Solutions Circles members talking at the first gathering of 2023
Political division was left to the side in MFP-YMP Solutions Circles at New Horizon Church in Jackson, Miss., on Nov. 9, 2023. The circles are meant to be a beginning of shared people-led civil discourse and solutions across Mississippi.

Circle 1: Nourishing Environment 4 Youth

  • Concerns
    • Single Parent [something]
    • Latchkey kids
    • Lack of quality ECD
    • The outcome of being reared in poverty
    • Lock of quality healthcare
    • Stress/depression/anxiety
    • Pseudo adult concerns (might be different word at the end)
  • What is a nurturing environment?
    • Familial Support
    • Economic Stability
    • Feeling Safe
    • Structure (clear roles)(clear boundaries)
  • Solutions
    • Exposure
    • Allow youth to have a voice/LISTEN!
    • Healthy community support
    • Investment /Involvement
    • Consistency
    • Attentive/be mindful
    • Mentoring
    • Parenting Support Systems
    • Positive Messaging & Connection via social media
    • Improving training and education
    • Community based approach
    • Treat youth w/ dignity & respect
    • Confirming them

The mission of the Mississippi Free Press, a new nonprofit journalism website and multimedia network that launched in March 2020, is to publish deep public-interest reporting into causes of and solutions to the social, political and structural challenges facing all Mississippians and their communities. Mississippians need to know each other across regions and share our challenges and solutions despite geographic and other differences. We are introducing Mississippians to each other through our deep accountability reporting and compelling people-focused storytelling, and by convening online and physical “solutions circles,” using our statewide networks to ensure inclusivity and representation.