Proposal abstract: the city of lancaster proposes the launch of a three-year crime prevention initiative aimed at engaging and empowering local youth to contribute to community safety

The initiative, titled "if IT's sketch, send a text," focuses on educating teenagers about the importance of reporting suspicious activity through text messaging. This initiative invites teens to participate in a creative public service announcement (PSA) contest, where they can submit videos, posters, social media campaigns, and written scripts that promote vigilance and responsible action. The psas will be evaluated based on creativity, clarity, relevance, and impact, with multiple award categories recognizing excellence in each format. The project will utilize grant funds to provide resources, training, and promotional support to ensure the effectiveness of the campaign and widespread community engagement. All entrants will be acknowledged, and winning submissions will be incorporated into ongoing community safety efforts. Through this campaign, lancaster aims to build a stronger connection between youth and the community while fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and justice. Ultimately, "if IT's sketch, send a text" seeks to inspire a generation of youth leaders who actively contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents.