AmeriCorps Programs Lead the Charge in Gun Violence Prevention
AmeriCorps partners with the White House to establish the Safer America Network
WASHINGTON, DC—AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service, is committed to addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues, including gun violence. The agency is taking a stand with innovative programs dedicated to prevention and community resilience. By leveraging the power of national service and local engagement, AmeriCorps members are making significant strides in reducing gun violence and fostering safer communities across the United States.
The Safer America Network
While communities across the nation face an epidemic of gun violence every day, AmeriCorps grantees and AmeriCorps members work tirelessly to make those communities safer and more resilient.
In recognition of this work and in honor of gun violence awareness month, AmeriCorps is partnering with the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to establish the “Safer America Network,” a new collaborative of AmeriCorps grantees and their members doing the work to keep communities safe and to respond thoughtfully and effectively should tragedy strike.
This announcement comes on the heels of a summit hosted by the White House and the Rocket Foundation. Vice President Harris joined GRAMMY-nominated artist and philanthropist Quavo for a moderated conversation to address gun violence, youth mental health, and community violence intervention. AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith moderated a panel about the power of youth movement and programs.
AmeriCorps has invested more than $160 million dollars over the past year in the Safer America Network. This investment represents nearly 400 grantees and sponsors hosting more than 25,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who are serving across the country. These members and volunteers work with schools and mental health providers, build community resiliency by training schools and families on trauma-informed care and facilitating mediation, and prevent violence from occurring by increasing the connection and resources available to at-risk young people.
Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, AmeriCorps members are deployed in communities to implement evidence-based strategies aimed at prevention, education, and support.
“AmeriCorps commitment to reducing gun violence is unwavering,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “The Safer America Network represents a bold step forward in our efforts. By uniting the dedication of AmeriCorps members with community-driven strategies, we are not just addressing the symptoms of violence but working to prevent it at its roots. Together we can create lasting, positive change and build safer stronger communities across the nation.”
AmeriCorps Programs Make a Difference
- In Macon, Public Health AmeriCorps, a national service organization, is committed to addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues, including gun violence. Members serving with One World Link work with their Project H.E.R.O. in the Pleasant Hill community. AmeriCorps members use the Cure Violence Global model to interrupt, intervene and change community norms around gun violence. Over the last year, they have helped to reduce gun violence and eliminated gun homicides in the Pleasant Hill community.
- In Detroit, the Urban Safety Corps, an AmeriCorps program run by Wayne State University in partnership with the Detroit Police Department, engages AmeriCorps members to create partnerships with community stakeholders to identify crime “hot spots”, provide outreach and support to surveys of intimate partner violence, remove blight, board up vacant homes, create safe routes to schools, conduct home safety audits, and expand neighborhood watch groups in high-crime areas. In the neighborhoods where AmeriCorps members serve, crime declined by 26 percent, an estimated savings of $324.7 million in law enforcement costs according to Detroit Police Department.
- In East Harlem, Public Health AmeriCorps members serving through Concrete Safaris’ Placemaking Corps conduct place-based service-learning interventions to help young people transform their communities and improve their healthy decision-making skills.
- In Fresno, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the Foster Grandparent program partner with local college students to create and implement lessons on emotional literacy in local Boys and Girls Clubs and schools. These volunteers help children and youth identify their feelings, express them, and build coping skills that allow students to resolve challenges and conflicts in a productive and healthy way—and reduce loneliness and isolation. These skills also help students effectively manage challenges in their schools, homes, and communities.
Voices from the Field
Courtney Ates was an AmeriCorps member who had her own involvement in the criminal justice system. After her release from prison, she reintegrated back into society with help from a local church and then began serving as an AmeriCorps member with One World Link.
“As an AmeriCorps member serving with One World Link, my focus was not only on providing immediate assistance but also on creating long-term positive change,” said Courteny Ates. By offering a helping hand and the necessary resources, we help pave the way for individuals to rebuild their lives. This shows that it is truly possible to achieve positive life transformation one quality decision at a time.
Ates now serves as a subject matter expert in community safety and violence intervention with One World Link.
Looking Ahead
AmeriCorps calls on individuals and organizations to join the movement against gun violence. Through service, collaboration, and commitment, we can create a safer, more peaceful future for all. Visit AmeriCorps.gov/Serve to learn how you can serve your community.