Gov. M. Jodi Rell today stressed the need for all segments of society to work together creatively to stem youth violence that affects not only the state’s largest cities but every corner of Connecticut.

The governor addressed hundreds of people gathered at Central Connecticut State University for a statewide summit she convened on preventing urban youth violence.
“We knew we needed to develop a coordinated statewide approach to address these tragedies that really do have ripple effects far beyond urban borders,” Rell said. “With each senseless death we lose a little of ourselves as a society – unless we all come together to help.”

The theme of the summit, “Creating Solutions Through Innovative Collaborations Statewide” drew representatives from interfaith groups, schools and community organizations.
“There is certainly no lack of passion on anyone’s part here to begin to turn this around,” Governor Rell said. “Our solutions must be the produce of an integrated approached and a shared commitment.”

The summit featured panel discussions from participants of recent town hall meetings in Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven. Panelists discussed the impact of youth violence on their communities and possible solutions to the problem.
“We must break this cycle of violence,” Governor Rell said. “We have so much to gain as a society. If we do not, we stand to lose the full potential of the next generation and more of our humanity.”