1. Increase of teens experiencing
or witnessing abuse in the
home
Increasing violent
content on TV, in videos, games,
and movies
Increasing pressure and
younger recruitment by gangs
Increased access to alcohol and
illegal/prescriptive drugs
Increase in mental and
emotional disorders that are
not detected or treated
44% of teens say they can get a
handgun if they really wanted.
(ucanchicago.org)
33% of high school students were
in at least one physical fight
within a 12 month period.
(ucanchicago.org)
1 in 12 teens in high school are
injured or threatened with a
weapon each year.
(teenviolencestatistics.com)
30% of youth in are involved in
bullying, either as a target, as the
bully, or both. (cdc.gov)
9.4% of teens say they have been
slapped, hit or physically hurt by
a peer in the last year.
(childsafetynetwork.com)
An average of 750,000 young
people are treated for violence-
related injuries annually.
(teenviolencestatistics.com)
An average of 13 young people
ages 10 to 24 are victims of
homicide every day. (cdc.gov)
Homicide is the second leading
cause of death for ages 1 to 24.
(teenviolencestatistics.com)

2. “Reform is born of need not pity”
-Rebecca Harding Davis
Our communities have seen a recent spike in
violent teen behavior, one that threatens the
safety of other youth and families. Our team felt
an incredible call to create a unique visual,
emotional and spiritual experience that challenges
youth to see the cause, effects, and casualties of
violent behavior, and create a platform that will
inspire students and youth leaders to dialogue
The one day event will give students, leaders, and
youth staff a chance to experience the powerful
@WAR presentation and have an opportunity to
dialogue during the “Listening Party”, which is a
question and answer period following the
production. Our goals for each @WAR event are:
To show youth effects of violent
images and lyrics found in mainstream media
To feature dynamic speakers
sharing inspiring messages to challenge youth
To create an opportunity for youth
to reform behaviors and achieve peace
We are interested in creating partnerships to offer
the @WAR experience to as many youth as
possible in the Mid-South . From facility usage, in-
kind donations of food, to funds to assist in the
production of the event, we would like to connect.
about the impact personal transformation can have
to significantly improve the future of this
generation. By utilizing images, music, and relevant
headlines prevalent in youth culture, @WAR is a
dynamic way to inspire student leaders and staff to
lead the charge of reformation in their community.

3. “{ Reformation } happens
when you dare to be awakened
to greater heights.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Recently teen violence struck the Poplar/Highland Community when a
mob of teens were filmed attacking shoppers and employees at the
Kroger grocery store in Poplar Plaza. Four girls who were associated
with the perpetrators but not involved in the attack , took a plea deal to
escape harsher punishment. Reformed by the experience they have
chosen to share their experience with other teens in an effort to
caution them. They will be featured panelist at each @WAR event.
After the event, students, youth leaders and educators will have the
opportunity to download engaging curriculum and information on our
website to continue the conversation and reformation.
These materials will be thought provoking, engaging, and can be used
in small groups or individually, to challenge students to reform anger,
violent impulses, and stop support of violent behavior among peers.