Strides for Peace hosts free Gun Violence Prevention Expo at UIC Dorin Forum

Chicago-based nonprofit Strides for Peace will host its third annual Gun Violence Prevention Expo on Thursday, November 20, at UIC’s Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free, open to the public and registration is available online here.

This year’s Expo, themed “Bridging Divides, Building Safer Futures,” will unite community organizations, civic leaders and advocates committed to collaboration, resource-sharing and holistic solutions to reduce gun violence in Chicago. The theme reflects Strides for Peace’s ongoing mission to build unity across sectors and create safer, more connected communities.

Sponsored by Ascension FBO Network, the Brady Foundation, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and Omedus, the full-day event will feature expert panels, youth-focused breakout sessions and networking opportunities designed to strengthen relationships among those leading violence prevention work across the city. Breakout sessions will include CPD’s Use of Force Model, Project Unloaded, The Shine Hope Company, Stop the Bleed and the Youth Violence Conflict Resolution Initiative. Throughout the day, a resource fair will showcase organizations and programs that encourage collaboration and provide attendees with practical tools to promote peace.

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Organizations participating this year include One Aim Illinois, A Knock At Midnight, Crushers Club, River City Community Development Center, CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program, Legacy Disciple, E.Y.E. Lead Foundation, Chicago Defender Charities, Saint Sabina / Purpose Over Pain, BUILD Inc., Youth Guidance, Coach House, MonkeyPod, Hope Center Foundation, Lawndale Christian Legal Center, William Everett, What’s Your Forté Foundation, Blackstone Bicycle Works and the Chicago Public Library.

In partnership with Kids First Chicago, the Expo will also feature parent-centered programming to help families better navigate the public school system, understand policies and make sense of the data shared with them.

Community-based organizations that wish to share resources or innovative models can register for a booth at the Expo. Booth space is open to groups offering career development programs, training, advocacy, funding and other forms of support for violence prevention efforts.

Now in its third year, the Gun Violence Prevention Expo continues to strengthen a collective impact framework that connects Chicago’s leaders, organizations, and residents around shared strategies, mutual support, and a unified goal of ending gun violence.

Strides for Peace is a Chicago-based nonprofit that works to increase the collective impact of those striving to end gun violence. By building bridges between community organizations, public institutions and individuals, the organization amplifies and supports the efforts of those most affected and most engaged in creating lasting change. (More info here: stridesforpeace.org)