Chicago

A recent film festival at the Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) brought light and voice to CVI organizations across Chicago.

What does it take to create safer communities? According to leaders from Chicago’s philanthropic and civic communities, the answer starts with partnership.

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) takes the spotlight in a series of new PSAs from The Ad Council that bring awareness to the life-saving work occurring in cities across the country.

Public Equity launched its Integrative Wellness Program which aims to empower its staff and reinforce their overall well-being by incorporating evidence-based medical and therapeutic practices.

UCAN Chicago, in partnership with Chicago CRED, held a Peace Walk and Light in the Night event to close out Gun Violence Awareness Month on June 26.

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, those same organizations came together at “The Art of Peace: 10-Year CVI Anniversary Celebration & Expo” for an evening of reflection, education, organizational activations, community-building, and more, as they marked a decade of partnership in helping to reduce gun violence in Chicago.

Leaders from Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) recently partnered with community-led collective “We Are Our Own Medicine” to host a Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Activation Training, bringing together community members from various organizations to learn about engaging local CVI groups and building relationships.

The Illinois Peace Project (IPP) celebrated the second year of the Peace Portraits digital storytelling series with a screening and cocktail reception on May 28, 2026 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor gun violence survivors and advocate to put an end to gun violence. Organizations all across Chicago are planning a number of activities across the city and throughout the month. Find the many ways you can support.

At least 26 people were shot over Memorial Day weekend, including one fatality — a slight increase from 2025, when Chicago recorded its least violent Memorial Day weekend since 2010. During that period last year, 25 people were shot, including four fatalities.