4-Part Program Structure
It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child. I believe it takes a village to keep them alive.
1. BUILD THE VILLAGE (Curriculum & Programming for Community, Humility & Safety)
• Host trauma-informed workshops in churches, schools, community centers and barbershops on:
o Conflict resolution & emotional regulation
o The roots of violence: trauma, retaliation, poverty, pride
o Mental health and healing circles for grieving families
o Faith and forgiveness-based dialogue: “Peace Tables”
• Curriculum for youth: “Street Psalms: Living Psalm 27 in the Real World”
2. PROTECT THE CRY (Safeguarding the Marginalized)
• Create a Community Advocacy Council made up of youth, mothers, formerly incarcerated persons, and clergy
• Train local leaders in trauma-informed listening
• Establish a “Safe Story Space” to record and honor the stories of survivors
• Implement “No Retaliation Pacts” and neighborhood peace covenants
3. TRAIN THE VOICE (Leadership & Public Speaking for Transformation)
• Public speaking & leadership training for:
o High school youth
o Former gang members seeking to re-enter the community
o Faith leaders seeking to intervene more effectively
• Topics include: “How to De-Escalate,” “How to Influence Without Intimidation,” and “How to Preach Peace in a Violent World”
• Use Psalm 27 as a spiritual foundation for confidence and courage
4. CELEBRATE THE LIGHT
• A city-wide “Psalm 27 Peace Walk” and celebration event
o Honor survivors, peacemakers, first responders, and grieving families
o Scholarships in the names of victims
o Awards for “Silent Soldiers” (those who work behind the scenes)
o Gospel concert, spoken word, visual tributes to those we’ve lost
o Pledge wall: “The Lord is my light, and I will be one too.”