Teenagers Have a Lot to Contribute
A commentary by Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen

(The views and opinions expressed in the commentaries of the Somerville News belong solely to the commentators themselves and do not neccessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Somerville News, its publishers or its staff.)

Summer in Somerville has been plenty hot.   But our streets have been ‚Äì so far, so good ‚Äì very safe, especially compared to the violence in other urban areas.
  A great deal of credit goes to city officials and neighborhood groups that have made it a priority to reach out to teens and run programs that harness their energy, creativity, and talents. The lesson that can be learned from the best youth programs is to treat young people as resources rather than problems.

  In recent weeks, I’ve had a chance to see three such programs at work in Somerville.
The Teen Empowerment Program ran a field day at Glen Park on a sweltering Saturday in June.   Despite the heat, a diverse crowd of young people showed up to rap, play, perform, compete, and learn about community resources. 
  Teen Empowerment aims to inspire young people to get involved with social problems, such as gentrification.  Teens are mentored and learn how to organize their peers in order to improve their schools and communities.   
  I am very happy that the legislature has renewed a grant of $250,000 to the Teen Empowerment Program in Somerville.  The grant is named in honor of my predecessor, Senator Charlie Shannon.  It makes possible the hiring of up to 24 teen leaders and their supervisors.
  A current exhibit at the Somerville Museum features research by two Somerville High School American history classes.   Led by teacher Alicia Kersten, the students studied a piece of local history:  community involvement in trying to stop the building of I-93 and successfully stopping the Inner Belt.  It’s a fascinating display, with interviews of neighbors and relevance to current events.  Students told me they learned so much more when they were writing ‚Äì not just reading ‚Äì history; they were producers, not just consumers.
  Finally, the OPENAIR Circus has returned for its 21st year at locations around Somerville, teaching over a hundred kids and adults to stilt, juggle, and much more.  Young people who started as kindergartners have learned skills and leadership, and now teach classes and run the circus.
  There are many other examples.  Every year the Somerville Mediation Program recruits and trains 60 new student mediators.   They resolve disputes among students and teach other kids how to solve problems without violence.   I am pleased that this program also received continued funding in the state budget.
  The East Somerville Neighborhood Group, with the Somerville Community Corporation, is organizing an effort to improve traffic safety along McGrath/O’Brien Highway.  Much of the research and effort is led by neighborhood teenagers.
  At a recent meeting about combating violence in Boston, participants agreed that when we recognize and use young people’s strengths, they rise to exceed our expectations.  We are lucky in Somerville to have these and other programs that use and develop our teenagers’ talents.  And, we need more.  I hope you’ll join me to advocate for and celebrate these valuable programs that benefits Somerville‚Äôs teens and enriches our community.