An organization is seeking solutions to help curtail the violence among Selma’s youth. And in an effort to achieve that goal, they are calling on the public’s input.

Selma City Council Ward 4 representative Angela Benjamin has invited the public to an open planning committee meeting to be held Monday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. at the Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Center to discuss solutions to ending the violence crisis among youth in the area.

“The goal is to bring about positive change,” Benjamin said. “We will look at how youth violence has touched our lives and share our thoughts and beliefs about why it exists. We want to also look at different ways to reduce youth violence and decide on what needs to be done.”

Benjamin believes the training session, which will consist of council members from all eight wards, will be beneficial for everyone.

“This program will reach across all borders, and will include every walk of life in the city of Selma — from youngest to oldest,” she said. “Community leaders, students and people that have a general concern for our city, will be there.”

Benjamin said citywide study circles, or small groups of citizens meeting to address particular issues within the community, will also meet.

Benjamin said she and the steering committee, or group guiding the entire project from beginning to end, plans to recruit facilitators, or persons who are well prepared for topic discussions, at an upcoming town hall meeting Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. In addition, “action” committees will gather for a forum May 16 and begin groundwork and take action for ideas discussed.

Benjamin, who has also partnered with the Dallas County Extension Agency for the project, expects Monday to be a great turnout.

“Callie Nelson has provided a lot of resources and material for us,” she said. “Small groups will meet and also provide us with small resources, like food and transportation in the future.”

All sessions and meetings are open to the public. For more information contact Benjamin at 349-5389.