Urban Peace Institute
@urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social
Nonprofit creating community safety and dismantling harmful systems so every individual can live a life of peace, hope and power.
Sign UPI's Peace Pledge to join the movement for safety and justice: https://www.urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
Sign UPI's Peace Pledge to join the movement for safety and justice: https://www.urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
Pinned
LA Peacemakers Initiative is a project focused on enhancing #communitysafety in LA’s most violence-impacted neighborhoods.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.
UPI wrapped up the latest Let Everyone Advance with Dignity workshop series! Over four sessions, case managers from community-based orgs gained tools to confront systemic harm.
Stay tuned for a weekly series and why a care-first approach is key to transforming safety and justice across LA.
Stay tuned for a weekly series and why a care-first approach is key to transforming safety and justice across LA.
November 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
UPI wrapped up the latest Let Everyone Advance with Dignity workshop series! Over four sessions, case managers from community-based orgs gained tools to confront systemic harm.
Stay tuned for a weekly series and why a care-first approach is key to transforming safety and justice across LA.
Stay tuned for a weekly series and why a care-first approach is key to transforming safety and justice across LA.
Reposted by Urban Peace Institute
Check out @everytown.bsky.social's latest blog, where I chatted with my friend, Fernando Rejón, about the impact of funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs on the @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social's ability to carry out their life-saving work.
https://bit.ly/4oC8WL4
https://bit.ly/4oC8WL4
Urban Peace Institute on This Administration’s Funding Cuts: ‘CVI Is Essential to Public Safety’
“Stripping communities of these dollars really hinders our ability to expand the understanding of what public safety is and to minimize the impact of gun violence at the local level.”
everytownsupportfund.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Check out @everytown.bsky.social's latest blog, where I chatted with my friend, Fernando Rejón, about the impact of funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs on the @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social's ability to carry out their life-saving work.
https://bit.ly/4oC8WL4
https://bit.ly/4oC8WL4
Congratulations to the graduates of the latest Leadership and Instructor Development (LID) program cohort! From March to November, participants were dedicated to gaining essential skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership and instruction.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Congratulations to the graduates of the latest Leadership and Instructor Development (LID) program cohort! From March to November, participants were dedicated to gaining essential skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership and instruction.
Today marked yet another disappointing outcome regarding the state of Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls. A judge decided not to place the County’s Probation Department under receivership.
October 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Today marked yet another disappointing outcome regarding the state of Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls. A judge decided not to place the County’s Probation Department under receivership.
UPI joined @reimaginela.bsky.social and partners for a budget rally to tell LA County leaders to FUND CARE FIRST! Angelenos deserve safety and justice that is created by and for community. We deserve care, dignity and freedom. Police and prisons don't keep us safe—collectively, we do.
October 2, 2025 at 7:56 PM
UPI joined @reimaginela.bsky.social and partners for a budget rally to tell LA County leaders to FUND CARE FIRST! Angelenos deserve safety and justice that is created by and for community. We deserve care, dignity and freedom. Police and prisons don't keep us safe—collectively, we do.
It was an honor to host Cohort 4 of University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA)! CVILA participants heard from UPI’s co-founder Connie Rice and executive director Fernando Rejón. as well as the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) 🧵⬇️
September 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
It was an honor to host Cohort 4 of University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA)! CVILA participants heard from UPI’s co-founder Connie Rice and executive director Fernando Rejón. as well as the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) 🧵⬇️
Reposted by Urban Peace Institute
Hear from my friend, Fernando of @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social, on the impact that funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have had on trust and public safety—particularly in Black and brown communities.
September 25, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Hear from my friend, Fernando of @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social, on the impact that funding cuts to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have had on trust and public safety—particularly in Black and brown communities.
🔥WATCH: Aqeela Sherrills on transforming public safety.
“Aqeela is a force in the CVI field, leading with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community-based solutions. His vision for transforming public safety inspires and uplifts everyone who works alongside him.” –Fernando Rejón, UPI
“Aqeela is a force in the CVI field, leading with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community-based solutions. His vision for transforming public safety inspires and uplifts everyone who works alongside him.” –Fernando Rejón, UPI
The grassroots movement transforming public safety
In 1992, something unprecedented happened in Los Angeles: rival gang members negotiated a historic peace treaty, significantly reducing violence across the city. Aqeela Sherrills, one of the key negot...
go.ted.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🔥WATCH: Aqeela Sherrills on transforming public safety.
