Exploring Local Perceptions of and Responses to Urban Youth Violence Michael A. Yonas, DrPH, MPH Patricia O’Campo, PhD Jessica G. Burke, PhD, MHS Andrea C. Gielen, ScD, ScM homicide rate for young men in the United States is the highest in the world (Gelles, 1998; Richters, 1993). Homicide remains the leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-old African American males and the second lead- ing cause of death for African American females in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006). Focusing on homicides alone though greatly underestimates the true magnitude of this public health epidemic. Recent research indicates that the ratio of non- fatal intentional injuries to homicides is 94 to 1, suggest- ing the health impact of youth violence is far more extensive and devastating (CDC, 2002). To work effectively within communities to reduce youth violence, it is essential to understand and appreci- ate the local dynamics of violence and violence preven- tion efforts. Previous investigations have shown that because of a variety of social, environmental, and eco- nomic reasons (i.e., poverty, racial and ethnic exclusion, poor housing quality, unemployment, crime, history of violence in the community, and drug use), young people living in low-income urban neighborhoods are at increased risk for experiencing violence (Anderson, 1999; Devuyst, Hens, & De Lannoy, 2001; Earls, 1994; Sampson, Raudenbush, & Earls, 1997; Shaw & McKay, 1942). Low socioeconomic status (SES) and related con- textual factors have consistently been found to be associ- ated with delinquent and violent behavior among adolescents (Beyers, Loeber, Wikström, & Stouthamer- Loeber, 2001; Sampson et al., 1997). However, despite chronic poverty and urban decay, there are many such neighborhoods that experience less violence, which is attributed by some, to the local social dynamics and inter- nal community capacity to address factors associated with youth violence (Prothrow-Stith & Spivak, 2004; Sabol, Coulton, & Korbin, 2004; Sampson et al., 1997). Social dynamics is a broad concept that has been described in dif- ferent ways. For example, the presence of local-level social Objective: Despite widespread prevention efforts, youth violence persists in many urban communities. This inves- tigation explores the unique perspectives and local capac- ities to address urban youth violence. Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with prominent neighborhood individuals (PNIs) from low-wealth neigh- borhoods that varied by risk for youth violence. Findings: Findings reveal examples of increased levels of social action in the designated low risk for youth violence neigh- borhoods. Similar activities were also present, but to a lesser extent, within the high-risk neighborhoods. Results illustrate how PNIs formally and informally share information and take action to address youth violence. Conclusion: PNIs are an often-overlooked resource in gaining local insight for addressing health issues, such as youth violence. The efforts identified exhibit expertise and culturally sensitive opportunities for working together to address youth violence. Understanding such dynamics is essential for informing the development of locally endorsed violence-prevention interventions. Keywords: youth; violence; prevention; social dynamics; community capacity; participatory research I n the United States, violence is a serious public health problem impacting the lives and experiences of young people and communities, especially those liv- ing within low-income urban neighborhoods (Satcher, 2001). Despite widespread violence prevention efforts, the Health Promotion Practice Month XXXX Vol. XX, No. X, xx-xx DOI: 10.1177/1524839907311050 ©2008 Society for Public Health Education 1 Health Promot Pract OnlineFirst, published on March 28, 2008 as doi:10.1177/1524839907311050 Copyright 2008 by Society for Public Health Education.