Indianapolis teens are calling for more community spaces where they can hang out, relax, and engage in activities. According to 13-year-old Karmyn Green, the city has plenty of playgrounds for young kids and fun activities for adults, but not many places for teens.
Summer Camp Focuses on Civic Engagement
The Children’s Policy & Law Initiative of Indiana, a nonprofit organization, recently hosted a summer camp for teens that focused on civic engagement. The camp, which took place from July 7-9, aimed to educate teens about their neighborhood, the design of their streets, and how to advocate for change at their local school board.
Meisha Wide, executive director of the Children’s Policy & Law Initiative, said the camp was designed to engage teens in a positive way, especially during a time when some city officials are considering late-night curfews to keep teens safe and curb youth gun violence.
During the camp, teens were asked to share their ideas on what types of community spaces they would like to see in Indianapolis. They suggested spaces where they can play sports, listen to live music, get a taste of what future jobs might look like, and simply relax.
Some teens expressed a desire for more opportunities to play sports outside of school, as some programs can be competitive and limited to those who make the team. Others suggested creating a free driver’s education program to help teens learn how to drive without having to pay for expensive classes.
When it comes to accessing community spaces, teens said they need reliable transportation options, such as carpooling or programs that provide buses or vans. They also value spaces that are inexpensive, free, or offer paid opportunities, and that are open to everyone, regardless of age or background.
Teens also emphasized the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments, with some suggesting a police-free space and others advocating for the presence of law enforcement. Most agreed that they would like to see adult presence, as long as those adults are trained in de-escalation techniques and allow teens to take the lead in choosing activities.
The Children’s Policy & Law Initiative plans to continue fundraising to bring workshops to more Indianapolis teens and support their ideas for community spaces.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
