Metropolitan Peace Initiatives

06/03/2026

June is . There are events happening across Chicago all month long to honor survivors, raise awareness, and take action to help end gun violence. Find an event near you and get involved:

June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor gun violence survivors and advocate to put an end to gun violence.

06/02/2026

"The goal is to collaborate with park districts and a lot of entities in the city and find out what would be the best fit for our young people," James Mitchell said. via ABC 7 Chicago

Leaders in Chicago blocked off access to Rainbow Beach Friday evening after flyers shared online advertised it as the scene of another "teen trend." It was unclear whether that's the reason police were there.

06/01/2026

"The people doing [Community Violence Intervention] work need healing, too." Tony Woods, Executive Director of Public Equity 'PERSPECTIVE: Mental wellness is essential to Community Violence Intervention, not a luxury' via The TRiiBE

We can’t keep asking frontline staff to pour from an empty cup. In order to improve the lives of others, we first must improve our own.

06/01/2026

Meet Peace Portraits Honoree Luis Bahena of New Life Centers We are celebrating the 2026 Peace Portraits honorees, leaders making real change through peacebuilding across Illinois. Follow Illinois Peace Project to learn more. Video 5 by 12 Films Photos Kelcey McKinney https://illinoispeaceproject.org/peace-portraits/luis-bahena/

05/31/2026

You're invited to the Spring 2026 Metropolitan Peace Academy Graduation Ceremony! Celebrate our recent cohorts of street outreach workers, case managers and victim advocates on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the South Shore Cultural Center. RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=LolsV3PAkEWl5FlMUPAzOWsGNCMm7zVBg81kb5eg68hUMzhaN05HQzBOMU5aUEVWM01GRjg3RjEwNC4u&route=shorturl

05/30/2026

Join us at Strides for Peace: The Race Against Gun Violence! We're excited to run Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m. This race, held as part of , celebrates the life-changing work of CVI organizations and provides an opportunity for people who care about ending gun violence to connect, engage, and get involved. See you there!

The Race Against Gun Violence is on Thursday June 4, 2026. It includes the following events: 8K Run, 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk, and Kids For Peace Sprint.

05/29/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Across the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) field, mental and behavioral health support is essential. Hear from Vaughn Bryant on why investing in the well-being of this workforce strengthens the safety and healing of our communities. https://metropolitanpeaceinitiatives.org/press-play-mpi-honors-mental-health-awareness-month/

05/29/2026

"Peacekeepers saw a 31% decrease in shootings over a two-year period, with nearby areas seeing a reduction of 41%" 'Chicago Reporter Highlights Chicago Peacekeepers Program, 35% Decrease in Homicides in Single Year' via The Chicago Reporter

A recent in-depth piece from The Chicago Reporter featured Community Violence Intervention (CVI) leaders from Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), who shared some of the complexities of the Peacekeepers Program.

05/29/2026

'Community violence intervention members search for "teen takeover" solutions' via CBS News

According to Chicago police, 53 people were arrested on Memorial Day, and nine weapons were recovered—including guns, knives, tasers, and bear mace. Around half of those charged were minors for things like weapons charges, reckless conduct, and failing to disperse.

05/27/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Hear from Vaughn Bryant, MPI’s Vice President and Executive Director, on why supporting the well-being of those working in community violence intervention (CVI) is essential to sustaining this work and strengthening our communities. https://metropolitanpeaceinitiatives.org/press-play-mpi-honors-mental-health-awareness-month/