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 Yonkers, N.Y. (June 23, 2008)-- Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone joined School Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio and Police Commissioner Edmund Hartnett at a press conference held June 23, 2008 at City Hall to launch Operation SPEAK UP, a new awareness and educational initiative designed to help students improve safety in their schools and throughout the community by reporting threats of violence.
Operation SPEAK UP is a partnership between the Yonkers Board of Education, the Yonkers Police Department and a national organization called PAX whose slogan is "Real Solutions to Gun Violence." SPEAK UP features an anonymous toll-free hotline for students to report weapons or threats of violence on a 24-hour basis by calling - 1-866-SPEAK-UP.
Mayor Amicone applauded the Yonkers Board of Education and Police Department for working together on an initiative that will help keep our schools and community safe. He said, "This program is a useful resource that will empower students with tools to prevent acts of violence or threats of violence that could endanger the lives of others."
In March, the Yonkers Public Schools distributed wallet size pamphlets about SPEAK UP to middle and high school students. According to Superintendent Pierorazio, the program will be incorporated into lesson plans in September as part of the curriculum for health education.
Although instances of school violence are low in the City of Yonkers, city officials believe that Operation SPEAK UP will help maintain safety inside and outside of school by inspiring students to be proactive about preventing violence. In addition, the 24-hour hotline, 1-866-SPEAK-UP, is available to parents, civic groups and any member of the community.
Commissioner Hartnett, who stressed the importance of taking a proactive approach to youth violence, said, "This is a new option for kids who may be hesitant to tell a teacher or parent about a threatening situation. We hope that because this program is completely anonymous, kids will feel more comfortable speaking out and that we will be able to resolve any harmful situations before they happen."
The Operation SPEAK UP initiative is made possible through grant funding from PAX, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing an end to gun violence.
For more information about PAX and its innovative programs, visit their website at www.paxusa.org.
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