Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s Post

At a critical moment for public safety in America, we face a choice: dismantle promising violence prevention programs or build on their success. My new op-ed examines how Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have evolved from scattered initiatives into a professional infrastructure of hope. But this progress stands at risk. With key federal funding expiring and potential policy shifts ahead, we could lose years of progress in building safer communities. Read more about why this matters for the future of public safety in America: https://lnkd.in/gEr39kux This piece draws from our research at The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science at Northwestern University #PublicSafety #GunViolencePrevention #CVI

This article in today's Boston Globe raises a critical issue facing communities of color and public officials responsible for public safety. On the heels of the issue being raised yesterday before Boston City Council Ways and Means Chairman Brian Worrell by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Senator Edward Markey brings concerns about #shotspotter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Used in the City of Boston as a response to #gunviolence, critics claim the devices lead to over policing in Black and Brown communities. Proponents say it saves lives. What we know for sure, lots of federal, state and city resources are poured into this and similar surveillance technology. We also know that there is little to no ongoing engagement with communities of color to convey and assess the pros and cons of the tech and its use. Millions of dollars on tech, yet organizations like the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute are calling for a fraction of that money to be used on proven effective homicide response options like increasing funding for cold case investigations, family resource officers, and survivor support services. These initiatives save lives by disrupting intergenerational cycles of violence. People like Clementina Chéry, who for more than thirty years has been involved in helping families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss, need a prominent and ongoing role in the policy making process. The lived expertise and genuine embeddedness will generate policy decisions that serve Bostonians well and provide a model across the country. #gunviolence #homicideprevention #publicsafety #blacklobbyist #whosatthetable? #racialequity #racialjustice #policymatters Delaney Policy Group https://lnkd.in/eknzU5DV

Community-based programming is so powerful. Low-risk, high-reward strategies need to be funded.

At our latest book club meeting, we delved into this article, published earlier this year by The New York Times, about addressing gun violence in Baton Rouge. Community members, the chief of police, and the mayor’s office are working together to replicate the Newark method, a community-based violence prevention effort credited with significantly decreasing crime in Newark, New Jersey.   🔍 The Challenge: Federal funding has traditionally favored law enforcement efforts over community-based programs. This funding gap creates a seemingly impenetrable cycle where "proven programs" continue to receive support while emerging initiatives struggle to secure the necessary resources to establish their effectiveness.   📊 The Solution: Communities in Baton Rouge and Newark are tackling this challenge by prioritizing data collection. In Newark, this included partnering with the UCLA Social Justice Research Partnership to conduct a narrative evaluation* of the Newark Street Team. Our team read the narrative evaluation, discussing the crucial funding and rigor required to support these community efforts and measure their success.   💡 Fun Fact: The Newark Community Street Team is a partner in the South Ward Promise Neighborhood, which our Senior Project Director, Caroline Taggart, evaluates.      *Narrative Evaluation- https://lnkd.in/e-WqMYXr #CommunitySafety #ViolencePrevention #DataDriven #Evaluation #CommunityEngagement  

#InTheNews: In the first 8 months of 2024, NOVPN Member jurisdiction Milwaukee saw injuries and deaths from gun violence drop by close to 20% according to the Center for American Progress. City leaders and statewide advocates recognize that violence intervention efforts from the City of Milwaukee Office of Community Safety and Wellness (OCSW) and grassroots organizations like 414 Life and Project Ujima play a critical role in reducing violence. NOVPN strategic partner Advance Peace is also implementing their Peacemaker Fellowship model on the ground in Milwaukee. OCSW Director Ashanti Hamilton shared that while these reductions are promising, the work does not end here: “Reducing violence is an ongoing process…Sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of crime, and this means looking beyond the immediate crime reduction strategies and focusing on broader social, economic and systemic changes that contribute to violence.” Check out the article today! https://lnkd.in/gnecudR8

Today we launch our new campaign, Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Knife Crime Together. Through social media and other influences, young people see stories of knives and sharp objects being carried and used. This can lead them to believe that they should also carry a knife for protection – when in reality, carrying a weapon puts them at greater risk of getting hurt. Our campaign provides professionals, youth leaders, and caregivers with the tools to educate young people about the misconceptions of carrying and using knives. The resources include: ◾ A powerful video featuring personal and professional accounts of those affected by knife crime ◾ Engaging learning resources from Eski designed for young people ◾ Practical workbooks and slides for practitioners to guide their conversations and workshops ◾ Information on the #Sceptre knife amnesty project and Humberside Police's 'What's the Point?' campaign Learn more about our campaign and access the materials here: https://lnkd.in/eE6Ftm22 Together, we can break the cycle and create a safer future for young people. Image description: Black background with the campaign title, Humber VPP logo and hashtag, and circle of white arrows with a single green arrow #HumberVPP #BreakingTheCycle #KnifeCrime #KnifeCrimeAwareness #CommunitySafety #Hull #EastRiding #NorthLincolnshire #NorthEastLincolnshire

Ponder Diversity Group stands united with the City of Chicago and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) - O'Hare & Midway International Airports in the crucial mission to combat gun violence in Chicago and nationwide. This initiative not only prioritizes public safety but also underscores a moral obligation, especially for communities on the city’s south and west sides. Understanding the intricate factors contributing to gun violence, such as socioeconomic disparities, access to firearms, mental health challenges, social influences, and systemic inequalities, is paramount. Urgent action is essential to address this pressing issue and its severe impact on Black and diverse communities. Efforts to tackle gun violence require holistic approaches encompassing prevention, intervention, enforcement, and community empowerment. These strategies aim to foster safe environments where everyone can flourish without the shadow of fear or harm. Commendations to Mayor Brandon Johnson, the City of Chicago, and CDA Commissioner Jamie Rhee for their unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of all Chicago communities by taking a firm stand to eliminate gun violence once and for all.⚫️ #endgunviolence #epidemic #cityofchicago #chicagodepartmentofaviation #CDA #publicsafety #moralimperative #socialjustice #systemicinequality #equity #communityempowerment

"With a project that focuses on lowering the gun violence rate in Ward 7, it will specifically impact this particular community. So here in Ward 7, I want my end to gun violence initiative to positively impact youth and families, as children and young adults are often very vulnerable to the effects of gun violence. Through my initiative, a safer community can be built for youth to grow up in. This generally affects all community residents, where everyone can enjoy peace of mind, and feel safe within Ward 7. In addition, my project will have an impact on our law enforcement and first responders, promoting better public safety strategies. But mostly, I want this project to build a community, that includes the victims and survivors of gun violence, providing resources to heal and rebuild their lives. Since gun violence is a relatively popular discussion around the country, I expect little to no pushback. However, some may feel threatened by my initiatives and work against my goals. But the long-term effects of this project outweigh a couple of negative feedbacks, for an overall better Ward 7". #howarduniversity #alwaysbefleeting #laurafleet #scholarship #leadership #hbcuteacher #hbcu #hbculegacy

Some valuable lessons and initiatives.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death in the U.S.--over motor vehicles and cancer. People are scared to leave their homes and fear they will lose a loved one. This is part of the ripple effect gun violence has on society at large. Gun violence is a public health crisis that deserves a public health solution. Community violence intervention is part of that solution. https://lnkd.in/ez4BUZ7U teny oded gross Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Metropolitan Peace Initiatives #SupportCVI #endgunviolence