Description
Muncie’s Youth Alliance in Muncie, Indiana, has been forming over the last several years to address public safety concerns and connect resources to some of the most vulnerable young people in Muncie. Community disinvestment, war on drugs policies, systemic racism, and loss of economic opportunities have created challenges for many of Muncie’s youth who are engaging with the criminal justice system at high levels. Muncie has created a new approach to involve formerly incarcerated individuals in community work and youth mentoring. They will explain and explore the collaboration and challenges with law enforcement and the community, with those involved in creating community challenges and those who are seeking to solve them. Neil and Theresa are pastors and social workers, respectively; they are finding redemptive, restorative approaches to creating an alliance among stakeholders amidst racial and systemic challenges.
