St. Louis Advocates for Youth is following the money flowing into Ferguson in the aftermath of the Michael Brown Jr. police shooting – and making sure that promised dollars actually do flow – via its Resource Accountability Project (RAP).
“RAP’s ultimate goal is to hold those who pledged monetary donations in the wake of the Ferguson uprising fiscally accountable,” said Marissa Price, a student at Saint Louis University and one of RAP’s young facilitators.
“Too often, donors have pledged to donate large sums of money and have either not followed through or have entrusted funds with intermediaries who fall short of the follow through. RAP is assisting young people in doing the necessary research and questioning to ensure those funds get to the correct institutions and with the correct intentions.”
RAP is will monitor the flow of funds using four focus areas: Education, Health, Recreation and Employment.
“This youth-driven project opens up leadership opportunities for youth and young adults who will learn about civic engagement and city budgets, as well as how to do research, make public presentations and work as a team,” said Jamala Rogers of St. Louis Advocates for Youth.
“Many young people have expressed skepticism about whether the dollars will make it to the intended destination or have an impact on addressing problems affecting young people. RAP plans to involve area youth people in finding this out.”
RAP is open to young people from middle school and up. The next RAP session is Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the William Harrison Education Center, 3140 Cass Ave. Registration is at 10:30 am.
For more information, contact Jamala Rogers at stladvocatesforyouth@gmail.com.
