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This is the place where you can find tools and resources to help with your local Youth Awareness Week Events

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How to Build Impactful Connections with Diverse Communities- BY Savanaha 

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Idea: Combine some steps that can really impact your community.

Step 1. Build Relationships in the community. It can be simple as having a conversation outside in a park or showing up to give out some coffee in the morning for people just walking by. Go to public areas and explore the population of people around you. You can get different opinions about what your city is doing and how people want to see their community. Its very interesting how you can start small talk and maybe make some friends or partners in your area.

Step. 2 Go to an event, go to a local charity event, go to a festival, go to anything that your community is doing. That is where you can meet people in different organizations and can connect with maybe some people that need help. People will see you as a part of the community when you show up to a local event.

Step. 3 Volunteer your time. Find an organization that needs man power or needs just a bit of help. You can find out a lot by giving your free time to learn and understand how to connect with people. This is a way to learn about people's different cultures and ways of life.This could be making a meal for a shelter, setting up your own outreach to do, going to a library to see if there are any local groups that need help.

Step. 4 Use technology ! Use technology to get the word out about connections. It is a way to communicate and let people know info. Technology has been a big part of peoples lives now and it's not going away so we might as well use it to connect closer to people through social media, websites, virtual events and more.

Tool: Local festivals, public places, coffee/tea, cultures.

Why this matters: This connect 4 can bring people together, you can use all 4 or each one separately. It can be a learning stage for everyone in the community on how to connect people together.

https://youtu.be/A5_rotLwa8Y?si=fZ99UfjJkbqsm1N9

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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How to Build Impactful Connections with Diverse Communities

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Idea: Youth can learn about their rights and learn about possibly updated laws in the community. They could also practice the rights they have in a mock practice setting. Also learn about housing rights/ living rights.

Resources: Local law enforcement to come out and explain rights.

Lawyers that have volunteer time to teach youth about courts and the rights you have in court.

https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/human-rights-ordinance

https://bouldercounty.gov/government/about-boulder-county/public-assembly/

Tools: Reach out to local people that can teach youth about local laws.

Make space for the Learn About Law day.

Why this matters: This would be an important topic for youth to learn about so they can possibly avoid jail time or any trouble with law enforcement. This year has been very troubling for young people and their rights.

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Human Rights Ordinance | City of Boulder

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The City of Boulder’s Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment. Violations of the ordinance can include employment policies and practices such as:

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Idea: Field Day at the Park. This event could be as simple as gathering some outdoor games up like corn hole, Volleyball, or kickball. Then after the games are all played everyone could have a picnic there at the park. Also have some volunteers there to supervise safety and rules. This can be viewed as a social gathering to help young youth socialize and get out more. This will also help them feel like they are a part of a community. A local park is usually fun for all ages. The games can show the youth fairness and equality.

Planning steps:

Gather local volunteers.

Round up youth's favorite outdoor games.

Have basic needs- grab bag to go after the event is done.

Reserve the park space if needed.

Tool: Youth MOVE Colorado's youth awareness toolkit.

Local map of area

People that are willing to volunteer.

Why it matters?: This helps young people develop ideas and socializing skills in a general public area. Some youth that have PTSD or anxiety could benefit from an event like this so they can get desensitized in a safe space and maybe even process some mental thoughts.

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Idea

Get a group of friends together to commit to one hour of being screen free. Instead find an activity you all can do together and leave your phones at home.

Possible Planning Resource

Take a walk or hike

Coordinate a picnic

Play board games at a park

Bake together

Tools

Data/ Why this matters

More an more young people are saying that their phones make them feel anxious, but also don't know how to step away from the thing that makes them also feel connected. Getting your friends on board to do the same for at least an hour can help you maintain connection without that feeling of anxiety. Screen free time allows us to fully engage with those we are in company with, the world around us, have free flowing thoughts, feel things we may have never felt before, have new insights and more.

Data on screen time nationally and in the U.S. | https://backlinko.com/screen-time-statistics

CDC Data on screen time | https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db513.htm

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In today's digital world, screen time is an essential part of our daily routine.

From checking mail in the morning on a smartphone, to watching videos on the smartphone and doing some focused work on the desktop, screens seem to dominate our attention.

