Urban Peace Institute

UPI will reestablish our Leadership Institute to develop the civic engagement and advocacy capacity of residents in LA’s most vulnerable communities. The program provides 9 months of training and support around proven safety solutions to combat community violence, address neglected neighborhood infrastructures and advocate for community led safety solutions. UPI will deliver leadership and community organizing training to develop community-tailored solutions and build new leaders within our 3 focus areas of Harvard Park, Watts and South Park.

UPI will create safety in the Harvard Park and South Park communities by leveraging the organization's two School Safety Collaboratives and Leadership Institute, coordinating with local peacemakers to act as crossing guards, as well as supporting peacemakers to provide on-campus de-escalation and mentoring services for students at Augustus Hawkins High School. These programs will ensure all families can safely access opportunities to learn and engage in recreation.

UPI seeks to expand its programming to South Los Angeles’ South Park community to create improved health and safety. With funding, UPI will create the South Park Regional School Safety Collaborative Program to establish safe routes to schools for students. In addition, UPI will also expand our Leadership Institute that provides seven months of training and support to 35 South Los Angeles Latino and Black residents in leading community safety solutions.

Harvard Park is surrounded by children and families who deserve a safe place to play, but they are unable to access their local park because of pervasive community violence. The Urban Peace Institute will combat rising gun and gang violence levels by empowering peacemakers and community leaders to create neighborhood safety. New peace ambassadors will collaborate with trained community leaders to reduce violence, and ensure children and families feel safe enough to play at Harvard Park.