(From a press release)
Police departments often host a variety of events for youth, aiming to build positive relationships, educate about law enforcement, and provide opportunities for personal development. These events can range from youth police academies and athletic programs to community outreach initiatives and mentorship programs.
On Friday July 11 the Race for Peace Committee will have its sixth ice skating for peace event located at the Skatium in Havertown Pa, 1002 Darby Road Havertown. The event will be from 4:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Free admission, skates, food, and drinks, will be provided for the event.
Community members of the Delaware County surrounding area are encouraged to come and participate at this event in collaboration with the Haverford Township Police Department.
The Haverford Township Police Department has been conducting this event with Race for Peace for the past six ice skating events.
Haverford Police Lieutenant James Kelly, Race for Peace Founder Andrew Howell with members Hameen Diggins and Aletta Parris-Olday have been organizing the ice skating event for the past years.
“This event’s purpose is to demonstrate a fun atmosphere of police officers and families with children engaging positively with one another. Recreational activities for the family and youth in general is a good way to bring everyone together in a meaningful, happy environment,” said Race for Peace Activist/Advocate Alim Howell
Founder of the Urban Navigation organization Don Jackson who grew up with Race for Peace Founder Andrew Howell commented saying,
“Andrew works with the police real well. Urban Navigation and Race for Peace need to have police departments involved and collaborating on different events together bringing more youth out,” said Don Jackson, founder of Urban Navigation.
“We also need to have the police departments involved in more events. Where the events are designed just for police officers. Meaning where the police are going to shine and not set up for controversy or attack. Our organization groups have to do things that are longer lasting though too. Such as having a follow up with the kids. The whole idea is creating something everlasting to build on the youth,” he said.
The mission statement for the Haverford Township Police Department is to improve the quality of life throughout Haverford Township by striving to provide a secure community environment through the delivery of police service in an efficient manner.
They achieve their mission by being a pro-active community oriented Police Department that maintains a policing philosophy which establishes a partnership with the community; a partnership that reflects mutual respect and trust through positive interaction and communication.
The goal for Race for Peace is to focus on the objectives of aiming to build trust with police, reduce conflict, and ultimately create safer and more harmonious communities throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Their continuous annual events help with that to increase effective change from all youth to adult citizens. The organization believes that police outreach is key to improving public safety and police partnerships is essential for youth in their upbringing.
To connect with Race for Peace go to its Facebook page. Contact information for the Haverford Township Police Department can be found here.