Step Up to the Plate to Strike Out Violence Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Special Agent in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, along with Commissioner Derrick Ford of the Strawberry Mansion Youth All-Star Baseball League, are pleased to announce the third annual Strawberry Mansion-FBI Community event and softball game on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the Mander Playground, 3300 Diamond Street, Philadelphia.

Members of the community and the media are invited to attend this informative and fun-filled afternoon. Starting at noon there will be displays of specialized FBI units and social service information booths from our community partners, and at 2:00 p.m. there will be a rematch softball game between the FBI softball team and the Strawberry Mansion All-Star Baseball League adult coaches and parents. The annual series is tied at one victory each, so the competition will be tough as both teams battle to seize the series lead.

Food will be provide by community partners, the FBI Recreation Association, and the FBI Citizen's Academy Alumni Association; the Philly Phanatic and Ball Girls from the Philadelphia Phillies will be in attendance, and the ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey at 2:00 p.m.

This community event is part of the FBI’s outreach efforts in its “Step Up Speak Up” (SUSU) campaign to proactively address violence within our communities. SUSU is an outreach program aimed at encouraging citizens to cooperate and provide information to law enforcement in order to reduce community-wide fear and intimidation that results from escalating violence. Law enforcement agencies at all levels must recognize and support community groups interested in reclaiming ownership of and safety in their neighborhoods, and members of the community must trust and have access to the law enforcement organizations that serve them. These outreach efforts are intended to improve the levels of trust and communication between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The Strawberry Mansion All-Star Baseball League is an organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia with respect and pride in their community through structured athletic activities and an emphasis on the principles of education and family values.