The mayor says he’s starting a new effort to help young people of color in Kansas City.
Mayor James says the comments he heard this morning at a listening session shows him there needs to be more collaboration between youth outreach groups.
The mayor says that within 60 days his office will begin meeting with youth-focused organizations in an effort to inventory Kansas City’s community’s assets and resources for youth of color.
“The goal is to determine gaps in resources and increase collaboration between organizations to maximize impact on youth,” the mayor’s office said in a press release. “While sitting on the panel, the Mayor explained that he is aware of many great people and organizations doing a wide variety of youth outreach and development. However, his experience has shown him there isn’t enough collaboration between all the different entities. His pledge is aimed at creating efficiencies that result in more resources and support reaching the youth of Kansas City.”
President Obama, national foundations and businesses announced the My Brother’s Keeper effort last February. A federal task force is working on ideas to enhance opportunities for boys and young men of color, and an executive alliance has raised $150 million for solutions.
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