On Sunday, March 9, the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) organized a massive rally to kick of its "Year of the Youth" campaign. Over 1,300 community members packed St. Jude Shrine of the West Catholic Church, joining representatives from Congress, the county, the city of San Diego, social service agencies, labor organizations, and the business community to promote policies to make San Diego a better, safer place for youth.

At the event, leaders from SDOP pointed out that, despite a 61 percent increase in gang killings in 2007, the city's Parks and Recreation budget – the source of funding for most of the city's youth programming – has been cut by $6 million. Lidia Quiroz gave a tearful testimony about her 14 year-old son Javier who was shot to death in August just two blocks from his home in the City Heights section of the city. Youth from SDOP showed a video that they made documenting the hopes and dreams of the city's youth (click here to see the video).

More than 30 clergy members attended the rally, and more than 50 area clergy have signed onto SDOP's Prophetic Statement outlining the campaign's vision. SDOP plans to involve more than 100 congregations from across the county in the campaign.

Elected officials who attended included San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Congress member Susan Davis, City Council members Ben Hueso and Brian Maienschein, City Attorney Mike Aguirre, and a representative from Senator Barbara Boxer's office.

As part of the campaign, SDOP will organize a series of events over the coming months, including town hall meetings with the mayor, county supervisors, and city council members. SDOP is also organizing a "Get Out the Vote" campaign throughout the summer and fall, culminating in a "Community Convention" in October, where all candidates for public office will be invited to participate. 

For more information on the Year of the Youth campaign, visit www.sdop.net

More information
Video: 2008 San Diego Year of the Youth
Pathways Campaign ~ Hope and Opportunity for Youth Prophetic Statement

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Church and civic leaders call for protecting young
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