Rockefeller Institute of Government’s Post

Why are so many people feeling the effects of trauma today? One big reason: gun violence. It's hitting communities of color hardest and we can't look away. Gun violence is linked with deep issues like unfair social systems, poverty, and injustice. It's more than just a safety problem; it's a health emergency. This article details the steps Boston is taking that include plans that focus on people, but we need to do this everywhere. #GunViolencePrevention #publichealth https://lnkd.in/eWuqTcms

Check out this article from Lansing State Journal describing our new collaboration based gun violence reduction initiative. Sweeping initiative to reduce gun violence picking up steam in Lansing https://lnkd.in/exdjE4zi

We decided to tackle gun violence against youth in Minneapolis, and the State of Minnesota, in a collaborative effort involving Change Starts With Community, this has led to the creation of the Youth Group Violence Intervention (YGVI) program. In partnership with the City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Department and Hennepin County, DOC, Safe Communities, and Hennepin County Attorneys Office with local law enforcement agencies. This initiative is pioneering a unique approach using a "2 Gen approach" to tackle the issue at a national level. Launched as a pilot in Minneapolis and Hennepin County, the focus is on preventing further fatalities and retaliation among youth entrenched in groups, offering them an alternative to the cycle of violence. The overarching goal is to ensure these young individuals remain "Safe, Alive, and Free." Change Starts With Community facilitates this initiative, providing enriching experiences such as nutritional education and career-focused field trips supported by the Cargill Foundation. Additionally, the program offers agricultural exposure and stipend jobs for economic exposure with additional partners. Remarkably, in the inaugural year, "YGVI" achieved a noteworthy accomplishment with a zero percent death rate and zero recidivism rate among the youth participants. Emphasizing the significance of collaborative mentorship and financial investments in our youth, this initiative aims to curb gun violence and safeguard the future of these young individuals. #doingthework #violenceprevention #publicsafety #cvi #cityofminneapolis #Hennepincounty

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

Here at Youth GVA, we believe promoting awareness among different aspects of local public policy regarding gun violence is of the highest importance. View our newest article about the Joe Biden Administration and Gun Violence Prevention for the campaign 'Teens Take on Policy' now. Take a look at the article linked below and share your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/gn_6xzUi

- Protecting Our Students - In recent years, America has seen an alarming rise in gun violence committed by young men lacking clear ideological motives. This trend challenges the traditional understanding of violent behavior, often tied to political or social grievances. #Activeshooter #SchoolSafety #Schoolsecurity #SITE|SAFETYNET℠

- Protecting Our Students - In recent years, America has seen an alarming rise in gun violence committed by young men lacking clear ideological motives. This trend challenges the traditional understanding of violent behavior, often tied to political or social grievances. #Activeshooter #SchoolSafety #Schoolsecurity #SITE|SAFETYNET℠

- Protecting Our Students - In recent years, America has seen an alarming rise in gun violence committed by young men lacking clear ideological motives. This trend challenges the traditional understanding of violent behavior, often tied to political or social grievances. #Activeshooter #SchoolSafety #Schoolsecurity #SITE|SAFETYNET℠

Gun violence is the leading cause of premature death in the United States, costing the country approximately $557 billion per year and New York approximately $11.4 billion per year.1 In 2022, there were 44,231 firearm-related deaths and 38,498 firearm-related injuries nationally.2 Both in New York and nationally, gun violence impacts Black and Hispanic communities at higher rates than white communities. Black people are 10 times more likely to be killed and 18 times more likely to be injured by a gun than their white counterparts.3 These numbers are driven by a small subset of neighborhoods that continue to experience a disproportionate burden of gun violence due to historic disinvestment, racist policies, and systemic oppression.

Gun violence is not normal, and Americans do not need to accept it as such.  We have the tools, strategies, and people to prevent daily tragedies resulting from this violence. But for too long, the federal government has dramatically underspent on proven community-based programs that address the root causes of gun violence, while spending billions in reactive interventions after harmful and fatal incidents have already occurred. It’s time for a proactive approach. Tell Congress to pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act now to provide federal grants for community violence intervention programs.