In this post, we'll explore the latest screen time insights and how it varies depending on the age group, country.

Here's a summary of what you'll find out on this page:

Screen Time Statistics (Top Picks)

Worldwide, people spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on screens.

In the US, average screen time per day hit 7 hours and 3 minutes.

Nearly half (41%) of American teenagers (13-18) have a screen time of more than 8 hours per day.

Entertainment screen time among children in the US has risen from 4 hours 44 minutes in 2019 to 5 hours 33 minutes in 2021.

South Africans spend 9 hours 24 minutes on their screens each day (that's 2 hours 44 minutes more than the global average).

Average Screen Time Worldwide

As of Q3 2023, on average users aged 16 to 64 worldwide spent 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on screens across various devices. That equals to 46 hours and 40 minutes for average screen time per week among worldwide internet users.

On average, daily screen time has declined by 4.3% (18 minutes) since 2021.

Here's a table with average screen time among worldwide internet users since Q3 2013:

Average Screen Time in the US

Average screen time on internet-connected devices among users in the US is 7 hours and 3 minutes (vs. global average of 6 hours and 40 minutes).

On average, screen time in the US remained almost unchanged since 2021 (from 7 hours 4 minutes in 2021 to 7 hours 3 minutes in 2023).

Here's a table with breakdown of US average screen time since: 2017

According to Nielsen data (as of Q2 2023), Americans over 18 hours old spend an average of 59 hours and 56 minutes with media per week (which amounts to 8 hours 34 minutes per day).

Media consumption includes use of TV, internet/video on computer, app/web on a smartphone/tablet.

Here's a detailed breakdown of screen time with media among Americans 18+ grouped by specific media type:

Screen Time by Age

According to recent data, younger users tend to have more hours of screen time compared to older age groups.

In particular, people aged 16-24 spend 7 hours and 32 minutes on internet-connected devices (among female users) and 7 hours and 4 minutes (among male users) vs. 5 hours and 17 minutes, 5 hours 14 minutes (female; male) among users aged 55-64.

Here's a detailed breakdown of screen time by age group (data as of Q3 2023):

Earlier study conducted in the UK (with survey launched in March 2020) found a similar connection between age group and average daily screen time. Specifically, younger adults aged 18-34 were reported to have 8.8 hours of screen time per day vs. 5.2 hours among those 65 years old and over.

Another study found that the average weekly recreational screen time in the US among adults in their 20s was 28.5 hours per week in 2020 (that's up from 25.9 hours per week in 2018)

Sources: DataReportal, National Library of Medicine, MDPI

Screen Time among Children and Teens

Among users aged 8-12 in the US, average entertainment screen time amounted to 5 hours 33 minutes in 2021.

Entertainment screen use includes time spent on watching TV, online videos, social media, browsing websites, reading e-books and creating content.

There has been a reported increase in screen time among tweens (8-12 years old), from 4 hours 36 minutes in 2015 to 5 hours 33 minutes in 2021.

Every fifth child (8-12 years old) reported to have more than 8 hours of entertainment screen time per day. Only 5% of users aged 8-12 years reported no screen time.

Here's a detailed breakdown of screen time among tweens (8-12):

The same survey found that among teens (13 to 18 years old) in the US, average entertainment screen time reached 8 hours 39 minutes in 2021. That's up from 7 hours 22 minutes pre-pandemic in 2019.

Here's a table with entertainment screen time among teens since 2015:

When taking a detailed look, more than 4-in-10 teens (13-18) claim to engage with screen media more than 8 hours per day.

Here's a table with details on screen time among teenagers (13-18) in the US:

What's the breakdown of screen time by activity? Both groups (8-12 years old and 13-18 years old) spend the most on television/videos, 2 hours 40 minutes and 3 hours 16 minutes, respectively.

Here's a detailed breakdown of screen time accounted for specific activity (data as of 2021):

Source: Common Sense Media

Screen Time by Country

When it comes to internet-connected screen time, South Africa leads the ranking with 9 hours 24 minutes of average screen time (that's 2 hours 44 minutes more on top of the global average - 6 hours and 40 minutes).

Out of 50 counties included in the analysis, users in 9 countries spend over 8 hours on screens.

