Youth Initiatives
Working Against Violence, Inc. strongly believes in the power of youth voices and youth action to create a safer community. We welcome all youth who are passionate about finding solutions to the challenges they face.
Rapid City Youth Task Force and Youth Action Board
The Youth Task Force, a spin-off of the Black Hills Regional Housing Stability Coalition, brings together adult and youth voices with an intersectional approach to address the runaway and homeless youth crisis. Involved in National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) in November, the task force educates and creates solutions for issues these youth face. The Youth Action Board, a youth-led group with members who have lived experience of being unhoused, advocates for positive change in housing challenges. Their efforts have led to the creation of a youth drop-in center, young adult transitional housing, and youth outreach programs. Their vision is, “Change starts somewhere, why not here.”
Student Voice Forum
Students may share opinions and influence positive change in the school district by participating in this forum. The RCAS Superintendent and middle/high school students have a conversation bimonthly about issues the district is facing.
Take ACTion
A youth-led community engagement theatre group for youth to write, perform, and present short films. Through these short films they “Stand Up and Speak Out” on important topics they can relate to.
Youth City Council
The Youth City Council creates a channel for open communication between Common Council members and youth in our community, and gives young people an opportunity to gain an understanding of the processes and departments of the City of Rapid City.
Contact Kristin Kiner: 605-310-4400
Pennington County Teen Court Program
Teen Court, a collaborative effort between the Pennington County State’s Attorney, the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, offers juvenile offenders ages 12-17 an alternative to the formal justice system. In Teen Court, peer juries determine constructive dispositions based on cases presented by teen volunteer attorneys. This program provides a second chance for youth with little or no prior criminal history, aiming to keep them out of the criminal court system. Successful completion prevents formal charges from being filed.
Contact Felicia Sauceman: 605-394-2191