“Aqeela is a force in the CVI field, leading with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community-based solutions. His vision for transforming public safety inspires and uplifts everyone who works alongside him.” –Fernando Rejón, UPI
“Aqeela is a force in the CVI field, leading with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community-based solutions. His vision for transforming public safety inspires and uplifts everyone who works alongside him.” –Fernando Rejón, UPI
By signing UPI’s Peace Pledge, you become part of a growing movement working to build lasting peace and safety across LA and the country.
Take the pledge today and show your commitment to justice and community safety: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
#InternationalDayofPeace
Take the pledge today and show your commitment to justice and community safety: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
#InternationalDayofPeace
September 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
By signing UPI’s Peace Pledge, you become part of a growing movement working to build lasting peace and safety across LA and the country.
Take the pledge today and show your commitment to justice and community safety: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
#InternationalDayofPeace
Take the pledge today and show your commitment to justice and community safety: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peace-pledge
#InternationalDayofPeace
Reposted by Urban Peace Institute
Had a great time chatting with my friend, Fernando, about how the Trump Administration's community violence intervention funding cuts have impacted @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social
ability to carry out life-saving work—especially at a time when folks need it the most.
ability to carry out life-saving work—especially at a time when folks need it the most.
September 12, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Had a great time chatting with my friend, Fernando, about how the Trump Administration's community violence intervention funding cuts have impacted @urbanpeaceinst.bsky.social
ability to carry out life-saving work—especially at a time when folks need it the most.
ability to carry out life-saving work—especially at a time when folks need it the most.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's fascist interests and against the constitutional and human rights of Angelenos. 🧵
September 9, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's fascist interests and against the constitutional and human rights of Angelenos. 🧵
UPI recently hosted our first Community Conversations event with Youth Justice Coalition focusing on Youth Justice Reimagined (YJR)—a bold, community-driven approach to transforming LA County’s youth justice system. 🧵
September 3, 2025 at 10:52 PM
UPI recently hosted our first Community Conversations event with Youth Justice Coalition focusing on Youth Justice Reimagined (YJR)—a bold, community-driven approach to transforming LA County’s youth justice system. 🧵
Urban Peace Institute denounces the ICE raids and the Trump Administration’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. These militarized actions are an assault on unarmed communities and a blatant abuse of power.
June 8, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Urban Peace Institute denounces the ICE raids and the Trump Administration’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. These militarized actions are an assault on unarmed communities and a blatant abuse of power.
Community Violence Intervention leaders from across LA gathered in solidarity to oppose Trump’s funding cuts to our lifesaving work. Shoutout to the speakers for amplifying the important message: NO CUTS TO CVI 📢🚨
@thehavi.bsky.social
#ProtectCVI #FundPeacemakers #DayOfAction
@thehavi.bsky.social
#ProtectCVI #FundPeacemakers #DayOfAction
May 22, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Community Violence Intervention leaders from across LA gathered in solidarity to oppose Trump’s funding cuts to our lifesaving work. Shoutout to the speakers for amplifying the important message: NO CUTS TO CVI 📢🚨
@thehavi.bsky.social
#ProtectCVI #FundPeacemakers #DayOfAction
@thehavi.bsky.social
#ProtectCVI #FundPeacemakers #DayOfAction
📞 TAKE ACTION: Call Congress TODAY!
On May 7, we’re demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives and prevent violence.
On May 7, we’re demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives and prevent violence.
May 7, 2025 at 4:29 AM
📞 TAKE ACTION: Call Congress TODAY!
On May 7, we’re demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives and prevent violence.
On May 7, we’re demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives and prevent violence.
🚨 CALL TO ACTION 🚨
April 15 – we take it to the LA County Board of Supervisors w/ @reimaginela.bsky.social.
Demand the release of Measure J & CFCI funds for mental health, jobs & housing. These are OUR dollars.
📍 500 W. Temple, LA
#FreeTheFunds #MeasureJ #CFCI #ReimagineLA
April 15 – we take it to the LA County Board of Supervisors w/ @reimaginela.bsky.social.
Demand the release of Measure J & CFCI funds for mental health, jobs & housing. These are OUR dollars.