Here's a complete list of 15 countries with most screen time (among users 16-64):

When it comes to the opposite of the ranking, Japanese have the least screen time - 3 hours and 56 minutes, on average. In fact, it's the only county included in the survey with less than 4 hours of screen time.

Here's a detailed list of 15 countries with least screen time (among users 16-64):

Conclusion

That's it for my collection of screen time statistics.

It's incredible that we spend nearly half of our waking hours glued to screens whether on a smartphone, desktop, tablet or TV. And as you can see our relationship with media consumption always changes.

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Revealing Average Screen Time Statistics for 2024

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In today's digital world, screen time is an essential part of our daily routine. From checking mail in the morning on a smartphone, to watching videos on the smartphone and doing some focused work on the desktop, screens seem to dominate our attention. In this post, we'll explore the latest screen time insights and how ...

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Idea: Gather youth in your local area or partner with an organization. Have them create their own idea of an event that they can do to show their community that they can be leaders. This could be planting trees or a neighborhood clean up day. All the youth and volunteer adults get trash bags, gloves and some lime green vest and make a route through the local neighborhoods and gather the trash and waste. For about 3 -4 hours walking around gathering trash, after that there could be a lunch that everyone goes to together. You can also have an incentive like a 15$ gift card afterwards for the young people to have.

Planning:

Gather needed supplies.

Advertise this community event around youth driven places.

Make sure some safety rules are implied if it is free ranging in the community/ busy roads.

Tool:

Neighborhood Watches

Local libraries

Neighborhood Parks

Gather volunteers that are great around youth.

Highlight the benefits of the clean up event.

Why this Matters: This event or something like this will show the neighborhoods that youth do care about a clean outdoor environment. Other people will be shocked and awed at others picking up litter. This could also be done around earth day. The vest will draw peoples attention , then someone can explain briefly about what the clean up is for. Cleaning up places in public is not so common either. Youth can learn how to be social at this event as well.

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Share about a core issue at a city council meeting

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Share about a core issue at a city council meeting

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Idea:

Coordinate a group of young people in your community passionate about an issue to prepare and present that issue at your communities next city council meeting

Planning resources

Look up the date of your next community council meeting

Create a focus group with interested young people and facilitate preparation meetings (ex: reach out to student body clubs at high schools or colleges, political science departments at local colleges,etc)

Use social media, fliers, websites to get the word out

Tools

Blueprint for how to speak at a city council meeting | https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Public-Comment-at-a-City-Council-Meeting#:~:text=Voice%20your%20opinion%20clearly%20to,expect%20while%20you're%20speaking.&text=Do%20your%20best%20to%20avoid,other%20candidates%20for%20public%20positions.

Video and article on tips for speaking to public figures | https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/quick-tips-speaking-public-meeting

Why it matters

This is a great way to get comfortable speaking in public, working on an advocacy issue with others, and get familiar with how advocacy can look like if trying to get into local or statewide politics.

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How to Make a Public Comment at a City Council Meeting: 8 Steps

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Council meetings are public forums where local officials discuss issues or bills in regards to the city. If you have any concerns about an issue in your city, you can express them during the public comment portion of the meeting. During…

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Volunteer Opportunities Durango, Colorado 

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Volunteer Opportunities Durango, Colorado 

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Idea:

Young people in the SW Colorado area find an organization that resonates with you and volunteer- below are a list of options to choose from.

Possible Resources:

San Juan Mountain Association: for if you're interested in working out in the mountains. https://sjma.org/get-involved/volunteer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

La Plata Humane Society: do you love animals? This may be the place to volunteer for you. https://lpchumanesociety.org/get-involved/volunteer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Manna Soup Kitchen: do you enjoy preparing/cooking meals? https://www.mannasoupkitchen.org/volunteer

Tools

Search for volunteer opportunities via google or other social media

Post on social media that you are interested in volunteering and if folks now of any place

Local newspapers may showcase volunteer options

Why it matters

Volunteering can offers a low key introduction into serving your community and seeing how it feels for you, what the time commitment is, if service looks different than direct service. It's also a great way to involve yourself in areas of work that you are really passionate about.

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San Juan Mountains Association Volunteer Opportunities

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Volunteer in the San Juan Mountains! Help SJMA protect the San Juan Mountains via visitor outreach, outdoor education, stewardship projects.

