More than 1,200 youths from the Boston area marched through town on February 23rd in support of the Youth Jobs Coalition, a Dorchester based organization. On Tremont Street, youths and parents held signs to protest the cuts from the T. Also, the march was lead through the financial district and then to the Statehouse to request jobs from companies that employ more than 100 employees. They also asked for an increase in the funding for unemployed youths.
From 2010 to 2011 the percentage of youth jobs during the summer decreased from 62% to 39%. This significant decrease in jobs is due to the elimination of federal job funding in 2010 and the current state of the economy. Having a large number of unemployed teens is a great concern in the Boston area because youths will be more likely to be involved in crimes as a result of the lack of available jobs. Jena Marie Figueroa a ninth grader at the O’Bryant High School who lives in Dorchester said, “Without youth jobs, kids will commit crimes, sell drugs and do all those negative things.” Members of the Action for Boston Community Development noticed that the skills youths gained through employment and their ability to help support their families has given them a sense of empowerment. Visit DotNews for more information on this area of concern.
Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency is very proud to be actively involved with many community groups. Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency supports Boston’s youth and would like all small and larger employers to do, also!
