As a first step, NextGen hosted a community brainstorming session at Rides Bar & Grill’s banquet center on Wednesday evening. Dozens of people from all over the community — social services, the public school district, local law enforcement, parents and people just care about the future of Fort Dodge youth — attended to be part of the conversation.

After nearly two hours of discussions and comments from a wide array of invested individuals, NextGen founder Paige Williams said she felt good about the group’s direction.

“I feel like we didn’t get a ton of ideas, but it allowed people to have a voice in what is going on in the community, so I feel good,” she said.

The organization, which has about 15 members who work with local at-risk youth in many capacities, was established last month in response to multiple acts of gun violence that left two 18-year-old men dead. The members came together in search of tangible solutions to help break the cycle of violence and empower the youth of Fort Dodge.

Wednesday’s brainstorming session was the group’s first public event.

Community members discussed ideas for mentorship programs like expanding and supporting existing programs like the BRIDGES mentoring program in the Fort Dodge public schools, or mentoring programs at Athletics For Education and Success.

“We all need mentors, and kids aren’t any different,” said local attorney and BRIDGES mentor Janece Valentine.

Andrea Jondle-Howard, a mother and professional at Community and Family Resources, said that the community needs to engage with at-risk youth to help steer them away from making bad decisions. She also said the community needs to speak up when they see something wrong.

“When are we going to replace ‘snitch’ with ‘accountability’?” she asked.

“I don’t have answers, but I want to be part of the solution,” said Kati Swanson, a human services professional in Fort Dodge.

Bailey Taylor, an assistant Webster County attorney and member of NextGen, said that one of the biggest pieces of this puzzle is the need for funding.

“Ultimately in order for us to get any sort of programming and outreach, we’re going to need to donate our time and we’re also going to need monetary donations,” she said.

NextGen is also in the process of establishing itself as an official non-profit organization. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation will be managing the group’s finances and donations notated with “NextGen” can be sent to the community foundation.

After Wednesday’s brainstorming session, the NextGen board will get together to go over their notes and decide what their next steps are, Williams said.

“It takes time and it takes effort, and I think we’re on the right path,” NextGen member Tiara Paul said.