Ignitus Worldwide is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, evidence based youth-led movement, has rebranded itself. Since our inception thirty years ago in Miami, FL, we have focused on mobilizing youth, giving them a voice and enabling them in their own schools and communities. We want to continue this effort, broadening it to acknowledge the needs and abilities of today’s youth. The change is in response to input from Youth Crime Watch of America (YCWA) youth and adult leaders. As times change youth’s interests and needs do, too. Those needs, coupled with the fact that YCWA has grown into more than twenty countries on five continents, required that the organization take a fresh look at its mission and branding. The YCWA crime prevention effort will remain one of several key modules offered to youth. Other new modules will include leadership development, substance abuse prevention, peer mentoring, green and civic engagement efforts. The Ignitus name and mission (to organize and support a youth-led movement that promotes civic engagement throughout the world) were crafted with youth input. Youth will also be involved in crafting Ignitus policy through the Next Generation Board where they will have a voice in programming and helping to spearhead the group’s social media communications. For more details and information, please visit our website at www.ignitusworldwide.org.
Gerald A. Rudoff, Chairman/Co-Founder
Miami-Dade Police Department (Ret.)
International Police Association, Region 43