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What is Causing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and How Can We Fix It?

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Researchers share what Americans have to say about social disconnection and potential solutions

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Youth Guide - How to Amplify Your Voice in Wraparound Spaces 8.2024.pdf

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Idea:

Hold a night where youth teach other youth a skill. Have youth that are interested in teaching other youth something that they are passionate sign up to teach and have other youth sign up to learn. Skills could be anything: learning to ride a skateboard, how to play chess, how to draw, etc. Ideally, you want an organization to host this event and partner with others who would be able to help provide the supplies for the event.

Planning Resources:

Reach out to local gear shops seeing if they can donate for a night the needed supplies for some of the workshops

Post online that you are looking for supplies for this event and see if folks have anything extra lying around that they would like to donate

Find a spot to host the event (ex: youth drop-in space, school, community center, library, etc)

Tools:

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Idea:

Create or add to an existing Pen Pal program in your community. Have this be an anonymous pen pal group. Choose who is involved in the Pen Pal program: is it just youth with other youth, youth/kids corresponding with elders or something else. Think about what would be most impactful for your community.

Resource Planning:

Partner with a local art supply shop to help donate/or at low cost provide all of the supplies needed for the Pen Pal program

Partner with a local organization that can be the drop off point for all of the Pen Pal correspondence (ex: schools, community centers, YMCA, rec-centers, youth drop in spaces, etc.)

Partner with schools in your area to offer this

Partner with virtual Pen Pal partnering organizations

Partnering with a local senior center

Tools:

Pen Pal Exchange Program | https://inclusiveschools.org/isw-activity/pen-pal-exchange/

Pen Pal Program in Minnesota|

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Pen-Pal Exchange – Inclusive Schools Network

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By participating in the Every Voice Matters Pen-Pal Exchange, students will not only develop their writing skills but also gain valuable insights into different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This activity promotes empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse voices within our global community. Here are tips to help you plan…

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There are tons of community needs but one is people not having enough food. Anyone in your community could help this issue, especially young people that have the resources that can hand out extra food to people that are less fortunate. This would serve the community as a safe space to get some healthy good snacks and food.

Idea: Contact the local grocery stores for a food drive, if store could donate non perishable foods at a park event for people that would help the community. The volunteers could come from YMCA, schools, similar non profits that help out the community already.

Why does this matter ?

Young people can learn from hosting a food drive in the neighborhood they live in, they can understand what happens to people in their communities and why those people do not have enough food for themselves.

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Idea:
Partner with domestic violence shelters or local advocacy organizations to host Youth Safety & Self-Care Events. These events could include self-defense workshops, discussions on setting boundaries, and the distribution of self-defense kits (rape whistles, safety alarms, pepper spray where legal). The goal is to promote awareness, safety, and empowerment, especially for vulnerable or marginalized youth.

Possible Planning Resource:

Collaborate with local DV shelters or family justice centers (they often already have materials or trainers)

Connect with school counselors or youth-serving organizations to help with outreach

Love is Respect (https://www.loveisrespect.org/) : offers youth-friendly content on healthy relationships and safety planning

Tool:

Self Defense Keychain Kit Guide (what to include, how to use)

YouTube: Self Defense Tips for Teens by trained instructors

“Self-Care Bingo” or zine-style handouts with coping strategies and mental health tips

Why It Matters:
According to RAINN, youth ages 12–34 are at the highest risk for sexual violence, and many don’t have the tools or knowledge to protect themselves. Creating proactive, youth-friendly safety events normalizes conversations about boundaries and teaches young people how to care for themselves and each other.

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Healthy relationships for young adults can be confusing. Love is more than just the way you feel, and we’re here to help.

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Idea:
Use the YMCO Resource Map to spotlight local NGOs and service organizations offering youth-friendly volunteer opportunities. Youth can also volunteer directly with Youth MOVE Colorado (YMCO), especially during key events like Homeless Youth Awareness Month. These opportunities help youth give back, build skills, and feel more connected to their community.

