Community Youth Development Institute students gathered in the auditorium to discuss an issue that affect them all directly, violence. Staff and students of CYDI have witness every summer someone in their Auburn-Gresham neighborhood fall victim to violence. Before school is over for the 2008-2009 school year, CYDI held their 1^st Safe Summer Summit. The purpose of the event was to generate a health discussion of how to address the increase in violence with Chicago youth. The discussion was lead by a group of concerned students wanting to see all their classmates return to school safely in September. There were special invited guest present to add to the conversation. The guests included former cook county sheriff Sylvester Baker as well as Chicago Police Department Officer Jackson and Sergeant Davis.

Students were asked to determine possible causes and effect of violence in their community. Comments made address the cowardliness of using guns as a form of conflict resolution and lack of choices available. Other causes discussed were gang and turf wars, drugs, and domestic violence. Several students had personal testimonies of how violence has impacted their lives. Displaying pain and heartache, students told stories of being witness to shooting of love ones.

A glaring problem that was talked about in depth at the Summit was the conflict between community members and the Chicago Police Department. Students recognize there is a lack of respect between both parties. The dialogue lead to the some recommendation on how to improve the relationship between the community and the police. Suggestions included getting involved with neighborhood CAPS and neighborhood watch groups, getting involved with the policy making by making voices heard to elected officials, and being more vocal with reporting crime.

When the discussion came to possible solutions to end the violence, most students had several ideas on how to improve the situation. Demonstrating maturity and being in positive environment around positive people were suggested. Students strongly believe there need to be more opportunities available for their age group in the form of summer recreational programs and employment opportunities. Students believe many programs are geared toward elementary school age students and high school student are left to find their own activities. The lack of a safe place to have fun is a big problem for some students. One student advised her peers to mentor the younger kids so they will grew up in a better environment. The overall theme of the summit was creating a positive and caring network to make the community safer for everyone. Students left the summit knowing that they have to take personal responsibility for themselves and those around them to achieve the goal of a safe summer.