What it does
Urban peace institute reduces and prevents community violence by applying a public health approach to understand the underlying reasons for violence and create innovative, holistic ways to change the conditions that lead to them. (continued on schedule o)we provide technical assistance and training to communities throughout california and across the country, supporting safety efforts to ensure that children can learn, families can thrive, and communities can prosper.
Capacity building strengthens community-based organizations (cbos) by supporting organizational infrastructure, enhancing operational capacity, and applying research-informed approaches. The organization facilitates collaboration among partners, promotes effective grant management systems, and engages in policy advocacy to advance community violence intervention (cvi) efforts. Through an emphasis on accountability and partnership, this work increases local impact and supports the long-term sustainability of both community organizations and the systems that serve them.
Training and regional support provides education and technical assistance through the urban peace academy to residents, peacemakers, community practitioners, and public-sector partners on public healthbased approaches to violence reduction. Training curricula emphasize effective community engagement, mediation and conflict resolution, professional standards, trauma-informed practices, worker wellness, and culturally grounded strategies that support safe and effective community violence intervention (cvi) work.through this program, the organization has trained thousands of individuals nationwide and provided regional support to communities seeking to strengthen local cvi (continued on schedule o) infrastructure. In addition, the organization delivers technical assistance to community-based organizations and multi-sector partners to support the development, implementation, and sustainability of violence intervention strategies.
Justice transformation (formerly smart justice): urban peace institute (upi) advances justice transformation by developing alternatives to mass incarceration and juvenile detention, with a focus on preventing system involvement for black, indigenous, and other youth of color. Upi's work is grounded in training, advocacy, and youth empowerment. Upi trains prison-and facility-based violence intervention workers (credible messengers) to deliver youth development, restorative justice, and trauma-informed programming within juvenile facilities. Through coalition-based advocacy, upi supports accountability and improved conditions in youth justice systems and promotes investment in community-based prevention and youth development strategies. Upi also empowers system-impacted youth (continued on schedule o)through leadership and fellowship programs that elevate youth voice and support positive outcomes.
Leadership
Fernando RejonExecutive Director
Timothy ShugrueDirector of Finance & Operations
Jessica CanalesDir Training & Technical Asst.
Eric LamSR Dir of Programs & Strategy
Mark OhrtmanDirector of Capacity