By Nancy Mayerson
February 15, 2008
OXNARD, Calif.-In a ground swell of support and solidarity for all children, the Oxnard community will come together on Saturday, Feb. 23, to formally pledge their commitment to making children's safety and well-being their first priority. The event, inspired by the recent shooting death of 15-year-old Lawrence King and organized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, will focus on the powerful potential for change, when individuals make a personal pledge and take action to stop the violence and put kids first.
Everyone in the community--all adults, parents, students, children, grandparents are urged to make children the top priority of society, for without them, there is no future. Attendees will find out how to get involved to make the community safer for children, what resources are available and will be asked to put "Kids First" as a strategy to reduce violence.
Participants will gather at Plaza Park, 500 South C St., Oxnard at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 and then march together to the 10 a.m. rally to be held at the Boys & Girls Clubs Martin V. Smith Center at 1900 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. Participants are encouraged to make and bring, "Kids First-Stop the Violence" placards and banners to carry in the march.
Speakers at the rally will include recognized civic and community leaders, clergy and educators. A performance by the recently formed "Voices of Hope" children's choir is anticipated, and the program is set to include presentations from groups committed to ending community and family violence.
Leading national organizations dedicated to anti-violence, tolerance and the celebration of diversity will be represented with information and educational materials for participants. Sign-up sheets for those wishing to donate time and support to "Kids First-Stop the Violence" will be available.
"It is time to be outraged at the violence in our community and to stop pointing the finger of blame at our schools, our police departments, our cities, parents and people who may be different than we are," said Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. "It is time for each of us to look in the mirror. The first, most enduring responsibility of every society is to ensure the health and well-being of its children."
Blaylock emphasized that community and government organizations can make a tremendous difference in children's lives, but without the profound commitment of each individual, effective change is an uphill struggle.
Individuals and families are encouraged to show up at Plaza Park at 9 a.m. sharp for the march west down Fifth Street to the Boys & Girls Club. The rally will be at 10 a.m. at the Martin V. Smith Clubhouse. Organizations wanting more information about participation and support can contact Meggan McCarthy at (805) 815-4959 ext. 204 or email mmccarthy@bgcop.org for more information.
By involving parents, volunteers, educators and the business community, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme helps youth reach their full potential through a positive environment, lifelong learning and programs dedicated to the arts, education, character and leadership development, health and recreation. Programs are based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs, and are designed to expand participants' areas of interest. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org or call (805) 815-4959, ext. 203.
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