Today's teens and preteens have to deal with a variety of problems, and many of those problems involve violence in some form, whether it's used as a solution, or it's the problem itself. For many kids, knowing where to turn to, or how to handle themselves, is no easy task.

The Stop the Violence, Face the Music (STV) society is dedicated to ending the violence so many kids are facing today, and helping to provide kids with healthy alternatives to deal with their problems. What makes STV unique is that they use the popular music industry as a way of reaching kids with their anti-violence message. "Entertainment tied into a serious message," is how John Karoll, founder and managing director of the non-profit organization, describes STV's approach.

As part of their mission statement, Face the Music, states STV wants to make youths aware of the long-term consequences of negative behaviour, and "be accountable for the consequences of one's actions." (as in, "facing the music").

Founded in 1992, STV has gained growing interest in the United States and Canada. A veteran of the music industry, Karoll pairs his organization's anti-violence message with the music of popular recording artists as a way of getting the kids to hear the message. "The kids have a rougher go of it than when I was growing up," he says of the struggles many teens face today.

STV gets its anti-violence message out in many ways. They provide free confidential counseling to kids and parents throughout Canada and the United States, through a toll free number as well as a store front office in Kelowna, B.C., where the international head office for STV is located. Karoll sees a need for additional services other than the traditional school and community services available. STV also provides free anti-violence literature to kids, parents and schools, and they've launched a radio and television campaign with contributions from popular entertainers and sponsorship from major corporations. In trying to get their message out to as many kids and parents as possible, STV also has a website which provides information on the organization, as well as how to get help or become involved in helping their cause. The Web address is http://www.stv.net. A book is also in the works, says Karoll, tentatively called Teenagers Guide to Surviving the Teenage Years.

Reaching youths through a medium they relate to is part of the appeal of STV. STV is putting together compilation CDs with songs that carry an anti-violence message, recorded by popular recording artists. Stop the Violence, Face the Music recruited popular recording artists Bif Naked, Raggadeath and SNFU for a "Rap-Punk-Pop Invitational Tour," which played in the Okanagan this year, to raise awareness and spread their anti-violence message to youth. "It's an outlet for youth to express themselves" according to Karoll.

STV has gained the endorsement of some very influential people since its inception. Letters of support for the program have come from Prime Minister Jean Chretien, U.S. President Bill Clinton, numerous U.S. governors and premiers, as well as the B.C. Attorney General, B.C. Liberal Party, B.C. TeacherÕs Federation and the B.C. Probation Officer's Association. "It feels good to know you are making a difference in people's lives," says Karoll.

For more information on Stop the Violence, Face the Music, to get involved, or for free counseling services, phone 1-800-647-STOP (7867), look up the home page at www.stv.net, or send email to stoptheviolence@home.com.

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