On Monday, March 31, more than 250 people from throughout Massachusetts rallied at the State House to call on state legislators to increase youth violence prevention and intervention funding. PICO affiliate Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN), together with the Safe Teens/Safe Communities Coalition and Metro Mayors Coalition, organized the rally and lobby day to mark the beginning of National Youth Violence Prevention Week.

MCAN members from across the state met with key state legislators, urging them to approve an additional $23 million for anti-gang violence, youth development programs, summer jobs for teenagers, and after-school programs. The coalition pointed out already successful efforts to reduce levels of youth violence across the state by combining focused street outreach with community programs, youth mentoring, and job training.

Key state leaders attended the event and spoke in support of the coalition's proposals, including Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Governor Tim Murray, and Attorney General Martha Coakley, along with the Boston Police Commissioner and President of the Massachusetts Major Police Chief's Association.

For more information on MCAN, visit www.mcan-oltc.org

Media Coverage
Youth workers press Massachusetts for funds
Community leaders press for more money to stop violence