By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

Violence is a large-scale problem, but overcoming it takes small steps. One small step may have been taken Saturday.

“We will never know what it is we need to do if we don’t talk about it and ask the questions,” Children and Families Committee Chair Angela Benjamin said.

Communication was the focus of Saturday’s “Turn the Tide on Youth Violence” issues forum. Upwards of 70 people turned out at the GWC Community Room for a roundtable discussion on causes and solutions for violence in this community.

“We decided to put together a group that wanted to come up with a systematic way and a concept that we can use to discuss why it occurs and what can be done from the grassroots up,” Dallas County Extension Agent Callie Nelson said.

Nelson and two other extension agent coordinators, Yvonne Thomas from Autauga County and Katanga Mants from Lowndes County, helped facilitate the discussion that took place among the citizens who attended. Three solutions were on the table for discussion: kids need a nonviolent pop culture; kids at risk need more help; and kids need more moral discipline.

Benjamin said that while they had the positive involvement they had hoped for — open dialogue, input from all ages, a great turnout, and suggestions for how to make a change — the citizens took it a step further.

“We did not expect them to come up with a committee that is going to work on what they are calling GWC Community Rules,” Benjamin said. These rules will outline what is and what is not to be done in the GWC Community.

These kinds of ideas may soon envelope all of Selma when community-wide study circles begin in the fall.

According to literature disbursed at the forum, the goal of study circles is to bring about positive change.

“First, we will look at how youth violence has touched our lives. Then we share our thoughts and beliefs about why youth violence continues to exist.

“Next, we look at different ways to reduce youth violence and some of the pros and cons associated with these possible approaches. Then, we decide on the Action Ideas we feel are the best fit for our community. And finally, we will work together to take action on the best ideas that are selected.”

One solution the issues forum focused on was having other options for youth to be involved in so they wouldn’t turn to violence.

“They wanted activities back onsite that they can walk to,” Benjamin said. Several of the youth at the event shared that they would prefer to be out playing sports than watching violent shows or playing violent video games.

Study circles are slated to begin fall 2011. Facilitators are still needed to lead discussions.

For more information, call Benjamin at 349-5389 or Nelson at 875-3200.