 A significant part of DC Campaign's work is to help teens and adults find their voices and share their experiences with people whose decisions affect the lives of teens. Being an outspoken witness to the impact of policy on teens is crucial to making those policies better serve Washington, DC residents.
Following are copies of testimony presented by DC Campaign Youth Leadership Task Force members, staff members and others. Testimonies are presented in reverse chronological order.
(right) As seen on DC Cable, a member of the Roosevelt YLTF testifies before the Committee of the Whole about "youth issues."
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April 24, 2008: DC Committee of the Whole |
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Testimony given by Brenda Rhodes Miller
When DC Campaign got started in 1999 it was because this community told us it wanted a new way to think about teen pregnancy. Health education, access to contraceptives, advice on waiting are all necessary but not sufficient when it comes to preventing teen pregnancy. Consequently, DC Campaign took a different approach by changing the conversation. Instead of blaming youngsters for the shape they’re in, DC Campaign examined the research to find out why the majority of teens don’t get pregnant or cause a pregnancy. The answer: close caring relationships with trustworthy adults; safe places to spend time with their friends doing interesting things; health care; school success from an early age and a plan for the future that doesn’t include being a teen parent. In short: motivation.
To read the entire testimony, click here  Testimony April 24, 2008 (39.89 Kb).
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April 23, 2008: Public Hearing Committee on Health |
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Testimony given by Brenda Rhodes Miller
Just yesterday, a young person in our office searched DC.Gov for where teens could find birth control.
Of the nine centers on the list she found, three provided prenatal services only and four had telephone numbers not in service, including Columbia Hospital for Women which closed in May 2002 and one number rang 25 times without being answered.
To read the entire testimony, click here Testimony April 23, 2008 (41.56 Kb).
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April 22, 2008: DC Committee on Workforce Development & Government Operations |
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Testimony given by Joyce Fourth Clemons
Research shows that teen pregnancy is less likely when teens have interesting things to do in a safe, supervised environment. Since 1999, DC Campaign has convened teen town hall meetings with young people from across the city. When asked about what they think would reduce the high incidences of teen pregnancy, one of their answers is always more jobs. Young people want to have good experiences in their summer and afterschool jobs.
To read the entire testimony, click here Testimony April 22, 2008 (33.98 Kb).
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April 14, 2008: DC Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation |
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Testimony given by Joyce Fourth Clemons
Research indicates that teen pregnancy is less likely when boys and girls, regardless of income or race, have interesting things to do and safe supervised places to spend time with their friends. Research also suggests that recreation, including supervised sports and physical activities can help youth avoid trouble.
To read the entire testimony, click here Testimony April 14, 2008 (34.17 Kb).
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April 8, 2008: District of Columbia Public Schools |
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Testimony given by Gloria Mobley
Families started by teens account for a large percentage of public spending. Teen parents who do not earn a high school diploma are confined to low wage jobs and remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. Their children are far more likely to experience poor health, school failure, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Homelessness, abuse, neglect, and poverty loom large for these young families.
To read the entire testimony, click here Testimony April 8, 2008 (36.69 Kb).
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