Dedicate resources to help those you serve live in safer communities
In many communities, walking to and from the bus stop, corner store, or school comes with risk. The high prevalence of violence in neighborhoods creates barriers to employment, education, exercise, and obtaining basic needs, while also increasing the mental health issues related to chronic stress.
Develop or support an anti-violence program that trains and coordinates mentors, peace promotors, or violence interrupters.
To get started:
Connect with residents to learn of the specific safety challenges they face.
Learn from other organizations doing this work, such as those listed below. Specialized training is critical for anyone engaging in violence interruption.
Develop mentorship, "safe walk to school," or violence interruption programs. Hire staff or bring on volunteers who have lived-experience with community violence.
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
This is challenging work. Reach out to anti-violence organizations such as Institute for Nonviolence Chicago and Roca to learn about their anti-violence efforts and determine how you can engage.
Chicago CRED works with community leaders, like-minded organizations, and hundreds of young men and women to radically reduce gun violence. They utilize street outreach, life coaching and counseling, violence prevention, workforce development, advocacy, and prevention to create transformative change in the South and West side communities of Chicago.
