Chicago is grappling with a culture of violence. The solution? A Chicago Department of Peacebuilding (DoP)! Chicago Area Peace Action UIUC, a student group based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is initiating this transformative campaign. We need your help!

The Department of Peacebuilding will:

Create and promote:

• Economic growth
• Educational opportunities
• Affordable housing
• Quality health insurance
• Community centers
• Supportive family structures 
• Peace education, conflict resolution, nonviolent communication as an integral part of K-12 curricula
• Restorative justice in the criminal justice system

Support and strengthen:

• Organizations working in mediation to de-escalate violent conflict
• Violence prevention programs rooted in community interdependence, cultural values, and self-determination
• Mediators, social workers, and other peacebuilders' presence in our communities

Create:

• A citywide Truth and Reconciliation program to foster trust and cooperation by organizing intercommunal conversations on issues important to city residents.

Encourage:

• Reporters to emphasize peaceful solutions to conflict and empathetically represent all people involved in a conflict.

And more! For too long, our city has turned a blind eye to the violence afflicting underserved communities. And a Chicago DoP would benefit all of us. Sign to be the change you want to see in your community! Contact capa.uiuc@gmail.com for more info or to get more involved in our campaign!