Last year the group released an action agenda for combating youth violence that called for expanding the availability of after school initiatives to teenagers. The shooting in San Diego yesterday was a senseless and tragic act that is a shock to out national soul. Today I am proud to join the YMCA in announcing an initiative designed to help make incidents like the one in San Diego and the tragedy in Columbine nearly two years ago a thing of the past. I am especially proud that such a well regarded organization with such national reach and influence is undertaking this ambitious effort. Increasing the number of teens in after school programs will reduce youth crime and violence and increase academic performance and self-esteem in those who participate.
Idle hands are the devil's workshop.
This after school effort will make a difference for a brighter tomorrow for North Carolina. YMCAs offer a wide range of activities for teens including sports, tutoring, writing and arts classes. The YMCA is the largest provider of after school programs in the country serving 10,000 communities. With 2,434 YMCA's nationwide it is the largest non-profit community service network in the nation. Etheridge and McMillian made today's announcement at the Raleigh YMCA on Hillsborough Street.