Bibb commissioner hosts workshop with focus on reducing street gangs

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb Commissioner Virgil Watkins hosted an Intervention Community Workshop Saturday to collect ideas from various community leaders on how to reduce gang activity and increase youth development.

Nearly 250 people packed into the Macon-Bibb Government center to discuss how economics, education, public safety, civic and civil engagement and faith-based ministries can play a role in reducing gangs as well as help increase high school graduation rates.
 
“It is important that we begin building a framework to build a better community,” says Watkins. “A lot of people have thoughts on what we need to do for our community, so today we’re making sure that those thoughts become spoken words.”

Watkins says the Community Intervention Workshops will continue with follow-up meetings to address issues that were introduced during the forum.