Youth Violence Prevention Network Kick-off Meeting

Professionals serving youth in the Twin Cities area, including service providers, organizers, mentors, clinicians, and educators, are invited to attend this kick-off meeting and join the Youth Violence Prevention Network. This meeting offers a valuable opportunity to learn and share with peers, enhance your practice and collectively build new knowledge. 

The Network aims to unite community professionals in their efforts to proactively address cycles of youth violence, reduce justice system involvement, and promote healing-centered engagement with families. 

During this meeting, participants will build a foundation to begin co-designing collaborative, youth-centered solutions that are culturally responsive, sustainable and equity-driven. Lunch is provided. See below for agenda.

By joining the Network, you will: 

• Contribute your insight to shape a regional strategy for violence prevention and healing. 
• Connect with others who are building safe, resilient and thriving communities. 
• Shape a shared framework for sustainable youth safety and family resilience. 
• Collaborate with peers to co-create innovative, trauma-informed solutions. 
• Stay informed of grant opportunities, policy changes and training events. 
• Gain visibility and alignment with regional initiatives. 
• Access tools and opportunities to grow your work. 

Please let us know you’re attending by filling out the RSVP form by Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The meeting's agenda

11-11:20 | Welcome and overview: Opening remarks, grounding purpose, overview of the day. Goals: Set shared expectations, align goals and energize the group.

11:20-11:50 | Connection activity/icebreaker: Interactive activity to help participants get to know each other. Goals: Build trust, foster relationships and create a welcoming space.

11:50-12:30 | Small group discussions - Challenges and Opportunities: Breakout conversations on provider experiences, system gaps and ideas. Goals: Discuss shared challenges, highlight strengths and explore early collaboration opportunities.

12:30-12:50 | Lunch and networking: Informal time to eat, talk and connect. Goals: Strengthen cross-sector relationships and spark organic partnership ideas.

12:50-1:40 | Co-design sessions - Youth-Centered Solutions: Collaborative design thinking to generate ideas and approaches. Goals: Begin co-creating sustainable, culturally rooted and youth-informed solutions.

1:40-2 | Share-out and next steps - Report back from groups, identify next steps and opportunities for engagement. Goals: Build shared understanding, document priorities and outline next steps for the Community of Practice.

Aurelio Curbelo