Slide 1
Gun Violence Awareness Month

June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month (GVAM) and the Illinois Peace Project is a proud supporter of the annual campaign. First established by President Barack Obama following the killing of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, GVAM aims to raise awareness about gun violence and promotes actions that can reduce such incidents. GVAM is part of a broader effort to educate the public on the impact of gun violence on communities and to advocate for effective gun safety measures and policies.

Join the Illinois Peace Project in attending daily activities that foster peace, justice, and safety. Together, we can put a spotlight on the organizations and efforts that are making Illinois a safer place.

2026 GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS

Click the map below to find events, or submit an event here.

SCENES FROM 2025 GVAM

    BUILD Chicago hosts its annual #WearOrange March Against Gun Violence.
    Think Outside Da Block takes a ride through Englewood for Roll N Peace 12.
    Strides for Peace hosts its annual Race Against Gun Violence in Grant Park.
    Chicago CRED's Women’s Center receives a grant from the Chicago Sports Alliance.
    Peace Runners 773 hosts its annual Juneteenth Wellness 5K.
    Illinois Peace Portraits celebrates the 2025 Peace Portraits honorees.
    Together Chicago hosts Juneteenth Commemorative Walk with Justice Journey Alliance.
    Nearly 50 youth leaders from Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Youth Guidance, Project Unloaded and North Lawndale College Prep Peace Warriors lead a powerful violence prevention summit.
    Project H.O.O.D. hosts its annual gala titled “A Night of Impact & Inspiration.”
    One Aim hosts a “Saving Ourselves Mix & Mingle” event in honor of violence prevention.
    Brilliance & Excellence hosts its 3rd Annual March and Opportunity Fair.
    Metropolitan Peace Initiatives celebrates its newest graduates from the Metropolitan Peace Academy.
    BUILD Chicago’s Peace League was in full swing during Gun Violence Awareness Month.
    New Life Centers participates in Strides for Peace’s annual Race Against Gun Violence.
    BUILD Chicago hosts the 2nd Annual We Are Our Own Medicine Conference in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
    Community Violence Intervention (CVI) experts from Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and Northwestern University’s Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science (CORNERS) speak at the 2025 GIFFORDS CVI Conference in Los Angeles.
    Think Outside Da Block takes a ride through Englewood for Roll N Peace 12.
    Peace Runners 773 hosts its annual Juneteenth Wellness 5K.
    Strides for Peace hosts its annual Race Against Gun Violence in Grant Park.
    BUILD Chicago SC2 Manager Pablo Galvez is recognized as a 2025 Peace Portraits honoree by the Illinois Peace Project.
    BUILD Chicago hosts its annual #WearOrange March Against Gun Violence.

ABOUT ILLINOIS PEACE PROJECT

The Illinois Peace Project is an initiative supported by partner organizations with a shared vision for reducing gun violence. Together, our widespread efforts are making Illinois safer for all.

EXPLORE ORGANIZATIONS
Scroll to Top