You Have the Power began in 1993 as a volunteer, grass-roots effort composed of concerned citizens, crime survivors, and representatives from the Office of the District Attorney, law enforcement and community agencies. Below are comments from our steering committee about why they are a part of You Have the Power.

Click here for Board Members and Staff.

“Member Comments”

“As a law enforcement officer, I know how critical it is to keep the public aware of dangerous activity and crime prevention techniques. “YOU HAVE THE POWER” says it all—each of us can make a difference. I strongly support the mission of YHTP.”

“YOU HAVE THE POWER” has lots of collective energy that finds meaning, creates change and discovers hope.”

“As a rape victim/survivor, I feel it is important to speak up—to have a voice. The only way the judicial system will get changed for the better is to have people who have been through the system identify its weaknesses. “YOU HAVE THE POWER” is not about whining, it’s about education, empowerment and change, and it’s about knowing how to use the power that we all have.”

“I became involved with “YOU HAVE THE POWER” because of what the name stands for! It’s not about victimization, it’s about the inherent power that we all have to affect change. What a positive approach!”

“I became a member of YHTP to advocate for victims: To be the legs for those who have grown tired and beaten down; to be the arms for those who reached out and lost; to be the voice for those who have been forever silenced. “YOU HAVE THE POWER” speaks loud and clear and we want to be heard!”

“I feel I was left on this earth for a reason, and maybe that is to speak out for the 9 out of 10 rape survivors that have not had the courage to seek help. It is also great therapy knowing I am making a difference and trying to make changes that reflect the safety of the community.”

“Community is very important to me. For a community to thrive, however, I believe that involvement and commitment are essential. “YOU HAVE THE POWER” affords me the opportunity to become better informed thus enabling me to help provide information and assistance in our community.”

“When my sister-in-law/best friend was murdered, my life was turned upside down. Aside from personal grief, I became filled with intense frustration over the Criminal Justice System and the rising rate of violent crime. I needed to turn my negative energy into something positive - something that might be used to help other families avoid the pain caused by violence. “YHTP” strives to find solutions to reduce violent crime, to provide resources for those touched by violent crime, and to involve the community in those efforts. We all have the power to make a difference; we just need to know how to use the power that is available to us! “You Have The Power…Know How To Use It!

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