Summer Conference Brings Shannon Youth from Nine Communities Together
By Jenifer Wallitsch, Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Photos provided by Boston University Marketing
August 21, 2025 — Last month, local youth, community-based organization workers, law enforcement officials, and guest speakers came together at Boston University for the annual Metro Mayors Shannon Grant summer activity. This year, attendees learned and collaborated through a new structure - a Shannon Youth Conference - which included presentations and hands-on engagement. The event served as a powerful show of solidarity in support of reducing youth violence and gang involvement across Metro Mayors Coalition communities.
More than 125 youth from the cities of Winthrop, Everett, Malden, Somerville, Revere, Cambridge, Chelsea, Quincy, and Braintree participated, alongside 25 police officers and prevention partner leaders. The day featured a range of engaging and educational sessions. Highlights included an impactful presentation from The NAN Project on mental health awareness, a youth-led dialogue hosted by Teen Empowerment aimed at strengthening relationships between young people and police, and an internet safety workshop led by representatives from the District Attorney’s Office. Youth attendees also had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions focused on healthy eating, mindfulness, and meditation, and they enjoyed a guided tour of the Boston University campus.
Since 2009, the annual Shannon summer event has brought together youth, law enforcement, and community partners involved in the Metro Mayors Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative. Funded by the state and overseen by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research, the initiative supports collaborative, regional efforts to reduce gang and youth violence. Through a comprehensive approach that includes law enforcement, job training, prevention, and after-school programming, the Shannon Grant continues to foster safer, more resilient communities across the Commonwealth.