Developed by the Ruth Mott Community Health Scholars/Explorers program, KYR draws from a variety of community change strategies, empowerment theory, and participatory action research to raise consciousness about the racial identity and social issues that contribute to violence in disadvantaged communities. Ruth Mott Explorers recruit a group of 11 young people from the Civic Park neighborhood who then meet over the course of the summer to discuss violence and its impact on the African-American community. Meeting sessions focused on ethnic identity development, a neighborhood walk-through, reflective writings, drawings, debriefing discussion groups, community asset mapping, and informed observation. Participants and group leaders followed the Photvoice research technique and needs assessment method, which involves participants photographing the effects of violence in their lives. The photographs are discussed and written about by the group, which become powerful advocacy tools. Data concerning community violence were also collected via email interviews with community leaders and officials. Through these techniques, the KYR program helps participants become aware of the effects of historical, institutional, social, and political factors in their communities and teaches them how to mobilize the community to promote positive behaviors. Benefits of the program included fostering youth involvement and leadership, teaching youth effective communication skills, and developing self-determination. The key lesson learned from the KYR program experience was that KYR leaders might require special training to prepare them for the level of intensity and rigor necessary to conduct engaging community-based programming for youth. Figures, references