II. PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Sierra County’s "Crusade Against Violence" evolved as the result of the Kentucky, Oregon, and Battle Mountain school shootings.

Our MCH program is focusing on preventing juvenile violence. Research indicates that there is a link between animal abuse and child abuse and that animal abuse is related to increased potential for teen violence.

Members developed age-appropriate concepts for use in presentations being made to child and adolescent groups, parents, school professionals and other specific youth organizations. The crusade utilizes live animals accompanying MCH member/speakers. The animals bring their own riveting experiences about cruelty, abandonment, and escapes from death. Audiences feel the reality and are enthusiastic about "hands-on" interaction with the animals.

For our youngest audiences the message is "Pet Love." We talk about appropriate behavior with animals and pet feelings and expand to behavior and feelings with children. Messages mature with age. Messages to junior/senior high school students are that it is never, under any circumstances, acceptable to be cruel to animals or humans! Be responsible and safe, report.

PROGRAM GOALS:

1) Raise awareness about violence

2) Increase Teen Reporting - abuse and violence

3) Decrease level of violence

4) Save lives

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

1) Create - focus of anti-violence presentations

2) Collaborate - media, schools, government, private organizations

3) Educate - audiences of all ages

4) Evaluate - debrief after each presentation

Approximately 1,000 county residents (850 children/150 adults). Total county population is 3,600.

OUTCOMES:

Increased teen awareness and reporting violence.

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