October 10,2003
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October 10,2003 |
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After reading about the benefit of cell phone access for victims of domestic violence, Nevitt sought to involve his hometown of Iota, La., and neighboring areas in the national "Call-to-Protect" cell phone drive. Nevitt organized a "Donate-a-Phone" campaign to collect recycled cell phones, which are reprogrammed by Motorola to dial 911 and given to victims of abuse. The project collected more than 1,000 cell phones. "I wanted to show that young people can have an active role in their communities," Nevitt said. "I couldn't stand by and see people hurting in my hometown. I just wanted to have a voice." The mechanical engineering major also approached Faith House, an outreach office for domestic violence victims in Crowley, La., to investigate other areas of need and initiated two additional campaigns, including "baby showers." He also organized events to collect personal items for battered women and children. Items collected included diapers, shampoo samples and paper towels. During the campaign, items collected filled a spare room in the Nevitt house. "I was overwhelmed with the amount of support (from citizens). You would be surprised at the amount of old cell phones that people have in their homes or businesses . . . There are a lot of generous people," said Nevitt, the first Louisiana resident to win a Yoshiyama Award in the honor's 16-year history. More than 50 organizations statewide have participated in his programs, according to a Hitachi Foundation news release. "We need more young men like Ryan," states Rockie Oge, Faith House coordinator. "He is an engaging young man, and adults respond to him. He opened doors for us at Faith House and made inroads where we haven't been able to." Oge nominated Nevitt for the award. Crowley Mayor Isabella de la Houssaye also recommended him for the honor. Nevitt initiated his own campaign to educate the community and state about domestic and teen violence issues. In this capacity, he has presented at community events, written and aired public service announcements, submitted articles to newspapers and websites, posted flyers he created with answers to frequently asked questions and distributed brochures. In other activities, Ryan has served as a teen role model for the D.A.R.E youth drug prevention program, helped renovate homes for mentally-retarded persons, and run food drives for victims of hurricanes. "It is kind of a touchy subject and nobody wants to talk about it," Nevitt told The Baton Rouge Advocate. "You have to address it cautiously. I just wanted to increase awareness. It kind of took on a life of its own, and people responded." Oge told the newspaper: "He (Nevitt) made it easier to discuss domestic violence with people . . . People are more receptive to doing something about it. Teens in other schools have become more aware of the problem. They now have an opening to talk about it." Leading those community service projects also helped Nevitt receive a $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Nominations were submitted by teachers, community leaders and others
directly affiliated with youth organizations. In Nevitt's case it was the
executive director of the Faith House shelter for battered and abused women.
The 10 winners participated in a leadership retreat and were honored at a
luncheon at the National Press Club. Each also received a $5,000 gift.
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