On Saturday morning, I expected to have a little fun. Little did I know, that I would be thrown into a rally for Jobs Not Jails #jobsnotjailsnola ...a hugely important issue for our community. I am a social worker. I have always been an advocate for front end prevention programs; NOT the back end, too late, throwing money at systems, and strategies that are never a deterrent.
Saturday's rally and march smacked me in the face once more. We do NOT do a good job at front end prevention, and we are often unable to prove that it does make a difference in the lives of those we are trying to serve and our community at large.
This was a youth driven, well-organized, and well-researched event.
The City's proposed "Citywide Public Safety Improvements" Plan is the catalyst for action. In a city where out of the $615 million dollar total budget- $345 million goes to police and jails, with 3% of the budget going to programs for children and families and 1% used for job development; The City of New Orleans is now proposing to invest $40 million dollars in: surveillance cameras; security barriers; street improvements; and, cultural commodification.
The rally flyer goes on to further state and demand:
$40 MILLION MORE GIVEN TO POLICING--NO!
ACESS TO JOBS FOR ALL YOUTH-Use it for 11,000 youth jobs, 12 weeks, $300 a week
RECREATION FOR ALL YOUTH ALL YEAR-Pay recreation workers and coaches full-time living wages, treat them with respect for their dedication
We demand jobs and opportunities and health care, treat youth with dignity and respect.
STOP FUNDING JAILS AND POLICE AND
PUT OUR MONEY WHERE IT MATTERS
If you want to get involved and be a force for change, you can contact: [email protected] of call 504-657-3171, and/or the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans: [email protected], 504-975-5861.
It's time to get involved and take action!
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