WASHINGTON (September 14, 2010) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW), in partnership with D.C. Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), presents “Flex Your Mind, No Retaliation,” a teen town hall meeting moderated by violence prevention activist Anwan “Big G” Glover of HBO’s The Wire and Treme to commemorate 40 Days of Increased Peace in Washington, D.C. on Friday, September 17, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., immediately followed by a teen social, complete with a poetry slam, music and free refreshments.

Distinguished panelists include Washington, D.C. area teens, Rahman Branch, Ballou Senior High School Principal, and Officer Sherri Hinton, Metropolitan Police Department. Mayor Adrian Fenty and D.C. City Council are also invited guests.

“The ripple effects of violence are felt throughout every part of our community and it is important to positively engage our youth before they become a victim or participant,” said Pandit Wright, President and CEO of BGCGW. “This town hall meeting is another way to put our mission in action and continue to serve as a safe haven for the city’s youth, while empowering young people to prevent violence in their community.”

Over 100 teens from across the Washington, D.C. region will join forces with community leaders to share insights and engage in healthy, solution-driven dialogue about violence and gang prevention initiatives and other social activities. This interactive forum and panel discussion will be held in the recital hall at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE Washington, D.C., 20020.

Director of D.C. Parks & Recreation Jesús Aguirre stated “DPR is pleased to be a part of events such as this, which brings awareness to decreasing violence among our youth.”

Since 2000, 40 Days of Increased Peace has served countless youth with free recreational and educational activities during the summer months as an alternative to violence, which often times result from poor supervision. Through community partnership, 40 Days of Increased Peace has fostered positive community relationships with schools, law enforcement, and community and faith-based organizations.