The Authority of Authenticity in Youth Ministry
The headline jumped out on the front page of the April 12, 2010 Kansas City Star: KC Police Brace for Return of Unruly Youths to Plaza. The story read:
Police were expecting trouble last weekend, but not of the magnitude that was delivered when as many as 900 juveniles swarmed the Plaza streets and sidewalks. Police think texting and social media played a role in the wave of youths.... The youths "were destroying property, pushing people as they walked down the sidewalk and spitting on people," Police Capt. Donna Greenwell said. "It was just mass chaos and mayhem." ...Councilwoman Sharon Sanders Brooks said the entire city needs to confront the issue of young people not having enough wholesome weekend evening activities. "It's everybody's responsibility," said Sanders Brooks, who represents the 3rd District, in the heart of the city. "It's going to take council people, the private sector, parents and the faith-based community."