A former Oklahoman, Roger Franklin, has relaunched an awareness campaign aimed at preventing youth violence. Through his organization, Action Center Oklahoma, Franklin emphasizes the need for community dialogue to address and resolve issues related to youth violence. His mission statement, “make the problem loud, but make the solution louder,” encapsulates his strategy of fostering open conversations about these critical issues.
Oklahoma City has experienced various initiatives to combat youth violence, particularly following a series of tragic incidents this year involving young people. Local leaders have reinstated the ‘In by 10’ initiative, a program encouraging parents to ensure their children are home by 10 p.m. Franklin’s campaign seeks to complement these efforts by inviting community members to engage in discussions that can lead to actionable solutions.
Focus on Community Engagement
Franklin believes that fostering conversation is essential for understanding the complexities surrounding youth violence. He stated, “So conversating gives everybody a chance to understand where we are, and then we come up with a solution to that problem.” By reopening Action Center Oklahoma, which previously operated in the city, Franklin aims to reignite community involvement in these discussions.
The organization plans to hold monthly meetings in Oklahoma City to expand outreach and participation. “Our goal is to be in Oklahoma City once a month, having these types of meetings, and we’re going to invite a little more every time we do this,” Franklin explained. One of the key components of this effort will be the Community Empowerment Outreach, designed to bring the campaign directly to neighborhoods.
Franklin expressed concern about the increasing reliance on law enforcement to address community issues, noting, “I hate to see that the National Guard and law enforcement are coming in to fix problems that men and women in their own communities can fix.” His initiative aims to empower local residents to take charge of their communities and drive positive change.
Proven Success in Other Regions
Franklin’s approach has reportedly yielded positive results in other areas. “Springfield, Missouri, right now, is moving forward pretty fast. We’re seeing crime at its lowest in three years with the numbers of our efforts there and a collaboration of people,” he shared. Additionally, he noted similar improvements in Inglewood, California, and Henderson, North Carolina, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in effecting change.
Looking ahead, Franklin is set to launch the next phase of his campaign on October 25, 2023, in the Millwood District of North East Oklahoma City. He hopes that by initiating conversations about youth violence, communities can work together towards creating safer environments for young people.
As Franklin embarks on this renewed campaign, he invites Oklahomans to join in not just to discuss problems, but to be active participants in forging solutions. “Vision brings change,” he stated, emphasizing the collective power of community engagement in addressing the issue of youth violence.
