April 1, 2008

Teens at the mall this Saturday can pose for caricatures with friends and enter to win a free iPod Shuffle as part of an effort to raise awareness about youth violence prevention in Reading.

While schools around the country grapple with how to prevent shootings and violence on campus, the SPEAK UP program empowers students to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their schools and communities.

The program features 1-866-SPEAK-UP, the first and only national, toll-free hotline for students to anonymously report weapon threats. The program also includes a direct education program for teens, youth awareness events, and billboard and bus shelter advertising.

PAX/Real Solutions to Gun Violence has been working closely with the Council on Chemical Abuse, Reading School District and other local organizations to implement the program. SPEAK UP has been made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and is supported by Mayor Thomas McMahon and Police Chief William Heim.

Who:	SPEAK UP staff Representatives from the Council on Chemical Abuse of Berks County
When:	Saturday, April 5, 2008 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Where:	Center Court, Fairgrounds Square Mall 3050 North 5th Street Highway, Reading

SPEAK UP is based on a joint U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Department of Education study, which shows that in 81% of school shootings, the attacker tells other students about their plans beforehand. Further studies have shown that when weapons are confiscated in schools, 92% of the time the tip comes from another student.

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