The media are writing stories about how national leaders such as Arne Duncan and Eric Holder are responding the the violence in Chicago. Read a response posted by Mike Trakan, the map maker for the Tutor/Mentor Connection.

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Many have asked here - Where's the solution?! How is a little money thrown to one school gonna fix anything long-term? Duncan talked about "the root of the problem." CNN's Rick Sanchez discussed "the core of the problem" on CNN last week after Albert was murdered too.

What IS the core of the problem? I'm aware it's complex, but I offer an idea that might be a piece of the puzzle.

I work as an educator and a mapmaker/strategist in Chicago's war on poverty. I address this topic at length on my blog each week: http://mappingforjustice.blogspot.com/

Yes - students' parents need to take an active role, but so can YOU if you're really concerned, through volunteering or donating to programs where people like us roll up their sleeves for a mere hour or so every week, working with students in these high-crime neighborhoods as mentors - helping kids make better life decisions (and meeting the majority of great and non-violent kids who live in fear and loathing of the select few hoodlums that the media typically features)...

You can also volunteer to tutor kids... because if you haven't been in a CPS school - and regardless of whose fault this is - the reality is, that if we're gonna help kids help themselves by making better choices (career/college/peace over streets/guns/anger), and break this perpetual cycle of helplessness, hopelessness, poverty, and crime - these students need additional tutoring to one day compete for opportunities that will help them help themselves. (Sorry CPS and Arne, you just don't have the capacity to do the job. Look at all the "failing schools" on my maps... not pointing fingers, just saying we're here to help. Support us.)

With enough adults like us who have the job/college experience to tutor/mentor youth and prepare them for college and career... (or provide donations to programs where this occurs if you have no time)... perhaps these students will survive to be adults with cash in pocket, attracting businesses (and jobs), and revitalizing their neighborhoods.

Step up. As many of you have pointed out, politicians, tax money... historically, this doesn't help, and we're all tired of taxes, regardless of political affiliation. Roll up your sleeves and support programs that act through strength in numbers to SOLVE the problems of poverty and crime.

http://mappingforjustice.blogspot.com/ for more info.