Before Melody Neyland, a seventh grader at Neal Math and Science Academy middle school in North Chicago was born, she was a victim of gun violence. She never knew her uncle, but his story sticks with her.
“Before I was born, my uncle was driving and someone shot him,” Neyland said. “His car went off the road and hit a pole. He was killed. It still affects all of us.”
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Making an effort to ensure nothing like that ever happens to a family member, friend or anyone else close to her, Neyland said she plans to use her voice and education to prevent gun violence wherever and whenever she can.
“I’m looking for ways to help our community,” she said.
Neyland was one of 25 middle and high school students from Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion completing a Youth Firearm Violence Prevention Program on July 24 questioning a panel of civic leaders at Waukegan’s City Hall in an effort to make an impact on their elders.
Cynthia Harris, the president of Waukegan-based Employee Connections, said her organization received a $120,000 grant from the state to run the program with young people between the ages of 11 and 21 from Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion. It is renewable for the next two to three years.
Meeting for 12 weeks, Harris said the six-unit curriculum teaches the group civic engagement, leadership, democracy, legislation and the importance of having one’s voice heard to make a difference. Mental health and de-escalation are part of the program, too.
“They learn about legislation and becoming a leader in the community,” Harris said. “They have the opportunity to practice making their voice heard.”
Both Neyland and Michael Womack, a Zion Benton Township High School junior, were part of the panel questioning state Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael Karner, North Chicago Ald. Dante Brooks, 7th Ward, and others.
Womack said he was not overwhelmed when it was his turn to question the officials. He knows if he wants to see legislation curbing gun violence, those are the people he must approach to get the desired results.
“I felt very comfortable questioning them,” Womack said. “They’re the ones who are going to help me and my family. Now I know them, and they know me, if I want to go to them for help.”
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said in an email he was glad Harris came to City Hall for the event. It brought people together “creating space for meaningful dialogue and action.” The teens who asked the questions showed, “what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.”
“The youth who attended, your presence and voices are vital as we work toward a safer, stronger future for our city,” he said. “Together, we are showing that Waukegan stands united against violence and committed to building hope.”
Johnson said engaging with young people is important. She knows a few years down the road they will be replacing her and her colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly. Things like the program prepare them for their responsibilities as citizens.
“I was impressed with how the kids engaged in the process,” Johnson said. ”Being civically engaged strengthens our democracy. Learning how to de-escalate with someone carefully, and not ratchet things up, is important with any issue.”
De-escalation is one of the skills Harris said she stresses in the program. The participants put their skills to use role-playing with each other. Womack said it is an expertise he will use if he encounters someone with a gun.
“I will tell them to walk away from gun violence and put the gun away,” Womack said. “I would tell them gun safety is important because you never know who else will be hurt, like your family or your friends. There is always someone they love. I would also tell the proper authorities.”
Mental health is another component of the program. Harris said eventually she would like to see the young people become certified in mental health first aid. The course is given by the Lake County Health Department.
“It’s the health of your mind,” Harris said. “Young people can have a lot on their minds. They might know someone who was killed. Some are dealing with poverty. They may need some kind of help.”
Harris said each participant in the program receives a $900 stipend.