, on how to address crime and conflict. Perry said people raised issues ranging from housing to easy access to guns.Perry and city leaders said the goal is for the Office of Youth Safety to be active some time at the beginning of the new year, with a director chosen by the end of 2024. The money allocated to the new office is all city dollars, none of which are going to SMC. Perry said the organization is helping foster the program, as part of its mission in the community.SMC will be hosting another townhall public meeting Saturday, November 16, to discuss the Office of Youth Safety, at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, from 1 to 4 p.m.</div></body>

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City leaders work to launch Office of Youth Safety in Nashville to combat gun violence

In the midst of a mass shooting off Jefferson Street last weekend, followed by a 14-year-old fatally shooting another 14-year-old Friday, according to Metro Police, Nashville city leaders are working to create a brand new office- the Office of Youth Safety. Metro Council approved a million dollars for the effort...