Dear Friends, Neighbors, Community Leaders, and Elected Officials,
We cannot continue accepting violence as normal. We cannot continue losing our young people to senseless acts that leave families shattered and communities grieving. Every life lost is a tragedy. Every child taken from us is a future stolen. When we are faced with challenging times, we must not fall into despair; we must fall into community.
As Program Director of My Brother’s Workshop, I have spent years working alongside young people who simply needed someone to believe in them, guide them, and provide opportunities to succeed. For nearly 20 years, My Brother’s Workshop has witnessed the transformative power of mentorship, education, job training, counseling, and meaningful employment opportunities. We have seen young people discover purpose, gain confidence, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
These successes are not accidental. Research and experience continue to show that youth development programs, mentoring initiatives, workforce training, educational support, and positive community engagement help reduce violence and create safer, stronger communities.
That is why I am calling on all of us, parents, educators, business leaders, faith leaders, community members, philanthropists, and elected officials, to invest in what works.
Support the organizations that are creating opportunities for young people. Volunteer. Donate. Mentor.
Advocate. Invest your time, resources, and influence in the solutions that work. Help expand access to education, job training, mental health support, and positive activities that give our youth hope and direction.
And as we enter another election season, a very important question to answer is: What is your plan to create opportunity for the young people of the Virgin Islands? What investments will you make in proven programs that prevent violence before it starts?
Our young people deserve more than promises. They deserve action.
The answer to violence is not found in outrage alone. It is found in opportunity. It is found in mentorship. It is found in education. It is found in employment. It is found in community.
If we truly want a different future, we must be willing to build it together.
Our young people are worth that investment. Our community is worth that effort. And the time to act is now.
With Hope and Determination, C. Payne
— Chrystie Payne is Program Director for My Brother’s Workshop, Inc.