Possible Planning Resource:

YMCO’s interactive Resource Map (highlight orgs that are youth-led or youth-welcoming)

VolunteerMatch.org or local United Way chapters for additional listings

Coordinate with local schools to advertise National Days of Service (like MLK Day or Global Youth Service Day)

Tool:

Canva templates for creating volunteer event flyers

YMCO’s volunteer interest form or sign-up sheet

Why It Matters:
Service builds a sense of purpose, confidence, and belonging. According to Youth Service America, youth who participate in meaningful service are more likely to become civically engaged adults. Volunteering also helps develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while building stronger ties between youth and their communities.

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Idea:

a. On your social media, website, in your office space, anywhere take time to highlight some body (somatic) practices that youth can incorporate into their day to day lives as a way to soothe, regulate, calm or energize themselves. Be mindful of sharing many different options of somatic techniques (shorter vs. longer ones)

Some ideas:

a. Under 5 minute ways to notice your body

Weighted hand activity: move both of your palms up in the air and place a weighed object (ball, pen, book, etc) in one palm. Notice the difference in heaviness between the hand holding the object and the one that is empty

Bare feet to floor: place two feet (ideally barefoot) on the flat floor and gently press them into the ground. Notice what sensations come up in your calves, toes, a/o thighs. Release and repeat this 3-5 times.

Sit and Stand: Stand up and then sit back down. While doing this notice the difference in sensation between sitting and standing. Repeat this 3-5 times.

b. Under 5 minute ways to use your breath to self soothe

2:1 Breathing: You'll want to inhale shorter than your exhale. Example: breath in for 4 counts then exhale for 8 counts. If you prefer to use words rather than count you can find a word that represents safety for you and inhale as you say that word once and say that save word as you exhale but 3-4 times to ensure that your out breath is longer than your in breath.

Sigh it out!: Inhale, then without breathing out inhale again right away, and as you exhale let out an audible sigh (make a noise as you exhale). Repeat 1-3 times.

c. Ways to use your body to comfort you

Thumb Hold: Hold both hands up take one hand and wrap it around the thumb of your other hand. Take the hand that has the thumb wrapped and wrap the other four fingers around it- place both hands down in your lap. (this is a great low-key way to give your body some extra love when it may be feeling alone or isolated. I love this because you can do this when you are in a room full of people and they won't notice!)

Self Hug: take both arms and criss cross them to touch opposite arms to opposite shoulders. Now slowly tap your hand on your shoulders back and forth- feel free to rock or sway as you do this. (this is really great if you are feeling overwhelmed or hyper aroused)

Possible Planning Resources:

Partner with a local somatic therapist or coach in your area to host a workshop for youth in your area

Partner with a local meditation center that can organize a youth only meditation walk or meditation sit

Partner with schools and a local somatic therapist/coach or meditation center to offer meditation in schools or a somatic techniques workshop at the school

Tools

Rich Roll Podcast | A Skeptics Guide to Meditation: Bob Roth on the Science & Extreme Benefits of Transcendental Meditation

Youtube| Somatic Practice for Trauma and Release with Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Trevor Project one minute breathing exercise |

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/breathing-exercise/

Data/ Why it matters

Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review|https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8276649/

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Somatic Practice for Trauma and Stress Release

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Idea:

Host a night or day in your community with the focus of having elders and young people in the space together to connect with one another. All across the United States as a culture we have lost the vital connection point between elders and youth. Offering opportunities for youth to meet with elders in their community can create space for mentorship, generational healing and new meaningful connections.

Some options for an event could be:

a. Host a storytelling event: invite elders to share their stories, history, cultural knowledge or other lived experience

b. Workshops: invite elders in your community to teach youth a new skill

c. Tech Tutoring 101: invite youth to assist older generations on how to use technology

Planning Resource:

a. Intergenerational Activities from a Native American Perspective |

Tools:

a. Tedx MtHood: The superpower of intergenerational living | Derenda Schubert

b. Intergenerational Programs Benefit Everyone (see attached)

Data/Why it matters:

Over the years the divide between youth, children, adults, and adults has grown wider and wider. We see this in schools where kids are seperated into classrooms by age, in adulthood where communities offer events specific to those age groups, where most people hangout only with others that are within their age group. All of those opportunities to connect with people your own age are amazing, but the emphasis on them means that something has gotten lost and that something is intergenerational communities. Connecting with folks older, younger, and the same age as you gives us an opportunity to diversify our understanding of the people/world around us, hear different stories and mentor others or be mentored.

a. The Benefits of Intergenerational Wisdom-Sharing: A Randomized Controlled Study | Pub Med https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35409693/

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Idea: Contact with local food banks or schools to host some basic needs day or an advocacy day for the community. If people could donate basic needs to families that need food, soap, pet needs or even extra funds that those families can use for water or electric bills that would change lives so much.

