Oakland Survey Shows Young People Want Jobs

Drugs, violence, trash on the street, and lack of job opportunities for youth are among the top problems youth see in their communities today, according to members of the Oakland Youth Movement (OYM) and their adult supporters at a recent presentation to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The young people based their findings, which they presented to board members Nov. 18, on a survey they conducted of 1,000 youth in West Oakland, Sobrante Park, Cherryland and Ashland. In West Oakland, 91 percent said drugs were a problem, and 8 percent said violence was a problem. In Sobrante Park, 73 percent said violence and drugs were a problem. When asked how violence can be stopped, the majority of young people said they needed more jobs, sports and dance groups, and a recreation center, “Oakland has a lot of brilliance – many times we only hear about the negative stuff that goes on, but there are so many incredible young people who are out there offering solutions to the challenges that affect all of our communities,” said Supervisor Keith Carson in response to the presentation.