#UNDERSTANDTHESHOOTER
Preventing interpersonal gun violence through the intersection of youth development and public health.
#UNDERSTANDTHESHOOTER
Preventing interpersonal gun violence through the intersection of youth development and public health.
The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project and over 50 community-based organizations and stakeholders in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas gathered for the first of its kind End Gun Violence Citywide Conference in June of 2021 to assess the public health crisis and co-create a citywide community peace plan.
Featured clip is from the Voices of Gun Violence segment of the conference. Speaker: Chris “Fresh” Edge, Artist, Survivor, TRIGGER Ambassador. Register here for the 2nd Annual Conference!
Our virtual Summer Youth Employment Program partnered with local community - Benning Courts - and Metropolitan Police Department to bring youth a stage and platform to showcase their voice, message, creativity, and gifts. Character strengths of social intelligence, creativity, and grit were activated purposefully and passionately.
True Reasons I Grabbed the Gun Evolved from Risks, produced by Straight to the Point Media, tells a story often overlooked -from the shooter's point of view.
Although death by firearms in America is a public health crisis, we believe that our country is in a fixed state of acceptance of gun violence in urban cities. Legislators and community members accept gun violence as a societal norm for
people of disadvantaged communities.
Learn why the gun gives an invisible soul an invincible feeling.
Take a look inside of the livestreaming of #YouthDayDC! All artists, presentation creators, and leaders were from the ages of 6-20 years old. Youth voice, youth choice is an evidence-based approach to youth engagement. #YouthDayDC from planning to implementation is the manifestation of positive youth development and practice. Youth-led presentations topics included healthy relationships, ending gun violence, positive self-image, and inner peace.
The trigger is pulled because of fear of getting got first.
The trigger is pulled because it makes them feel as if they won.
The trigger is pulled because the gun make you feel powerful.
What does it mean to GUNDERSTAND? Before your mind debates solutions, let your heart ponder the root of the problem. The True Reasons I Grabbed the Gun
Evolved from Risks (T.R.I.G.G.E.R) Project
will allow empaths the opportunity
to achieve a real grasp of the nature, significance, and explanation
of the individual and societal risk factors
involved in interpersonal gun violence which mostly
impact urban communities.
Ending gun violence is not a one-fix solution. Ending gun violence
requires a comprehensive understanding and approach present in all levels of society.
Our Gun Violence Prevention programs, events, training, and advocacy are rooted in increasing the protective factors through Socio-Emotional Learning to combat the infectious spread of gun violence trauma.
Through a partnership with the Department of Employment Services, 125 youth are paid to develop themselves and community through a summer of project-based learning and self-exploration.
Research has proven that brain development and creativity is stunted by stress and trauma. Partnerships with local artists and entrepreneurs enable youth to cope and engage in healing.
We often exclude our youth from the conversations that lead to decisions that impact their lives the most. Youth are trained and presented with opportunity to organize.
Did you know that June is Gun Violence Awareness Month? Inquire about our specialized activities geared towards self and social awareness.
Are you a parent, program coordinator, violence interrupter, educator, advocate, survivor, or believer that gun violence can end? Schedule "Understand the Shooter" training today.
Violence prevention is about taking public health versus criminal or political approach. Partner with intent to build research and reform.
The state of gun violence has been gradual and present for four decades in our nation’s capital. Watch the Founder of The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, Tia Bell, speak on the local and National public health crisis of youth violence and interpersonal gun violence. Full program here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=484475902794709&ref=watch_permalink
Your generous support and contributions will enable us to launch the project in voicing root causes of gun violence. We aim to reduce homicides by 50%.
Stop ONE shooting, save TWO lives.
Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!
Our unique approach to preventing gun violence through creative and positive youth development needs your support, today!