Mo Lewis joined the KCSARC staff in early 2010 as manager of our Youth CyberSafety Project, which has recently been renamed POP!Tech to more accurately reflect the broad nature of prevention work the group is hoping to accomplish. Research conducted by David Finkelhor, the Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are some of the most at risk for internet predation and few, if any, prevention programs are specifically aimed at this population. KCSARC established POP!Tech to fill this gap.
How would you describe POP!Tech: The Power of Prevention & Digital Technology Project?
POP!Tech gives young people who are at increased risk for sexual violence the opportunity to address root causes of sexual violence, enhance their leadership skills and create a healthier community. We've combined the best things KCSARC has learned about sexual assault prevention and youth empowerment, mixed in digital technology, and ended up with a powerful and exciting project.
What do you find most compelling in the POP!Tech project?
First, I love the way this project structures our work with young people. In POP!Tech, young people are paid for their work, are seen as experts regarding difficulties they are seeing in their communities and are given latitude to create their own solutions. Second, I really like the way this project utilizes and embraces digital technology. This is an area that is growing and changing so fast. I like being a part of a project that understands the positive power technology can have and incorporates it in meaningful ways.
What motivates you to work with youth?
I was lucky to have many experiences with positive adult mentors when I was a young person, so I grew up knowing that my voice mattered and that I could create positive change. I still think that's true, so as an adult I want to help young people gain the skills they need to make great things happen. Plus, the young people I work with are super fun, creative and smart! We get together and figure out how we're going to change the world - you can't really beat that!
What do you personally hope the POP!Tech project will accomplish?
I hope for so much. I think we all do in this line of work. I'd like to see the young people in this project feel confident as leaders in the community. I'd like to see easy and effective ways for all of us to increase conversations about healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention. I'd like to see equality and respect for LGBTQ people. I'd like to see people asking before they hug someone. These are all things we are working on, and I'm excited to share our progress as we go!
The POP!Tech project is partially funded by a national grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and requires a local match from foundations and individual donors. If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact development@kcsarc.org or call 425.282.0346.
