PICO’s state network, Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN) played the key role in passage of a new $2 million pilot program on youth violence prevention.  This program will make 6 pilot grants to coalitions of community based organizations for prevention programs to youth violence, substance abuse, school dropout, lack of summer jobs, bullying, etc.  This funding is additional to an $11 million appropriation MCAN helped pass in May that will be used for grants to cities for enforcement, intervention, and prevention programs.  MCAN affiliates Brockton Interfaith Community, United Interfaith Action, Essex County Community Organization and MICAH worked on this campaign along with allied organizations in the Safe Teens/Safe Communities Coalition.