Seattle Press on Line - Survey Of Seattle Students Finds Concerns And Activism

Survey Of Seattle Students Finds Concerns And Activism

Jan 27, 1999 -- 57 percent of middle and high school students know of someone who has brought a weapon to school and 20 percent said they had witnessed a shooting, according to survey results collected at Seattle Youth Involvement Day in November of last year. In 1997, the number of students who knew of weapons in school was much higher, at 70 percent.

The survey also found that 90 percent of the students surveyed volunteer, either at school or in a community organization or church. 57 percent of the students surveyed were very hopeful about their futures, 26 percent felt okay, with 11 percent being unsure, concerned or scared.

In response to the survey information, Seattle City Council President Sue Donaldson said, "Clearly young people care about our city, schools, and future. They are volunteering at the highest levels I've heard of-now as a community we must respond to their needs by ensuring they have the highest quality of education possible and a city free of violence and racial hatred."

Seattle Youth Involvement Day is sponsored by Seattle Youth Involvement Network, a local non-profit organization. 320 students, ranging in age from 11 to 19 attended 1998's event. Complete survey results are available from the Seattle Youth Involvement Network, 325-7922.

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