December 24, 2023

Subject: Urgent Call for Advocates and Support: Petition for Jobs for Youths Under 16 - OurCity DC

Dear fellow citizens of OurCity District of Columbia,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the spirit of solidarity  and progress that defines OurCity DC. My name is Antone White, Founder/CEO of Our City DC & Our City United and Co-Founder of The A’Tonement  Project (TAP); I am writing to you today as a proud member of OurCity DC and an advocate for the betterment of our community. I am reaching out to seek your support and participation in signing a petition aimed at urging the Mayor and members of the Council to modify the legislation and decree the establishment of job opportunities for youths under the age of 16.

In OurCity DC, we firmly believe in the power of collective action and the responsibility we all share in addressing the challenges that affect our community. Our anthem, "OurCity, OurPeople, OurProblem, OurSolution, and OurResponsibility," embodies the spirit of collaboration and determination that drives us forward. By joining hands and working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth.

It is crucial to recognize that our young people are the heart and soul of OurCity DC. By providing them with access to job opportunities at an early age, we can empower them to develop crucial skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and set them on a path to success. Moreover, such initiatives have been proven to reduce crime rates, strengthen community bonds, and create a brighter future for all.

Regrettably, the current legislation in OurCity DC does not adequately address the employment needs of our young population. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to advocate for change and create an environment that nurtures the growth and development of our youth. By signing this petition, we can collectively raise our voices and demand legislative reform to establish jobs for youths under 16.

The key objectives of this petition are as follows:

1. Legislative Modification: Petition the Mayor and members of the Council to review and modify existing legislation, ensuring that job opportunities are accessible for youths under the age of 16. This will require careful consideration of safety regulations, appropriate working hours, and suitable types of employment for this age group.

2. Youth Empowerment: Advocate for comprehensive youth empowerment programs that equip young individuals with the necessary life skills, instill a sense of accountability, and promote responsible decision-making. These programs should prepare our youth for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the workforce, empowering them to become future leaders of OurCity DC.

3. Mobilize OurCity DC: Engage our fellow citizens, community organizations, and local businesses to unite behind this cause. Let us encourage them to join us in signing the petition and raising awareness about the importance of providing job opportunities for youths under 16. Together, we can demonstrate the strength of our collective voice and create a compelling case for legislative change.

I invite you to be a part of this vital movement by signing the enclosed petition. Your signature will serve as a powerful testament to the unity and determination of OurCity DC. Additionally, I kindly request your support in sharing this petition with your networks and inspiring others to add their signatures as well.

Once we have garnered a significant number of signatures, we will present the petition to the Mayor and members of the Council, urging them to prioritize this issue and take the necessary steps to enact positive change.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support. Let us stand together as champions for our youth and work towards a brighter future for OurCity DC.

See below letter to the Mayor and Members of Council of District of Columbia 

Sincerely,

 

Antone White,

OurCity DC & Our City United Advocate 

email: ourcitydc.com@ourcitydc.com

 

 

December 24, 2023

Dear Mayor Muriel Bowser and esteemed Council Members of the District of Columbia:

Subject: Urgent Legislation Change Needed to Establish Jobs for Youth Under 16

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. My name is Antone White, Founder/CEO of Our City DC & Our City United and Co-Founder of The A’Tonement Project (TAP); I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen who strongly believes in the power of job opportunities for our youth. I am specifically advocating for the establishment of jobs for youth under the age of 16 through a comprehensive and effective program. The underlying goal of this initiative is to inculcate structure, preparation, personal accountability, and responsibility in our youth, ultimately reducing violence by 65% in our city.

As a passionate advocate for youth development and crime prevention, I understand the complexities and realities of our justice system and crimes in communities, by thus having been incarcerated for 2 months less than 30 years for a conviction of RICO ACT and distribution of Crack. While I was charged with murder and gun charges , the latter were hung and subsequently dismissed. This personal experience has given me a unique perspective on the importance on  providing opportunities and support to young individuals who have faced adversity and are at risk of falling in a cycle in violence and crime. 

Since my reentry in August of 2022, I have observed  the current programs instituted by the city have not been conducive to achieving the desired outcomes. In my personal analysis, I believe that these programs lack the necessary emphasis on youth preparation, including the inculcation of personal accountability and responsibility in governing their own lives. It is crucial to acknowledge that simply providing job opportunities is not enough; we must also equip our youth with the skills, values, and mindset necessary for success and positive contributions to society.

Establishing legislation to enable jobs for youth under 16 is a critical step towards achieving these objectives. By allowing our young population to engage in meaningful employment at an early age, we can provide them with valuable experiences and opportunities for growth. This will not only prepare them for their future careers but also instill a sense of structure and responsibility, reducing their susceptibility to negative influences and criminal activities.

I propose the following actions to establish jobs for youth under 16:

1. Legislative Reform: Review and amend existing labor laws and regulations to permit employment opportunities for youth under the age of 16. This will require a careful evaluation of the safety measures, working hours, and types of employment suitable for this age group.

2. Youth Preparation Programs: Develop comprehensive programs that focus on equipping youth with the necessary skills, values, and mindset for employment. These programs should emphasize personal accountability, responsibility, time management, and workplace etiquette.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to create job opportunities specifically tailored for youth under 16. These partnerships can provide internships, apprenticeships, and part-time employment options that align with the capabilities and interests of our youth.

4. Mentorship and Guidance: Establish mentorship programs that pair youth with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their employment journey. This will further enhance their personal and professional development.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust system for monitoring the effectiveness of the jobs for youth program. Regular evaluations should be conducted to assess the impact on violence reduction, youth development, and community engagement.

By taking these actions, we can create a transformative program that not only provides jobs for our youth but also prepares them for a successful future. It is essential to recognize that investing in our youth today will yield long-term benefits for our community as a whole.

I kindly request an opportunity to meet with you and discuss these proposals in further detail. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our youth and create a safer and more prosperous city for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and decisive action.

 

Sincerely,

 

Antone White

Founder/CEO Our City DC & Our City United, and Co-Founder of The Atonement Project (TAP)

 

Cc: Fellow Citizens of District of Columbia