WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — We all know the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child."
All year Warner Robins city leaders have emphasized that phrase as they try to fight crime among the youth.
On Saturday, Nov. 30, The Citizens Advocating for Progress of C.A.P. Initiative, a new group in the city, invites everyone to come and discuss solutions.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wellston Center on Maple Street, anyone interested can attend and discuss ways to improve the city of Warner Robins. Attendees can alsoget a chance to shop and connect with community members for Small Business Saturday.
Mike Jones has lived in the city since the late 90's. He says the community is moving in a positive direction.
"This administration has really come together and really shown that Warner Robins can be just as powerful and progressive as other cities," Jones said.
To keep it going, he said the city needs more than elected officials and more than one person.
"Your voice is everything. I don't think people realize that," Jones said.
He said it'll take a team, of individuals, families, neighbors and more to create a safer space.
After several shootings this fall, Jones and other activists decided to step up and start a team of their own. The organizers run a Facebook platform called Warner Robins Matters. This initiative is an extension of their work to keep the community informed.
They hope to promote more online communication within the city, revive the north side of town.
"We want to give ourselves the live, work, play. All of those things the only way we can do that is by coming together," he said.
On Nov. 16, Warner Robins Police Chief Wayne Fisher told us 219 kids ages 12-17 have been arrested this year. The group hopes to have conversations that spark positive activities for kids.
They also hope to raise up more people who will use their voices at city council meetings, public forums or even in online spaces.
"There's a lot of inactivity which leads to rises in crime and we want to be able to get them before they get to a point that we can't reach them anymore, because they are the future," Jones said.
Jones invites anyone to speak out with the C.A.P Initiative and join the movement they hope will bring progress to the city.
Those intersted can connect with the group on Facebook and look out for more updates.
"Don't hold those things from people, because you're scared of what you're gonna sound like. Just say it, get it out there," he said.