Getting Out: Youth Gangs, Violence, and Positive Change

Keith Morton codirected a safe-space program for youth involved in gang or street violence in Providence, Rhode Island. "Getting Out" is a result of his innovative perspectives that prioritize healing over punishment and recognize youth as full human beings.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 30 August 2019
\n Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press
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Keith Morton, a passionate advocate for social change, dedicated eight years to leading a groundbreaking safe-space program in Providence, Rhode Island. Through his unwavering commitment and innovative approach, Morton helped young individuals involved in gang or street violence find a path towards positive transformation.

Morton's journey began when he collaborated with staff from a local nonviolence institute, sharing his unique perspectives and developing innovative strategies to support these young people. Instead of viewing their violence as a pathology, he recognized it as a result of the trauma they had experienced. Morton believed that by addressing the root causes of their trauma, he could help them unlearn violence and pursue nonviolent alternatives.

His Youth Positive approach was a game-changer, prioritizing healing over punishment and recognizing the full humanity of these young individuals. Morton understood that these youth needed support, not judgment, and he worked tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment where they could explore their emotions, develop empathy, and build resilience.

Informed by deep personal connections with the youth he worked with, Morton challenged the traditional notion of asking, "What is wrong with you?" Instead, he sought to understand the "What happened to you?" This shift in perspective allowed him to tap into the resilience and strength of these young people, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion within them.

Morton's program not only provided a safe space for these young people to heal but also offered them valuable resources and support to pursue education, employment, and meaningful relationships. Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Morton helped countless young individuals break free from the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Getting Out is a powerful testament to the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social change. It serves as a reminder that by asking the right questions and providing the necessary support, we can help young people overcome the challenges they face and build a more peaceful and just world.

\n Weight: 375g\n
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781625344274\n \n