Initiative Challenges Encourage Teamwork, Problem Solving

---

A select group of MVP participants from Massachusetts high schools gather at Carter Playground adjacent to Northeastern University, in the shadow of Boston's landmark Prudential and Hancock Towers, for the 4th-Annual MVP Youth Leadership Event.

---

BOSTON, MA � On June 4th, 2002 the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program held the 4th-Annual MVP Youth Leadership Event at Roxbury's Carter Playground.

This years theme, "Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders," challenged participants to communicate and problem solve with their peers from high schools throughout Massachusetts.Additionally, participants were asked to incorporate the values of the MVP Program throughout the day.

"Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders" convened a select group of 50 student leaders, representing a variety of backgrounds. The common thread for each of the students was their participation in MVP trainings during the school year, and special selection for this day by their respective school official.

High Schools represented included:

• John D. O�Bryant
• Health Careers Academy
• Dorchester
• Silver Lake
• Watson House

The students were assigned to small groups and presented with a series of Leadership Initiative Challenges. Each group had to work together, and utilize the leadership skills learned during MVP training, to successfully complete the challenges.

"For many students, events like this provide rare opportunities for them to interact with their peers from other parts of the state, and also to learn how to overcome differences while completing in challenges," said MVP Training Specialist, Duane de Four.

While meeting their peers, participants also realized they are part of a larger network of Massachusetts high school student-leaders that are working to end men's violence against women. Each of the participants completed at least 14 hours of gender violence prevention and education training with the MVP Program during the school year.