National Youth Violence Prevention Week 2026

In this article

Background

National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 27-May 2, 2026) is a national observance that promotes awareness, prevention, and community engagement to address youth violence. Recognized annually, the week emphasizes 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 convenes 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 are provided with tools to support conflict resolution, personal safety, and positive decision-making.

This initiative reflects the City's commitment to a public health approach to violence prevention-centering prevention, strengthening protective factors, and investing in youth leadership. By building connections and expanding access to resources, National Youth Violence Prevention Week supports safer, more resilient communities for Portland's youth and families.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony serves as the official launch of Portland's weeklong commitment to youth safety, awareness, and community engagement. This event brings together students, educators, public officials, and community partners to elevate the importance of youth violence prevention and set a collective tone of hope, accountability, and action.

Through remarks from city leadership, community voices, and youth performers, the ceremony centers youth experiences while reinforcing the City's commitment to a public health approach to violence prevention. The ceremony aims to inspire participation, raise awareness, and empower young people to be leaders in creating safer, more connected communities.

Day 1: Monday - Kickoff & Awareness

Theme: "Raising Awareness, Building Hope"

• Morning Press Conference & Opening Ceremony/Assembly
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: McDaniel High School (2735 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220)
  • Speakers: Video from Mayor Wilson, staff from the Portland Police Bureau and Office of Violence Prevention
  • Performances: Speech by former Green Bay Packers player from Portland, rap by a student performer, and a speech by student performer
• Talk a Mile Event
  • Time: Following the Opening Ceremony
  • Location: McDaniel High School (2735 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220)
  • Details: Sign up available for McDaniel High School students attending Opening Ceremony

Day 2: Tuesday - Empowerment Through Education

Theme: "Knowledge is Power"

• Safe Blocks/Rose City Self-Defense Workshops
  • Location: Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233)
  • Time: 4-6 p.m. (full safety and self-defense workshop, youth and family)
  • Details: Open to anyone, but primarily youth
  • Registration

Day 3: Wednesday - Building Resilient Communities

Theme: "Together We Stand"

• Community Beautification Project
  • Safe Blocks team lead Mural Art Project
  • Location: David Douglas High School (1001 SE 135th Ave, Portland, OR 97233)
  • Details: Partner with art class to have students work with muralist, Heidi Schultz, to submit ideas for the project. Smaller group of art students to work directly with Heidi.
  • Location for mural: Sidewalk in front of David Douglas Community Garden

Day 4: Thursday - Movie Night

Theme: "Fun night"

• Movie night at Cinemark
  • Attendees: Participants of Talk a Mile and Personal Safety Workshop events (Note: Permission slips to be filled out prior to movie screening)
  • Location: Century 16 Eastport (4040 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266)
    • Hoppers: Auditorium 11
    • Project Hail Mary: Auditorium 10

Day 5: Friday -Portland Trail Blazers Youth Basketball Clinic

Theme: "Play with Purpose"

• Basketball Clinic with the Portland Trail Blazer Youth Engagement Team
  • Location: Parkrose Middle School (12003 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220)
  • Details: Trail Blazer Youth Engagement team to host clinic during a P.E. class (Note: Permission forms to be sent out prior to clinic)

Day 6: Saturday - Multnomah County Youth Summit

Theme: "Empowering Futures"

• Annual Youth Summit
  • Meet-and-greet with local businesses, non-profits, and trade organizations
  • Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Portland Community College - Cascade (705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217)
  • Details: Special focus on careers in social work, law enforcement, mental health, and community organizing. Students to participate in breakout workshops focused on different topics.
  • Registration: Contact Mika Keegstra at [email protected]
• Ceasefire Event
  • Location: Oaks Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202)
  • Details: 65 tickets distributed to the youth within the contracted organizations under the Ceasefire program.
• African Refugee & Immigrant Organization (ARIO) Basketball Tournament
  • Location: East Portland Community Center
  • Details: Open to student teams from all Portland public schools and surrounding school districts
  • Registration: Contact Rukia Aweys at [email protected]