Responding to Gun Violence: Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence
March 28, 2022Reimagine, Reclaim, Repair: Together We’re Better | By Rev. Edward Livingston
May 18, 2022In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of homicides, a majority from gun violence. This blog series invites previously recognized Zones of Peace, an initiative of the Religious Leaders Council (RLC) of Greater Philadelphia, to share about their efforts to respond to and reduce gun violence. This series will highlight a range of effective and complementary approaches taken by Zones of Peace to address the crisis facing our city and our nation.
One City Agency’s Effort to Help Address the Gun Violence Crisis
Like many, I wake up each morning to learn of another shooting in the “City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.” Throughout the day, I hold on to the emotions I have as I respond to such heartbreaking news. I can’t help thinking about the traumatic impact these acts have on those directly involved and the entire community. I think about the sadness experienced by the families of victims. I think about how so many are burdened by fear that loved ones, neighbors, or they themselves will be shot. I think about the anger people carry after each occasion of gun violence and how some become numb to the news of yet another shooting. So many emotions manifest themselves as a result of this social trauma.
In response to this crisis, the City of Philadelphia has stepped up its efforts to identify and support community-based initiatives that help address underlying social conditions leading to gun violence. Examples include funding community-driven programs that focus on literacy, mentorship, employment, and constructive conflict resolution; and providing services that help in public safety, such as Town Watch and community crisis response teams.
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) – The City’s official civil rights agency – offers a unique blend of services in the effort to prevent gun violence through its Community Relations Division (CRD). All too often, violence plays out when people do not feel connected to one another and when interpersonal conflicts go unaddressed. The CRD offers consultation and trainings in conflict management and other pro-social skills to community groups, neighborhood associations, and other institutions that work directly with community members. Neighbors who are having disputes often find resolution through mediation and direct conflict intervention.
With the rich variety of ethnic, social, and religious traditions living throughout the city, tensions and conflicts can arise due to cultural misunderstandings. CRD can help bridge those relationship gaps by bringing people together in dialogue to help foster stronger bonds among neighbors.
Whether we are government officials, community organizers, neighbors, or students, we need to work together to address the gun violence crisis. The trauma we feel is shared. Through active participation in activities and services that target the underlying causes of gun violence, we may begin to move beyond the trauma and heal as a united Philadelphia community.
To learn more about the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, please go to: https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-commission-on-human-relations/
