Broadcast July 22-26th on KNBC-4 News 11pm A 5-part Special Report Series from the one-hour documentary by filmmakers Cari Lutz & Christian White. NATURAL LEADERS PREVENTING VIOLENCE [San Pedro, Calif.] - In an age where violence appears to be the solution to many problems, a local high school in this small town is successfully implementing a unique program to combat the growing danger to their student body after a brutal teen murder in the community. This ambitious endeavor not only saved lives, but in its design has the opportunity to empower youth and influence peaceful solutions to conflicts nationwide. View the KNBC promo here - Quick Time version - Preview other downloads and media player types. Web address: www.natural-leaders.com Featuring: San Pedro High School & LetUP Leadership Students Program Facilitor: Windy W. Warren, Ph.D. Harbor Division LAPD's Captain Andrew Smith & Lieutenent Faryl Fletcher Featuring music by: Blood of Abraham, Tino Corp., John Swihart, Gottfreid Tollman & Taylor Tosh Graphics: Mark Koehney / Webdesign: Bmotion / Rainmaker: Mint The Documentary Natural Leaders Preventing Violence is a fast paced, 1 hour documentary shot in and around San Pedro High School over the course of one year (2001-2). As tensions rise, the story follows the progress of seasoned high school counselor Dr. Windy Warren's LetUP (Leaders Empowering Teens United for Peace) program, which unites gang and non-gang affiliated students to promote peace on campus. Shot hand-held verite style, Natural Leaders Preventing Violence includes a mix of candid, in-depth profiles of six of the students involved and Dr. Warren, inter-cut with group sessions in progress, high school footage, and final graduation of some of the founding members of the group. The documentary explores the impact of the students involvement with the group and the challenges and successes they encounter along the way. For her program, Dr. Warren initially selected natural leaders from the two groups with whom she was mediating: Latinos and African-Americans. She then expanded the group to include all cultures and special interest groups on campus-Asians, Pacific Islanders, Caucasians, musicians, athletes, surfers, skaters, etc. Members of the LetUP group had all displayed an innate ability to influence the behavior of their peers. In her weekly meetings with the group, Dr. Warren works with students to explore and use techniques of dealing with anger, mediation, stereotyping and positive role modeling, training them to resolve conflicts peacefully. Captain Captain Andrew Smith, and Lieutenent Faryl Fletcher of the LAPD agree with Dr. Warren that "the powerof leadership lies within "already existing students leaders." As a result, the Harbor Division LAPD committed to monthly visits with Dr. Warren's group, as well as allowing students leaders (rather than adults) to promote their Stop the Violence campaign at the high school campus. Dr. Warren's group has successfully minimized violence in and around San Pedro High. This success measured by the LAPD's and San Pedro High's statistics reveals a marked decrease in racial tension and violence on and around the campus. Proof of the member students' own growth as positive leaders in the community is reflected in their newfound ability to speak at public campus and community events as well as their own new academic achievements and graduation record. At present, almost all of the Let UP student leaders who graduated are now attending college and/or working. They have passed the baton of leadership on campus to newer members of the group. By focusing primarily on these student leaders, Natural Leaders Preventing Violence provides a candid and revealing look at one school's unique solution to an urgent problem that is occurring throughout the country and provides other school systems and youth organizations an effective working model to follow. While Natural Leaders Preventing Violence deals with issues and violence specific to the San Pedro/Los Angeles region, this small beachside community and high school is representative of many communities in the U.S. As of July 1, 2002 principal photography has been completed and editing is in progress. Final cut, final mix, titles, and online are slated to be finished this Fall 2002. Fiscal Sponsorship is provided through IDA and FAF and fundraising is in progress. This fast paced contemporary video has a mass appeal to all who are interested in positive social change. 3 1/2 and 7 minute promos are now available. History As of June 1, 2002 principal photography has been completed and editing is in progress. Final cut, final mix, titles, and online are slated to be finished this Fall 2002. Fiscal Sponsorship is provided through IDA and FAF and fundraising is in progress. This fast paced contemporary video has a mass appeal to all who are interested in positive social change. 3 1/2 and 7 minute promos are now available.

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