Hey there fellow YNers,
So as many of you may know, voting is in place for the last youth summit on the homepage. Cap and I nominated our notorious city of Detroit, and we have been put to the vote.

I would hope that our reputation for supporting worthy causes precedes us, and that our mere support of our hometown would be enough to earn your vote...but in case it isn't, following is a slightly shortened version of the nomination we submitted. Please, if your city isn't one of those nominated, help out our cause; our city needs it.

Thanks guys, we can't do this without you! :]

Here you go...

Detroit is a pretty messed up city. It is receiving national media coverage for their mockery of leadership, both with the initial scandal involving the mayor, and now continued travesty among the divided city council. Detroit public schools are pathetic; they are now under state control because the city was incapable of efficiently running them. With adult leaders acting like children, young people and their concerns get pushed to the wayside.

There are three major issues that are prevalent in our area. First, and more important for youth, is the educational crisis. According to Education Week, within the city of Detroit, the graduation rate is 24.9%. That means less than ONE IN FOUR students in the city will graduate from high school, making it one of THE worst cities in the country for education. That number is simply unacceptable. Partially due to a lack of funding and proper management, largely due to outside factors, something has to be done to see that fewer students fall between the cracks and proper opportunities are offered to those who continue their education.

With the entire country in an economic recession, gas prices sky high, outsourcing and the threat of global warming, life is tough in the Motor City. The majority of people who live in the city are somehow employed by one of the automotive companies. When things are bad for the auto industry, many Detroiters either lose their jobs or get wages or benefits cut; our unemployment rate is currently around 6.9%. Without the money they are used to, their spending in other areas decreases, bringing down other industries as well. For young people growing up in financially unstable homes, their health and general welfare can become threatened. They are less likely to regularly attend school and complete their education. This leads to a cycle of financial instability. Our governor has been striving to bring high-tech jobs to the state, but we need well-educated individuals to fill those positions to bring up our local economy.

Last, and arguably worst, is the crime in the city. According to a 2003 FBI Report, there were 18,724 cases of violent crimes (64,809 crimes against property), a number which is 3.38 times the national average. It doesn’t take much to see how an influx of crime can have a strong negative effect on teenagers. There are crimes committed against young people, as well as young people committing crime. Gang membership is common, and most students in the city and direct surrounding areas know victims of gang violence. As the second most dangerous city in the country, something needs to be done. While the youth do not have a lot of power to increase the police force or change the legal system, they can and they must take actions to prevent their peers from fueling this cycle of violence.

Thanks Princess! :]

I will definetly vote for Detroit. I live about an hour north of it -- and my dad works in an auto factory there. It can definetly use some help -- they are having some major issues right now, espically with the government and education, like you mentioned.

NC!!!..woo!!!

*bump*

Go to the home page to vote. It's on the right hand side, just under the Cause Channels.