KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An event called "Teen Summit" plans to examine the thinking and behavior of young people so they can stay out of trouble.
The event is organized by nonprofit Lyrik's Institution.
Founder Kyle Hollins said the idea for the event came following numerous events in 2020 such as the unrest following the police custody death of George Floyd, the COVID-19 pandemic and the high homicide rate in the Kansas City metro.
"Everything that's been going on creates a level of trauma and any trauma that sits inside of us, it creates stress," Hollins explained.
Hollins said stress exists among young people who may express themselves in negative ways. He said "Teen Summit" will help young adults re-think conflicts through interactive games and conversation
"Allow them to talk about their issues, and even bounce off solutions that other teens may be able to have with some of the problems that they're having along with us navigating other broader solutions also," Hollins said.
LaShawnda House's 14-year-old daughter, Jazmin will be one of 15 teens taking part in the event.
"I think this will be a good start to getting them to think differently and to get them to formulate some actions," House said.
One positive action House said her daughter is paying attention to is housing for people experiencing homelessness.
"There's a whole bunch of buildings like nobody's using. They could get cleaned up and then people could go live in them," Jazmin Kearney said.
Kearney's thinking is one example of a solution Hollins said can save the next generation.
"We got to get involved in changing those thought processes because otherwise, death in prison and poverty is waiting on. It's literally waiting," Hollins said.
The first Teen Summit will be held Saturday, Feb.13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, space is already filled. Hollins said he plans to hold additional meetings each month.
People interested in learning more about the program can go Lyrik's Institution's website or Facebookpage.
