Petition to Support the Immediate Conditional Reinstatement of New Generation Community Band

 

Protect Our Youth. Preserve Opportunity. Promote Partnership.

 

We, the undersigned residents, parents, alumni, community members, faith leaders, educators, and supporters, respectfully urge the City of Portsmouth to immediately restore conditional access to City facilities for New Generation Community Band while the City and the organization’s leadership finalize outstanding administrative requirements.

 

Founded in 1992, New Generation Community Band has faithfully served Portsmouth’s youth for more than three decades. Under the leadership of Chris Hines since 2023, the program has grown to serve approximately 125 young people by providing mentorship, discipline, leadership development, community service, travel opportunities, and a safe, structured environment where youth can thrive.

 

This program represents far more than music. It represents hope, accountability, positive relationships, and opportunities that help young people build confidence and prepare for successful futures.

 

We recognize and support the City’s responsibility to ensure public safety, proper supervision, insurance compliance, and responsible use of public facilities. We are not asking the City to waive these requirements.

 

Instead, we respectfully request that the City work in partnership with New Generation Community Band by allowing the program to resume rehearsals under a temporary compliance agreement while remaining administrative matters are completed.

 

We respectfully ask the City of Portsmouth to:

 

Immediately restore conditional access for rehearsals while compliance requirements are finalized.

Work collaboratively with New Generation Community Band leadership to resolve outstanding issues through a written corrective action plan.

Designate a City representative to assist with communication and implementation.

Continue supporting positive youth development through partnership, accountability, and transparency.

 

Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed.

 

In a community working to create brighter futures for young people, we believe programs that provide mentorship, structure, leadership, and positive alternatives should be strengthened whenever possible.

 

By signing this petition, we stand together in support of a collaborative solution that protects both the City’s interests and the futures of the young people served by New Generation Community Band.

 

Protect the Program. Support the Youth. Build the Partnership.