A Town Hall Led by Youth, Focused on Solutions

Unlike many town hall events, the Beacon Program at M.S. 226 in South Ozone Park, Queens, didn’t feature politicians. Instead, this town hall featured a group of people who may be even more important: our youth.

Billed as the Youth & Youth Leaders Town Hall, the event was hosted by the program’s Youth Council and facilitated by Beacon Youth Council members Alicia, MiaJane, Ava, and Youth Council Group Leader Reachell, all of whom are rising seventh graders.

These driven, community-minded young people organized the event to provide their fellow youth with a safe and supportive space to discuss the challenges affecting their lives, particularly community violence, mental health, and access to resources. The discussion generated thoughtful dialogue and valuable insights from youth participants. As they spoke from experience and grappled with difficult issues, several key themes, concerns, and potential solutions emerged.

“The first discussion question asked, ‘What are some of the things that affect youth day to day?’” explains Program Director Ronell John. “The most common responses included stress, depression, and emotional well-being.

“Our second question asked, ‘What are some of the things that make young people feel unsafe?’ Youth identified several concerns, including community violence, disrespect among peers, the prevalence of guns and gang activity, and suicidal ideation and emotional distress.”

While it’s easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed by challenges of such magnitude, participants demonstrated remarkable strength, hope, and—perhaps most importantly—a conviction that they can make a difference.

Thanks to the organizers’ professionalism, dedication, and leadership, youth voices remained at the center of the discussion, and every perspective was heard and considered. The result was a blueprint of actionable steps that everyone could work together to achieve.

When asked what solutions would help them feel safer, youth suggested:

• Preventing access to firearms by young people

• Increasing efforts to address gang activity and weapons in the community

• Organizing community-wide efforts to speak out against violence and crime

When asked what support they would like to see from the adults in their lives, youth identified the following:

• Increased parent supervision and involvement

• Greater access to guidance counselors and mentors

• Encouragement and accountability from trusted adults

• Access to therapy and mental health support

• More positive police engagement within the community

• Additional mentorship opportunities

  
  

To conclude the session, participants broke into small groups and worked collaboratively to identify one challenge, one solution, and one commitment they could make toward positive change. This collaborative and solution-oriented approach was vital, Reachell emphasized: “While organizing the town hall, it was very important to bring together not only middle school students, but also our community to discuss problems facing our youth and to share ideas and work toward solutions together—as well as promote collaboration and accountability on important local issues.”

Here are some of the challenges, solutions, and commitments that emerged:

Challenge: Subway Surfing

Solution: Provide more engaging and exciting activities that offer youth healthy alternatives to thrill-seeking experiences.

Commitment: Spread awareness about the dangers and consequences of subway surfing.

Challenge: Difficulty Communicating with Parents

Solution: Create opportunities and strategies that help parents and youth communicate more effectively.

Commitment: Spend more quality time with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships.

Challenge: Gun and Gang Violence

Solution: Partner with local organizations, community stakeholders, and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to develop a more comprehensive community response to violence prevention.

Commitment: Work alongside Beacon programs to raise awareness and educate peers about the impact of gun and gang violence.

When the event ended, the youth leaders felt excited, hopeful, and determined. They had set out to engage their peers and community in identifying and implementing solutions—and they achieved their goal.

“The importance of the town hall was in how it brought awareness to gun violence, subway surfing, and bullying. It bridged a gap between communities to show that people were going through similar experiences and struggles, especially teenagers and young adults, and to know that they are not alone,” Youth Council Members Alicia and Mia said in a statement.

Ronell agrees: “The Town Hall reinforced the importance of creating spaces where young people can openly discuss their concerns and actively contribute to solutions. Their insights demonstrated both a deep awareness of the challenges facing their generation and a strong desire to be part of meaningful change. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with community partners, schools, families, and local organizations to address these concerns and build safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for our youth.”