Here’s a question for you…

Do you remember what you were thinking about when you walked out your front door today? Maybe you were thinking about your responsibilities at work, or with your kids, or maybe you were just in a rush to get that first cup of coffee.

Most of you probably weren't thinking about your immediate safety. You’re probably weren’t worried about getting jumped, mugged, catching a stray bullet, or hearing that a friend or coworker had committed suicide.

Sadly, millions of Americans who live in dangerous urban areas are constantly aware of the fear that comes with living in a community plagued by violence. And generation after generation of inner city youth experience trauma from violence that can affect them for the rest of their lives.

According to the Council on Criminal Justice, there were 44% more homicides in 2021 in major American cities than in 2019. Aggravated assault, gun assault, and domestic violence are also on the rise. 

In honor of the International Day of Peace, we’d love to share about a new initiative called Cities4Peace by the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values that is combating urban violence and bringing hope, healing, and solace to our communities and neighborhoods.

Cities4Peace: Kindling hope and peace in our cities

Multiple factors such as mental health challenges, systemic inequalities, mass shootings, and the pandemic all contribute to rising violence in our cities and communities. Stress and anxiety are reaching all time highs, and now more than ever, there is an urgent need to promote mental well-being, compassion, non-violence, and peace.

And that’s where Cities4Peace comes in.

Who does Cities4Peace focus on serving?

The Cities4Peace initiative uses a consultancy approach to work with civic leaders and changemakers. First, they dive deep to understand the challenges being faced by a particular community. Then, they design community-specific solutions to promote public health and safety in cities and communities worldwide. 

For example, during their pioneering work in Los Angeles, the Cities4Peace team created an experiential and interactive program to deepen the relations between LAPD officers and community members including former gang members, at-risk youth, parents, and educators. Check out this short video to see for yourself!

Real people, real impact

Over the past three years, Cities4Peace programs have made a positive difference in the communities of Los Angeles, LA County, Minneapolis, Rochester, Pomona, and Orange County in the US, as well as in Rotterdam (Netherlands), Salvador (Brazil), and in Cyprus. 

Researchers from George Mason University conducted an independent research evaluation of the Cities4Peace program in Los Angeles, and the results speak for themselves.

• 82% of participants reported increased energy and happiness
• 91% reported an increased ability to stay focused
• 96% reported enhanced clarity of mind
• 91% reported better ability to stay calm in challenging situations
• 87% reported increased ease of social connection
• 84% reported increased effectiveness in personal and professional

“We carry a heavy load when we do community intervention work, and the breathing and meditation tools have helped to lighten that load 100%.” - Andre Vickers Gang Intervention Activist, Los Angeles 

Be The Change

Wondering what you can do to help spread peace in our cities and communities?

Cities4Peace has launched an international campaign called “Be The Change” aimed at empowering change makers, leaders, and communities to actively promote peace, mental well-being, and nonviolence education in their organizations and communities. 

Check out this short video to learn more about our one-hour module. If you are interested in viewing the module, you can use this discount code for 50%off - TAKE50BTC. 

And If it inspires you, then please reach out so you can partner with us to screen the module and moderate a conversation about peace, compassion, and resilience at your workplace, at a nearby school, at your church, temple, or mosque, or in any other community setting.

We hope that this work inspires you to be the change that you wish to see in the world!