CSBG Supports Youth Non-Violence Conference


I.   TOPIC          "I Have A Dream" Arkansas Youth Assembly

II.  LOCATION  Little Rock, Arkansas

III. SUBJECT        CSBG Supports Youth Non-Violence Conference

IV.  SUMMARY

     For three days in July, 1995, over 1,200 youth gathered in Little Rock for the "I Have A
     Dream" Arkansas Youth Assembly hosted by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr.
     Commission. The meeting focused on the philosophies of Dr. King, non-violent conflict
     resolution and other youth concerns. In addition to sessions on conflict resolution, the
     racially diverse participants attended workshops on community service, life skills,
     citizenship, and leadership. A "town hall" style meeting was held with representatives of
     the media to discuss how youth are portrayed.
     
     Another feature of the conference was a special leadership training session for the King
     Team Program. Designed to empower youth in community service, King Teams are
     established through community based groups and organizations to work together to
     support their community. The workshop at the conference equipped participants with the
     necessary information to establish successful King Team Programs in their home
     communities.
     
V.     SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE

     Created a mechanism whereby youth became involved in pledging non-violence, getting
     involved in the community, being challenged to excel, and assured of success if they play
     by the rules.
     
VI.    CONTACT

     Rebecca Adams
     Arkansas Office of Community Services
     1306 Donaghey Building Plaza South
     Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
     501-682-8715
     FAX: 501-682-6736
     VII.   CASE STUDY

     The Problem: In 1994 the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission had held a
     national youth assembly in Little Rock coordinated by the Arkansas Martin Luther King,
     Jr. Commission. The event was so successful that the Arkansas commission received
     numerous calls and letters asking if there would be a 1995 event.
     
     The Approach Adopted: To respond to these requests, the Arkansas Martin Luther
     King, Jr. Commission developed the "I Have A Dream" Arkansas Youth Assembly. The
     high point of the conference was The March for Peace," a re-enactment of the 1963
     March on Washington. The program featured a dramatic interpretation of Dr. King's
     famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
     
     How They Implemented The Approach: The event was sponsored by the
     Arkansas Office of Community Services through CSBG discretionary funds, as well as
     corporate and individual donations.
     
     Results: Over 1,200 youth assembled in Little Rock, Arkansas for workshops on
     conflict resolution, the philosophies of Dr. King, community service, life skills,
     citizenship, and leadership. 
     
VIII.  PROGRAM SPIN-OFFS

     A special leadership training session for the King Team Program. Designed to empower
     youth in community service, King Teams are established through community based
     groups and organizations to work together to support their community. The workshop at
     the conference equipped participants with the necessary information to establish
     successful King Team Programs in their home communities.
     
     IX.    KEY WORDS
     
     Youth
     Non-Violence
     Conflict Resolution
     Citizenship
     Leadership
     Life Skills
     Community Service
     CSBG
     Martin Luther King, Jr.
     

ref:   dream.doc