So this is pretty interesting, and frankly, is something that everyone should attend. The USAO's office (United States Attorney's Office) is holding its 5th Annual United States Attorney's Office Youth Summit. The summit focuses on educating youth about understanding their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement. The goal is to teach kids how to deal with the police so that interactions don't escalate.

From the email sent out today by Baretta Francis, the USAG is hoping that, "in light of recent events nationwide regarding the interaction between law enforcement and the communities that we serve, especially our youth, we believe it is essential that we help facilitate this dialogue."

The event is this Friday, June 26th, from 11am - 3pm at Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter High School, located at 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE.

The event is being put on by (and sponsored by) Acting United States Attorney Vincent H. Cohen, Jr., Mayor Muriel Bowser, the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Collaborative Solutions for Communities, Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School, District of Columbia Youth Advisory Council, Metropolitan Police Department and various other partners.

From the email:

This year’s summit will begin with a skit created by local youth and followed by several film clips that provide citizens with tips on how to interact with law enforcement during a police encounter and highlight various community and law enforcement interactions.

Following the video clips, we will solicit information from the youth in attendance about their interactions with law enforcement and ask various panelists for their opinions and impressions. During this event, youth will also be encouraged to express their feelings about law enforcement, learn more, ask questions, and develop recommendations on how law enforcement can better relate to the District’s youth.

In addition, the summit will include a youth informational fair where non-profit organizations provide information on youth development programs, mentoring, and educational youth activities. Please bring youth from 8 to 18 years of age. People with questions or interest in bringing a youth group to the Youth Summit may contact Lenney Lowe at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (202)-698-1452.