Smith County Criminal Justice Coordinator Gary Pinkerton is bringing together a panel of community leaders to talk to local youth and their parents during the 2019 Youth Summit on Saturday.

From 10 a.m. until noon on August 10, children in the community are invited to attend the free forum with their parents at the Smith County Courthouse, 100 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Tyler.

“Teens today are being faced with the temptations of sex, drugs, bullying, violence and gang activity,” Pinkerton said. “In the minority communities, there is often a mistrust in law enforcement. The purpose of this summit is to bring awareness to the youth on the consequences of making bad decisions and how to have a safe interaction with law enforcement.”

Pinkerton, who also serves as the Smith County Pre-Trial Services Director, said their goal in hosting the forum is to educate parents, teachers and the community about warning signs in our youth. He said they are also trying to find solutions to the problems youth face today.

Discussion topics will include peer pressure, bullying, sexting, avoiding gangs, and the consequences of making bad decisions. Panelists will be Smith County Assistant District Attorney Susie Saxion, District Attorney’s Office Investigator Ralph Caraway, Winona ISD Police Chief Fabian Arteaga, Juvenile Probation Officer Sabrina Dean, Tyler Police Sgt. Kevin Mobley and Attorney Clifton Roberson.

“Our mission is to bring awareness to deter our youth from making bad choices that could affect their lives forever,” Pinkerton said. “Our hope is to bring the community together and to assure that our youth become productive citizens.”

Sponsors of the event are Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, Constable Bobby Garmon, Rev. Ralph Caraway Sr., the Rose City Civitan, Tyler Together and the Tyler Organization of Men.

Pinkerton said he has hosted several Youth Summits, and he has spoken to students at school campuses in Tyler, Chapel Hill and Jacksonville.