What ABOUT YOUTH MALE INITIATIVE

The What About YOUth (W.A.Y.) Initiative is an all-male mentoring program. This program, created in 2013, is open to all males in junior high and high school. The W.A.Y. Initiative participants will also be members of the prestigious Peace Troopers: A Youth Partnership with Law Enforcement Mentoring Program, which has been in establishment since 1996. 
 

The W.A.Y. Initiative was created to address the growing needs of the community, especially regarding young males. Meeting once a month, the participants in the W.A.Y. Initiative will participate in a workshop setting to discuss various issues, such as youth and gang violence, education, college preparedness, entrepreneurship, etiquette, physical and mental health, conflict resolution, media and arts-based education, and building a relationship with the law enforcement. 

actors, artists, & athletes against violence

Actors, Artists, & Athletes Against Violence, also known as 4AV, is a sub-organization geared at allowing public figures to interact with the organization through outreach, programming, and service.

4AV was established in 1995 and through this program, we have connected with a variety of actors, artists, and athletes from Boyz II Men, Lil' Bow Wow, former NFL player and Congressman John Runyan, and an exceptional list of others. 

We often invite the actors, artists, and athletes under this program to speak to youth, be special guests at conferences, and to be honored at our award ceremonies.

other sub-organizations

  • Facing Attitudes Concerning Educational Spirits (F.A.C.E.S.)
  • The Women's E.R.A.
  • The "Use Your Heart and Not Your Hands" Campaign
  • The "Hit the Books Because They Don't Hit Back" Campaign
  • No One Wins (N.O.W.) Anti-Bullying Campaign
  • International Festival
  • National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc. Ministerial Council
  • Children's Angel Fund
  • Youth Celebrating Courage and Freedom
  • Celebration of Hope
  • Peace Troopers: A Youth Partnership with Law Enforcement
  • EMBRACE Magazine, Newsletter, and Web Show

The What About YOUth Male Initiative participants visiting Congressman John Lewis' office.

Congressman John Lewis, left, and Congressman Jon Runyan, center, stand during the playing of the National Anthem, at the National Stop the Violence Alliance's Celebration of Hope Gala, at the Westin Hotel in Mount Laurel. Lewis, a civil rights icon, was honored with a bust on Saturday night for all his years of battling oppression and inequality. Congressman Lewis was one of several being honored. Photo courtesy of: Pete Picknally/BCT Staff Photographer