Empowering civic activism toward a culture of peace.

HR 808 Letter published 6/16/ll in Petaluma CA Argus Courier

Investing upstream

Published: Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 3:00 a.m.

Editor: Your recent article about county officials working in coalition with others to boost prevention-oriented services gives me great hope. Every child deserves to be understood, appreciated, loved and safe. In that kind of school and social environment, evidence shows that youth problems like bullying, truancy and gang violence are greatly reduced.

These prevention programs cost about one-tenth of the cost of later rehabilitation or incarceration, thus proving the old adage true that a stitch in time saves nine. We’ve got some great youth programs here in Sonoma County that need to be expanded and replicated to save both lives and taxpayer dollars. On the national level, proposed legislation for a U.S. Department of Peace (HR808) would provide focus and support for responding effectively to the root causes of violence in our homes and communities.

Kendra Mon, Petaluma

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