September is the start of school years and if families can be helped out with bills or housing then the kids in the family can focus on school and having fun.

Tool:

Host this annually if possible where families can travel to the location easily.

Have school backpacks filled with new school supplies to hand out.

Hold hard conversations about "It's okay to ask for help"

Why this matters?

This matters so much to communities that have families struggling to make it every week or every month. This would relieve some stress that parents have that comes with the new school year and holidays that follow after that. Some parents have to rely on food banks just for those upcoming holiday meals.

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2025 has been a bit crazy and rough for everyone so far. Now more than ever we need to pull together as a community and as human beings to help people, especially the young people around. Public places have been very unsafe this year, young people need to learn what the signs of a dangerous person are and what to do when they are approached or even attacked. When youth do not feel safe they cannot care for themselves physically or mentally.

Idea : Reach out to a self defense class to see if they could hold an open community event for youth to teach them about self defense. Youth can learn about how to use pepper spray, how to get away from a predator , what the local laws are about assault and self defense. Maybe even involve local police officers for the event. This could be hosted in a local rec center, park or library.

Tools: Videos that can be presented or sent out to youth for learning purposes.

https://www.pisanilaw.com/colorado-self-defense-laws-impact/

https://youtu.be/AmnQpoy0c8U?si=jVYhrCAlr0PV53MX

https://youtu.be/lHIqBqBt4iE?si=Ln8AhL_SAR1ysW8S

Why does this matter ?

If we can teach the youth how to protect themselves they will not be a statistic. Violence of any kind affects mental health, especially when you are attacked or robbed or hurt physically by another person. Young people can be targeted more than just the average person.

The FBI's Crime Clock data indicates that an aggravated assault occurs every 38.5 seconds in the US. A violent crime was committed every 24.6 seconds. A murder occurred every 30.5 minutes, a rape every 3.9 minutes, a robbery every 1.7 minutes, and an aggravated assault every 39.0 seconds.

Protection is caring for yourself , it's just as important as self care.

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Colorado's self-defense laws are designed to balance the rights of individuals to protect themselves with the need to prevent excessive or unjustified use of force. Navigating these laws requires a thorough understanding of the principles of reasonable force, the duty to retreat, and the complex nature of self-defense situations.

Whether you find yourself in a situation where self-defense is necessary or involved in a legal case, it is crucial to consult with a Denver criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance based on Colorado's statutes and case law.

The Foundation of Self-Defense Laws in Colorado

The principle of reasonable force primarily guides Colorado's self-defense laws. According to Colorado Revised Statutes §18-1-704, a person is justified in using physical force upon another person if they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or someone else from imminent use of unlawful force. However, the key term here is "reasonable." The law does not provide blanket immunity for all acts of self-defense but evaluates the reasonableness of the force used in a given situation.

Colorado's Self-Defense Laws

Self-defense is a vital principle recognizing individuals' right to protect themselves from harm. When faced with criminal accusations, individuals may invoke self-defense as a legal defense, asserting that the need for self-preservation drove their actions.

Successfully employing a self-defense argument can absolve the accused of liability for the alleged crime. However, specific criteria must be met to establish a valid claim of self-defense.

Reasonable Belief of Imminent Threat

To support a self-defense claim in court, the accused must furnish evidence indicating a justified belief that they were confronted with imminent and unlawful force posing a threat of death or serious injury. This involves the individual sincerely sensing an imminent peril and responding out of necessity to safeguard themselves.

Proportional Force

Integral to a valid self-defense claim is the demonstration that the force employed in response to the perceived threat was proportional. Given the circumstances, the defensive actions taken should have been reasonable.

Under Colorado law, individuals are permitted to employ physical force against another person to protect themselves or a third party from what they reasonably perceive as the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other individual. Furthermore, they are entitled to use a level of force that they reasonably deem necessary for this purpose, with certain exceptions applying.

