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- To reduce violence and crime in youth and communities today
- To provide traditionally disenfranchised groups with low-cost, accessible violence-prevention training and education
- To develop a multi-faceted approach to violence-prevention, which will include A Brave Course and retreats for community groups, businesses, schools and individuals
- To work directly with youth to stop the cycle of violence in society
- To provide a safe space for young people to experience personal growth while learning techniques for living a safe and happy life
- To disseminate knowledge and offer free or low-cost education and counseling to those most in need of our services
- To develop a national curriculum model for A Brave Course training and education that can easily be replicated in other communities; and
- To develop a media/education campaign to publicize A Brave Course curriculum and other activities related to B.R.A.V.E. People.
Building Resources for Anti-Violence Education (B.R.A.V.E. People) is an innovative grassroots organization founded to respond to violence and its impact on our society. While B.R.A.V.E. People’s long-term goals include multi-faceted, nationwide programs for communities, youth, women, men, families, schools and businesses: our short-term goals focus on helping local youth increase and enhance their ability to avoid negative outcomes associated with “high risk” lifestyles.
B.R.A.V.E. People’s curriculum fills a community need for free, professional education to thwart violence. Violence in the U.S. is more rampant than ever, and youth are often the perpetrators and victims of violent crimes. The New York Times reports that juvenile (10-17 year olds) arrests for violent crimes are up 70%. FBI statistics show that 12-17 year olds are five times more likely to be crime victims than adults age 35 and over. Almost 3/4 of high school students believe that teenage violence is a major problem in the U.S., and 4.4% of high school youth surveyed said they had missed school in the past 30 days because they did not feel safe at school, or traveling between home and school (Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence). [back to top]
Many studies show that teenage crime is linked to “risk factors” such as violence in families and in communities and living in poverty. These risk factors are also linked to teenage pregnancy, gang membership, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use (ATOD), and sexually transmitted diseases among youth.
B.R.A.V.E. People focuses on enhancing prevention factors, such as self-esteem and self-actualization, critical thinking, assertiveness, coping and communication skills, and violence prevention and conflict-resolution techniques. By taking a multi-faced approach to violence prevention, B.R.A.V.E. People intends to reduce violent crime among Bay Area youth, as well as reduce incidences of AIDS, STDs, ATOD use, teen pregnancy, and increase high school graduation rates.