DR. ALISON CULYBA
Black and Brown adolescents who live in urban neighborhoods are at a higher risk of witnessing and experiencing violence, including gun violence, compared to White adolescents.
These inequities are the result of structural racism and systemic disinvestment in communities. This condition can limit opportunities and resources, especially to make safe, positive, and lasting connections with others in places like community centers, schools, churches, and libraries.
Addressing injustice by Strengthening Connections for Change
To address the factors that cause these disparities — and promote equity and reduce violence for Black and Brown youth — Dr. Alison Culyba, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, is leading an intervention program called Strengthening Connections for Change (SCC).
The program was created with input from Pittsburgh youth, adults, and community collaborators. It is part of The Pittsburgh Study, which brings community and academic partners together to develop and test strategies to promote anti-racist youth thriving in our region.
SCC brings together teens ages 13-17 and key supportive adults in their lives. SCC is being evaluated through a community-partnered pilot trial funded by the National Institutes of Health.
SCC’s goal is to strengthen teens’ support network, build leadership skills, foster community engagement, and challenge attitudes and behaviors that help teens avoid violence. “The hope is that by making intergenerational partnerships stronger, we can reduce violence and help teens build skills to thrive,” Dr. Culyba explains.
The Flint connection
SCC is based on a similar program in Flint, Michigan, which helped youth develop skills to implement change in their communities. The Flint study revealed that when youth participated in empowering activities, they were more likely to avoid risky behaviors and grow to become productive, healthy adults.
The Pittsburgh program is designed to help youth grow the networks of adults they can turn to for support in their family, school, and community. “For a young person, a strong network of relationships helps them develop and apply skills that can be life affirming for themselves and their communities, ”says Dr. Culyba
SCC also builds on previous research by Dr. Culyba and colleagues that shows the protective power of adult supporters. These relationships led to better school performance and lessened substance use and violence exposure.
Testing SCC in Knoxville and East Liberty
Currently, SCC is being tested in Knoxville and East Liberty. The program is made up of 12, 2-hour sessions once a week. Sessions rotate between youth-only, adult-only, and youth-adult programs.
The content strengthens support networks between adolescents and adults, builds leadership skills, fosters community engagement, and promotes attitudes and behaviors that reduce violence victimization and perpetration. Group discussions explore identity, teen-adult relationships, social networks, and community involvement.
Near the end of the sessions, participants design and carry out a community project that strengthens intergenerational bonds.
While all of this is happening, Dr. Culyba and colleagues are tracking enrollment and attendance and evaluating how participants feel about the sessions and the sessions’ effectiveness.
“SCC is an intervention that focuses on the transformational power of relationships to address violence and promote safety,” says Dr. Culyba. “Most importantly, the program is doing this from a place of strength and assets that build resilience and empowerment for the participants and neighborhoods.”
Love a teen? Here are 3 ways you can help them thrive!
Dr. Culyba offers advice on how to interact with the teenagers you love in a supportive way that conveys unconditional love.
- Reflect and give voice.
Think about what you love and value in your teen — the things that amaze you! Then share them with your teenager. Never forget that words have the power to uplift and transform. Your reflections also convey that you’re a steady source of unconditional love, support, and acceptance.
- Hold your teen to high standards.
From a place of love, clearly set expectations about behavior, schoolwork, and responsibilities and communicate why they’re important. Focus on growth and improvement. Encourage your teen to set challenges, learn from mistakes, and strive to do their best.
- Maintain open and respectful communication.
Create a safe and open place where your teen feels comfortable talking to you. Listen actively and don’t be overly critical or judgmental. Be respectful and try to understand their perspective. Provide guidance when needed.
Remember, holding a teen to high standards in a loving way involves balance! You’re challenging them to grow while providing the support they need to do that safely. Developing a strong relationship with your teenager requires patience, understanding, and a strong foundation of love and trust.
