The city of Dayton is launching the Peace Campaign, a new initiative aimed at reducing violence while fostering youth development and community engagement. Through strategic programs and partnerships, the campaign seeks to unify neighborhoods and create a safer, more connected city.
The Peace Campaign: mission and details
The city of Dayton is implementing a new campaign with the intention of unifying the city through peace.
The Peace Campaign is carrying out a mission of unifying the city in both neighborhoods and the downtown area. The city plans to spread the message of peace through initiatives and effective programs.
The largest obstacle to overcome in making the campaign successful is the community’s role in the campaign.
“The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of community members, businesses, nonprofit leaders, youth ambassadors and faith groups. Strengthening connections across every part of Dayton will help residents renew their pride in the city and work together to build a peaceful future,” Dayton Government’s website stated.
Dayton is pushing for all corners of the community to spread the message of peace with each other.
Gabe Baldwin is a long-time Dayton local who was willing to share his thoughts on this campaign.
“I have lived in Dayton for years, and have lived in many different parts of the city. I think Dayton could really benefit from taking action on crime that makes people feel unsafe,” Baldwin said.
The peace-centered campaign was created in reaction to an ongoing issue of youth violence in Dayton with hopes of enacting change. Dayton plans to create a safer city and reduce violent crimes starting with a Violence Interruption Program.
Violence Interruption Program
One key initiative of Dayton’s Peace Campaign is the Violence Interruption Program. The program focuses on tackling violent crime through a public health approach.
The program takes a unique approach to addressing violence in the community by utilizing valuable community members.
“Violence interrupters will work directly with individuals most at risk, providing mentorship, conflict resolution and support services to change behaviors and reduce retaliation,” the Dayton Government’s website stated.
Rather than using law enforcement, violence interrupters use a milder approach to addressing violent crime that allows for change to be enacted. This approach is proven to reduce shootings by up to 63 percent.
The Peace Campaign and its initiatives is supported by “Peace in Our Cities," a global network that unifies leaders to get accurate information that helps reduce urban violence.
Through working with Peace in Our Cities, Dayton is taking action to make positive change for the city of Dayton.
Adama Diakhate, Community Engagement Specialist and Legislative Aid, has spoken about this initiative.
“The city of Dayton’s involvement in Peace in Our Cities has facilitated international collaboration and learning about crime reduction strategies,” Diakhate said.
Dayton’s commitment to ending violence is starting with the Peace Campaign, with goals to enact real change that citizens can see. Through working to reduce violence in the Dayton community, the city is closer to becoming safer and more unified.