Understanding "Reasonable Belief"

A reasonable belief differs from a subjective belief, as it necessitates the defendant to illustrate that other individuals in the same situation would have similarly concluded they were in imminent danger and that using force was imperative.

Determining the Appropriate Force in Self-Defense

The permissible level of force in self-defense within Colorado depends on several factors, including the nature of the perceived threat and the extent of force directed at the individual.

Utilization of Reasonable Force

When employing force for self-defense, it must not surpass what is reasonably required to safeguard oneself or others. Assessing the necessity of force involves evaluating the circumstances and the imminent danger posed.

Contextual Basis for Force

The adequacy of force justified in self-defense depends on the specific context. Generally, individuals are permitted to respond with force equivalent to or reasonably perceived as equivalent to that of the aggressor. For instance, reacting physically to a verbal threat might be deemed excessive.

It is essential to recognize that each case varies, making it imperative to seek legal representation from a Denver criminal defense attorney. A skilled legal team can help you better understand your rights and how to protect them if you are facing assault charges following a self-defense situation.

The Castle Doctrine in Colorado

In Colorado, the Castle Doctrine, also known as the " Make My Day Law," allows individuals to defend their homes with force if they believe an intruder poses a threat. This law grants homeowners the right to use deadly force without first retreating if they reasonably fear for their safety inside their property.

It is important to note that this law applies specifically to one's residence or occupied vehicle, not in public spaces. The Castle Doctrine emphasizes the notion of self-defense within the confines of personal space and protection against unwarranted intrusion.

Understanding the ins and outs of the Castle Doctrine can be crucial when facing legal issues related to self-defense in Colorado. It is a fundamental aspect of navigating cases where defending one's home becomes necessary to protect oneself and loved ones from potential harm or danger.

How Your Attorney Can Help

When facing assault charges, your assault attorney in Denver will gather evidence from various sources to present on your behalf. The goal is to ultimately have your charges thrown out based on the self-defense laws. Some evidence used will include:

Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts from individuals present during the incident can provide crucial insights into the sequence of events, including the actions of both parties involved.

Physical Evidence: Physical evidence, such as medical records documenting injuries sustained by the defendant or photographs of injuries or the scene of the altercation, can corroborate the defendant's assertion of self-defense.

Surveillance Footage: If available, surveillance footage from nearby cameras or establishments may capture the altercation, providing visual evidence of the incident's circumstances.

Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as forensic experts or medical professionals, may testify to the defendant's use of force and whether it was reasonable given the perceived threat.

Prior Threats or Aggressive Behavior: Evidence of prior threats or aggressive behavior from the alleged victim towards the defendant can support the argument that the defendant reasonably believed they were in imminent danger and acted in self-defense.

Statements and Communication: Any verbal exchanges or written communications between the parties before, during, or after the incident can offer insight into the situation's dynamics and the defendant's state of mind.

Police Reports and Investigation Findings: Reviewing police reports and investigation findings can reveal details about the circumstances leading up to the assault and any evidence collected at the scene.

By presenting a combination of these types of evidence, an assault attorney in Denver can build a compelling case to demonstrate that the defendant acted in self-defense, ultimately seeking to refute the assault charges.

Call Our Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Today

At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we are dedicated to providing strong and effective defense for those facing assault charges in Denver and throughout Colorado. Our experienced team starts building a case from the first few days of your arrest, gathering evidence and witnesses to fight on your behalf.

We understand the importance of protecting your rights and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our assault attorney in Denver today for assistance with your assault charges.

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Being arrested for assault can have serious consequences. If you were arrested while defending yourself, our assault attorney in Denver can help with your case.

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Have Youth Peer Support Specialists actively connect their peers to safe social spaces such as afterschool programs, teen lounges, art or reading clubs, gaming meetups, or community-based hangouts. These low-pressure environments help reduce isolation while creating room for genuine connection and shared interests.

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Idea:
Partner with local schools or universities to host Advocacy & Leadership Workshops for youth. These could include topics such as public speaking, policy change, organizing campaigns, and storytelling for impact. It creates space for youth to explore their passions and equips them to take action in their communities.

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Affirming Facilitation Practices for Youth Spaces

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Affirming Facilitation Practices for Youth Spaces

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Explore the essence of community and strategies for creating stronger environments where youth can grow and thrive.