Building Networks to Save Lives
Vulnerable youth need community support, a point that was a major takeaway from the expo.
Citing research from the University of Chicago Crime Lab, he revealed the stark reality: students who transfer schools twice during high school are 80% more likely to become involved in gun violence.
“So we as organizations, through our relationships, can create a safety net for these students, as they’re unfortunately being often torn from the fabric of their communities and being placed in areas where they don’t have the relationships they need for safety and success and opportunity,” he said.
The expo also tackled the challenge of engaging new allies in the fight against gun violence, adults who may be removed from the issue who can still make a difference through mentoring, coaching sports teams or tutoring.
“The combination of fostering relationships and helping people understand how they can get involved is part of the message that we’ve got to get out there,” said Hamernick.
Voices of Resilience
Hamernick referenced a poignant takeaway from a panel honoring the legacies of Blair Holt and Hadiya Pendleton, two Chicago teens whose lives were cut short by gun violence. While their names are etched in the memories of many adults, the panel struck a chord with students in attendance as they heard the testimonies of their friends and survivors.
“From that standpoint, I think that the persuasiveness had much more to do with, ‘These are the voices of credible witnesses, of their friends who went through something that I can relate to,’” added Hamernick.
Workshops throughout the day reinforced this message.
Students took part in conflict resolution training and advocacy sessions and had creative outlets like spoken-word poetry and hip-hop.
A participant wrote a poem on the spot, while another gave a hip-hop performance—a reminder that art can also be integral in addressing this fight.
What’s Next
As Strides for Peace looks ahead, it will use feedback from attendees to shape future initiatives. Plans are underway to expand the accelerator program, which equips small nonprofits with critical operational tools like compliance, fundraising and marketing.
Suggestions for next year’s expo include adding programming for parents and recognizing their vital role in youth development.
Still, this year’s event served as a much-needed reprieve from the relentless issue of gun violence prevention.
“When you’re in that room, and you see so many other people just as passionate as you are about addressing this, it’s just fundamentally encouraging; it is heartening,” Hamernick said.
Strides for Peace will host its next Race Against Gun Violence in 2025, and the expo will return later that year. Until then, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to foster collaboration and build a safer Chicago.
Conclusion
The Second Annual Strides for Peace Gun Violence Prevention Expo was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the pressing issue of gun violence in Chicago. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of this issue and the importance of community support.
FAQs
Q: What is the mission of Strides for Peace?
A: Strides for Peace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and building a safer Chicago through gun violence prevention initiatives.
Q: What was the theme of the Second Annual Strides for Peace Gun Violence Prevention Expo?
A: The theme of the expo was “Legacy of Leadership: Inspiring the Next Generation to Rise.”
Q: What are some of the initiatives being planned for future events?
A: Plans are underway to expand the accelerator program and add programming for parents in next year’s expo.
