#IncreaseThePeace Organizes Youth-Led Public Forum in Back of the Yards Neighborhood

 Illinois General Primary candidates addressed hundreds of newly registered youth voters and community residents on proposed legislation related to gun violence and other important issues to the community. 

On March 14^th, National Walkout Day, in a neighborhood that has been stricken with more than 20 shootings since the start of the year, #IncreaseThePeace, The Resurrection Project’s youth-led initiative, hosted a public forum on gun violence and other important issues to the community. On hand to address hundreds of newly registered voters and community residents were Illinois General Primary candidates who gave their stance on topics such as the ban on assault weapons, gun dealer licensing, criminal justice reform, teen reach programs and education funding equity.

Residents and youth were encouraged to build power by voting and celebrating the positive stories that happen in these communities. Maria Benitez, a young leader of TRP’s youth initiative #IncreaseThePeace, shared her story about the power of her community and her path to giving back to the community that raised her. Please watch her story here.

This initiative is part of our Vision 2020 Strategic Plan which is directly supported from the many donors and supporters that contribute to our Imagine More Campaign. TRP would especially like to thank Juntos Podemos, an initiative of Parents Alliance and Integra Institute for their unique support.

#IncreaseThePeace is the Resurrection Project’s youth-led initiative dedicated to creating and promoting a culture of nonviolence in our communities. We do this through coordinated peace actions focused on direct action organizing to influence policy and leadership development led by young adults advocating for peace in their community.  There are seven chapters of #IncreaseThePeace in Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Little Village, and Pilsen.