Monsignor Earl Provenza of Shreveport’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church called it “a miracle”. The first time that nearly one-hundred local ministers and religious leaders, came together to collectively and publicly commit to step into the ring in the City’s fight against crime.

The ninety-eight ministers came at the call of Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover and Police Chief Henry L. Whitehorn Thursday December 20, 2007 at the Independence Stadium Sky Box.

“There are some 200 churches and places of worship in our City, religious communities that touch the lives of many, one day a week”, says Glover. “Chief Whitehorn and I are asking the leaders in those church communities, to go beyond their congregations and extend their ministries 24-7 to include adjacent homes, families and neighborhoods”.

Pastors have been asked to work with Mayor Glover and Chief Whitehorn on:

End the Silence, End the Violence!!!

Public Awareness Campaign geared to counteract the “Stop Snitching” trend.

-PSAs

-Theme for weekly sermons

-Provide positive examples of those who have helped prevent crimes or brought others to justice

Area-wide Commitment to Non-Violence

-A real and true exploration and commitment to a non-violent lifestyle

-Sharing techniques and writings of those who have manifested such

-Signing of non-violence pledges in churches, neighborhoods and schools

Gang Awareness Campaign

-Schools, homes, neighborhoods and churches are filled with young people involved with gang culture

-Adults and leaders must become aware of the signs and symbols and learn what steps to take to help

Parish-wide After School Network

- Implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure that every child in Caddo Parish has access to a high quality, well-structured after school academic, cultural and athletic program

Return of the KingsMen Observers

-The vanguards of Shreveport’s neighborhoods

-An extension of “eyes and ears” of law enforcement

-Expand the number, quality and activities of Neighborhood Watches

-Create a constructive, positive and identifiable positive presence

Support the recruitment of new volunteers for time-tested youth programs such as:

-Boys and Girl Scouts

-SPAR

-Big Brothers and Big Sisters

-Court Appointed Special Advocates

-4-H

-100 Men

-And others

Dropout Prevention and Truancy Initiative

-Director of National Dropout Prevention Center, January 23, 2008 9am-1pm

-Learning to Finish