Safe school task force: University-community partnership to promote student development and a safer school environment.

BACKGROUND

The Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center (APIYVPC) focuses its youth violence prevention efforts on community mobilization by partnering with Kailua High School and other local community groups.

OBJECTIVES

This paper describes the development and activities of the Safe School Task Force (SSTF) and the lessons learned.

METHODS

In response to concerns of school, community members, and students, the SSTF was organized to promote student leadership in raising awareness about problems related to violence.

LESSONS LEARNED

Collaboration among the school, community, and the university places students in leadership roles to reduce school violence and enhances their self-efficacy to improve their school environment. To increase SSTF effectiveness, more attention must be paid to student recruitment, consistent community partnerships, and gaining teacher buy-in.

CONCLUSIONS

This partnership may be useful in multicultural communities to provide students the opportunities to learn about violence prevention strategies, community mobilization, and leadership skills.