UPI wrapped up the latest Let Everyone Advance with Dignity workshop series! Over four sessions, case managers from community-based orgs gained tools to confront systemic harm. Stay tuned for a weekly series and why a care-first approach is key to transforming safety and justice across LA.

Check out @everytown.bsky.social's latest blog, where I chatted with my friend, Fernando Rejón, about the impact of funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs on the @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social's ability to carry out their life-saving work. https://bit.ly/4oC8WL4

Congratulations to the graduates of the latest Leadership and Instructor Development (LID) program cohort! From March to November, participants were dedicated to gaining essential skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership and instruction.

Today marked yet another disappointing outcome regarding the state of Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls. A judge decided not to place the County’s Probation Department under receivership.

UPI joined @reimaginela.bsky.social and partners for a budget rally to tell LA County leaders to FUND CARE FIRST! Angelenos deserve safety and justice that is created by and for community. We deserve care, dignity and freedom. Police and prisons don't keep us safe—collectively, we do.

It was an honor to host Cohort 4 of University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA)! CVILA participants heard from UPI’s co-founder Connie Rice and executive director Fernando Rejón. as well as the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) 🧵⬇️

Hear from my friend, Fernando of @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social, on the impact that funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have had on trust and public safety—particularly in Black and brown communities.

🔥WATCH: Aqeela Sherrills on transforming public safety. “Aqeela is a force in the CVI field, leading with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community-based solutions. His vision for transforming public safety inspires and uplifts everyone who works alongside him.” –Fernando Rejón, UPI

By signing UPI’s Peace Pledge, you become part of a growing movement working to build lasting peace and safety across LA and the country. Take the pledge today and show your commitment to justice and community safety: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge #InternationalDayofPeace

Had a great time chatting with my friend, Fernando, about how the Trump Administration's community violence intervention funding cuts have impacted @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social ability to carry out life-saving work—especially at a time when folks need it the most.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's fascist interests and against the constitutional and human rights of Angelenos. 🧵

UPI recently hosted our first Community Conversations event with Youth Justice Coalition focusing on Youth Justice Reimagined (YJR)—a bold, community-driven approach to transforming LA County’s youth justice system. 🧵

Urban Peace Institute denounces the ICE raids and the Trump Administration’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. These militarized actions are an assault on unarmed communities and a blatant abuse of power.

Community Violence Intervention leaders from across LA gathered in solidarity to oppose Trump’s funding cuts to our lifesaving work. Shoutout to the speakers for amplifying the important message: NO CUTS TO CVI 📢🚨 @thehavi.bsky.social #ProtectCVI #FundPeacemakers #DayOfAction

📞 TAKE ACTION: Call Congress TODAY! On May 7, we’re demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives and prevent violence.

🚨 CALL TO ACTION 🚨 April 15 – we take it to the LA County Board of Supervisors w/ @reimaginela.bsky.social. Demand the release of Measure J & CFCI funds for mental health, jobs & housing. These are OUR dollars. 📍 500 W. Temple, LA #FreeTheFunds #MeasureJ #CFCI #ReimagineLA

During Black History Month — and every day — we celebrate the peacemakers who are committed to ending violence and saving lives in communities across the country. ✊🏿✊🏾 #EverybodyDeservesPeace #BlackHistoryMonth

Seven years ago today, 17 people were killed and 17 were injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This senseless shooting inspired young people across the country to demand improved gun laws. The #Parkland17 deserved better, and we keep fighting every day in their honor.

Cal Wellness is pleased to announce the launch of Wellness Together, an event series supporting the well-being of anyone working to advance health and social justice in California. The first virtual session is happening Feb. 20 – learn more and register: www.calwellness.org/stories/well...

Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives. Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity. RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel

Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives. Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity. RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel

Last month, we celebrated another graduating class of the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy (LAVITA). Over 144 hours, intervention workers engaged in personal and professional development to enhance their peacemaking skills. #communitysafety #fundpeacemakers #endgunviolence

LA Peacemakers Initiative is a project focused on enhancing #communitysafety in LA’s most violence-impacted neighborhoods. From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%. Join the movement for #safety and #justice.