Category: Youth_engagement

2019 Youth-Police Program

2/5/2019

The IL NAACP Law Enforcement Committee led by retired Chief Robert Moore has informed us of IL State Police summer camp opportunities for students of color. We are posting this notice to support outreach by both the NAACP and the IL State Police, and to further our effort to bridge the police and community divide. Please see the brochure below for all the details.

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Unity Partnership Supports SMILE Project

9/4/2018

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The DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church shares its commitment to social justice with and interfaith potlucks to immerse the culture of DuPage UU Church in the myriad racially-based injustices that exist in our community. We translated our passion into action by developing the SMILE (Students, Mentors, Internships with Local Employers) project from a model we learned about from a group of Proviso Township African-American ministers.

Our SMILE project engages high school students with mentors in workplace environments. Students intern with their mentor for 16 hours per week for a total of 4 weeks, learning aspects of a business they are interested in, at no cost to the mentor. Students are paid an honorarium by the Social Justice Committee with funds raised by the DuPage UU Church congregation. Contributions came directly from members and from a variety of fundraisers.

Unity Partnership actively supported the SMILE project by offering two internships with local police departments. The student interns accompanied officers on “ride alongs,” and observed basic police procedures. The officers also modeled appropriate dress and demeanor in the workplace. Both the students and the officers reported that the experience was positive.

In keeping with the local departments and Unity Partnership’s goal of increasing diversity, all the SMILE project interns were young people of color. We hope to add additional departments next year, and again match students who express an interest in policing. We hope that other churches and groups will follow our lead and set up their own SMILE projects. We know that a positive relationship with a committed mentor at a critical point in a teen’s development can truly be transformative.

Cheryl Clayton
Co-Chair DUUC Social Justice Committee
Second Vice President, Unity Partnership

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Bowlero Bowling - June 28, 2018

7/11/2018

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Unity Partnership sponsored a magnificent bowling event to gather police and the youth in the community for a round of bowling just to get to know one another. There were approximately 62 people in attendance who were paired up to face off in a competitive game that was just about unstoppable...they were to become a team!

The kids were bowling with laughter and appreciation of the fact that police were their partners! In the end, we all came together for a conversation about how much we enjoyed each other's company and awards were given to everyone. The awards were donated by a man who understands "change begins with ordinary people."

Several officers were there from various police departments, such as Naperville, Aurora, DuPage & Kane counties sheriff department, and Westmont police. Our volunteers came to assist in any way possible. We are forever grateful to everyone for their participation.

We had lots of food and drinks...everyone took pictures and the waiters were extraordinary. Every time I witness such collaboration and unity, it warms my heart and it validates the reason for what we do, how we do it, and why we should all be involved. ---Regina Brent, Founder & President

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Shop with a Cop 2017

10/12/2017

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Shop with a cop

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Bowling Bolero 2017

10/12/2017

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This was an evening of fun and laughter as our surrounding DuPage and Kane counties police officers and youth squared off in a game of bowling against their neighboring departments. The purpose of this event was to familiarize our young people with law-enforcement off-site and to establish a friendship based on the point of humanity. We wanted to build trust between one another for the safety of our communities. Many of our youth have not had non-service contact with police officers who serve and protect in their neighborhoods. It was a great opportunity to develop relationships as public servants and citizens to ensure a continuance of accountability and safety for our communities in DuPage County.

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360 Barbecue 2017

5/31/2017

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This event was an evening of fun and laughter to become familiar with the 360 youth and our surrounding law enforcement officers from the Lisle and Naperville Police departments. We dialogued with the youth about their dreams and aspirations regarding their future. What's happening now? What are their plans for the upcoming summer vacation? Our goal was to build relationships and partnerships with the surrounding police and civilians for the betterment of our community!

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Unity Partnership Events & News

2019 Youth-Police Program

Unity Partnership Supports SMILE Project

Bowlero Bowling - June 28, 2018

Shop with a Cop 2017

Bowling Bolero 2017

360 Barbecue 2017

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