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1. What is the Muskegon Social Justice Commission (SJC)?

The Social Justice Commission is a non-profit charitable 501c corporation with the mission statement of: 

• Providing Social Leadership in Coordinating Community Action
• Fostering an environment of non-violence and opportunity for the entire community and in particular the youth
• Providing education both formal and informal as the foundation to increase hope. All members and participants are 100% volunteer

2. Why does law enforcement care about youth education?

We believe by keeping kids in school we can drastically reduce violent crime in our community. In a recent study, researchers found that dropouts are more than 8 times as likely to be incarcerated as those that graduated. Raising graduation rates by 10 % has been shown to reduce the murder and assault rates by about 20%. And 68% of inmates nationwide do not have high school diplomas. In a California study, researchers found that by cutting the dropout rate by 50% would reduce juvenile crime and save the State over $550 million dollars per year.

The studies that link truancy and crime are a matter of common sense. A kid that drops out of schools has less job opportunities and is more likely to be in trouble with the law. Ask any teacher or a police officer and they will all tell you that kids that do not attend school are the ones who are most likely to be committing the serious crimes in our community.

3. How can I help?

As representatives of your local government and your community we are asking that those of you who believe in the power of prayer, to be diligent and faithful in praying for these efforts and for peace in Muskegon County. Please also consider giving of your finances to sponsor kids who cannot afford the costs of these programs. Please also express your appreciation to the Muskegon Community Foundation and other organizations that financially support these programs. Please also get involved by offering your time and your talents by volunteering to help the kids of our community turn negative behaviors into positive opportunities. All you need to do is contact any social justice member and ask, “How can I help?” We will find a task for you that will positively impact the lives of our kids.