Engage Youth in Crime Prevention

Plan ahead for an October crime prevention activity:

October is National Crime Prevention Month

( This would be a great time to Engage Youth in Crime Prevention! )

Community service is one of the best ways that everyone can get involved to make a difference.

Projects for children ages 6 to 12 could include:

Beautifying a park
Creating safety posters
Performing a skit at school, church, or youth group
Teens have greater skills and knowledge; projects could include:

Tutoring younger children either at school or at home
Assisting a senior on an errand or around the house
Neighborhood projects - - painting, pruning, washing
Here is how to get organized:

Identify the Need (research the idea; short-term projects for younger with quick results, longer-term for teens)
Plan the Project (assign tasks, identify resources, when and where to carry out the project, fundraising and promoting)
Carry Out the Project (supplies are available, adults for leadership, youth assignments are clear)
Reflect on and Evaluate the Project (what was accomplished, newly discovered or developed skills, personal reactions from those served)
Celebrate (host a party, give recognition for achievements, post pictures, thank all that volunteered their time)
For additional community service project ideas for children ages 6 to 12; www.mcgruff.org; for youth, www.ncpc.org.

As adults fighting crime, try to get your adjoining neighborhoods to start Neighborhood Watch. Helping them get started would also help you and your neighbors enjoy added security. To get started is easy:

· Call Crime Prevention at 355-7367, or e-mail sroloff@folsom.ca.us; leave your name, address, and phone number

· You will receive an introductory packet, or a return call to discuss additional information.