National Youth Violence Prevention Week 2026 Recap

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Background

National Youth Violence Prevention Week took place April 27-May 2, 2026 as a national observance to promote awareness, prevention, and community engagement to address youth violence. Recognized annually, the week emphasized the importance of early intervention, cross-sector collaboration, and youth-centered approaches to fostering safety and well-being.

In Portland, the Office of Violence Prevention convened youth, schools, community-based organizations, and public partners to participate in a coordinated series of events designed to educate, engage, and empower young people. Through workshops, assemblies, community-based activities, and skill-building opportunities, participants were provided with tools to support conflict resolution, personal safety, and positive decision-making.

Day 1: Monday - Kickoff & Awareness

Theme: "Raising Awareness, Building Hope"

Morning Press Conference & Opening Ceremony/Assembly

An opening ceremony at Leodis V. McDaniel High School brought together over 100 students to kick off the week, featuring remarks from city leaders, school officials, and community speakers, along with student performances and a keynote from former NFL player Alex Green. The day concluded with a Talk-A-Mile event led by Justin and Erika Fogherty.

Day 2: Tuesday - Empowerment Through Education

Theme: "Knowledge is Power"

Safe Blocks/Rose City Self-Defense Workshops

Rose City Self-Defense and the Safe Blocks team facilitated a Personal Safety and Self-Defense Workshop at Midland Library. Participants engaged in a structured session focused on practical skills to help youth navigate and respond to uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situations. The workshop concluded with guided instruction on basic defensive techniques for scenarios that may escalate.

Day 3: Wednesday - Building Resilient Communities

Theme: "Together We Stand"

Community Beautification Project

Muralist Heidi Shultz partnered with the Safe Blocks team at David Douglas High School to engage two art classes in the early stages of a campus mural project. All students in these classes contributed to the development of the final design and were guided through the process of planning and executing a large-scale mural. A smaller group of selected art students will continue working closely with the muralist to complete the installation in the coming weeks.

Day 4: Thursday - Movie Night

Theme: "Fun night"

Movie night at Cinemark

Students who participated in the Talk-A-Mile and Personal Safety Workshop events, along with youth from community-based organizations, were provided tickets to attend screenings at Century 16 Eastport Plaza. Featured films included Hoppers and Project Hail Mary, offering students the opportunity to enjoy a free movie experience in a positive and engaging environment.

Day 5: Friday - Portland Trail Blazers Youth Basketball Clinic

Theme: "Play with Purpose"

Basketball Clinic with the Portland Trail Blazer Youth Engagement Team

The Portland Trail Blazers Youth Engagement team hosted a basketball clinic at Parkrose Middle School, where students participated in drills, skill-building activities, and a concluding scrimmage. Concurrently, the Safe Blocks team partnered with Division Midway Alliance to lead a Community Clean Up along Division Street, with over 20 community members contributing to neighborhood beautification and cleanliness efforts.

Day 6: Saturday - Multnomah County Youth Summit

Theme: "Empowering Futures"

Annual Youth Summit, Ceasefire Event, and African Refugee & Immigrant Organization (ARIO) Basketball Tournament

The African Refugee and Immigrant Organization hosted a youth basketball tournament at East Portland Community Center, bringing together many participants from the African immigrant community for a day of recreation and connection. Simultaneously, Multnomah County Community & Adolescent Health Program held its annual Youth Summit at PCC Cascade Campus, where youth engaged in a variety of life skills workshops and received food and incentives for their participation. Additionally, the Ceasefire Program distributed over 60 tickets to Oaks Amusement Park, providing youth involved in partner programs with an opportunity to enjoy rides, activities, and meals in a positive setting.

As we close out this year's National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the Office of Violence Prevention would like to thank all of our partners, community-based organizations, schools, and community members who contributed their time, energy, and care to make this week a success. Your commitment to creating safe, supportive, and engaging spaces for our youth is what makes this work meaningful and impactful. We are especially thankful to the young people who showed up, participated, and shared their voices throughout the week. Together, we continue to build stronger, safer communities grounded in connection, opportunity, and collective care.