📍 500 W. Temple, LA
#FreeTheFunds #MeasureJ #CFCI #ReimagineLA
April 7, 2025 at 10:56 PM
🚨 CALL TO ACTION 🚨
April 15 – we take it to the LA County Board of Supervisors w/ @reimaginela.bsky.social.
Demand the release of Measure J & CFCI funds for mental health, jobs & housing. These are OUR dollars.
📍 500 W. Temple, LA
#FreeTheFunds #MeasureJ #CFCI #ReimagineLA
April 15 – we take it to the LA County Board of Supervisors w/ @reimaginela.bsky.social.
Demand the release of Measure J & CFCI funds for mental health, jobs & housing. These are OUR dollars.
📍 500 W. Temple, LA
#FreeTheFunds #MeasureJ #CFCI #ReimagineLA
During Black History Month — and every day — we celebrate the peacemakers who are committed to ending violence and saving lives in communities across the country. ✊🏿✊🏾
#EverybodyDeservesPeace #BlackHistoryMonth
#EverybodyDeservesPeace #BlackHistoryMonth
February 27, 2025 at 8:03 PM
During Black History Month — and every day — we celebrate the peacemakers who are committed to ending violence and saving lives in communities across the country. ✊🏿✊🏾
#EverybodyDeservesPeace #BlackHistoryMonth
#EverybodyDeservesPeace #BlackHistoryMonth
Reposted by Urban Peace Institute
Seven years ago today, 17 people were killed and 17 were injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
This senseless shooting inspired young people across the country to demand improved gun laws. The #Parkland17 deserved better, and we keep fighting every day in their honor.
This senseless shooting inspired young people across the country to demand improved gun laws. The #Parkland17 deserved better, and we keep fighting every day in their honor.
February 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Seven years ago today, 17 people were killed and 17 were injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
This senseless shooting inspired young people across the country to demand improved gun laws. The #Parkland17 deserved better, and we keep fighting every day in their honor.
This senseless shooting inspired young people across the country to demand improved gun laws. The #Parkland17 deserved better, and we keep fighting every day in their honor.
Reposted by Urban Peace Institute
Cal Wellness is pleased to announce the launch of Wellness Together, an event series supporting the well-being of anyone working to advance health and social justice in California.
The first virtual session is happening Feb. 20 – learn more and register: www.calwellness.org/stories/well...
The first virtual session is happening Feb. 20 – learn more and register: www.calwellness.org/stories/well...
February 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Cal Wellness is pleased to announce the launch of Wellness Together, an event series supporting the well-being of anyone working to advance health and social justice in California.
The first virtual session is happening Feb. 20 – learn more and register: www.calwellness.org/stories/well...
The first virtual session is happening Feb. 20 – learn more and register: www.calwellness.org/stories/well...
Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives.
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Peacemakers on Peacemakers Panel — Urban Peace Institute
www.urbanpeaceinstitute.org
February 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives.
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives.
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Peacemakers on Peacemakers Panel — Urban Peace Institute
www.urbanpeaceinstitute.org
February 12, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Join UPI in conversation with eight Los Angeles peacemakers who are committed to saving lives.
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Together, we can stand against policies that are intended to harm our most vulnerable communities, and instead uplift and champion Black and Brown unity.
RSVP: urbanpeaceinstitute.org/peacemakerspanel
Last month, we celebrated another graduating class of the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy (LAVITA). Over 144 hours, intervention workers engaged in personal and professional development to enhance their peacemaking skills.
#communitysafety #fundpeacemakers #endgunviolence
#communitysafety #fundpeacemakers #endgunviolence
February 3, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Last month, we celebrated another graduating class of the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy (LAVITA). Over 144 hours, intervention workers engaged in personal and professional development to enhance their peacemaking skills.
#communitysafety #fundpeacemakers #endgunviolence
#communitysafety #fundpeacemakers #endgunviolence
LA Peacemakers Initiative is a project focused on enhancing #communitysafety in LA’s most violence-impacted neighborhoods.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.
January 31, 2025 at 8:43 PM
LA Peacemakers Initiative is a project focused on enhancing #communitysafety in LA’s most violence-impacted neighborhoods.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.
From Feb to Nov 2024, the average number of non-fatal injuries reported per month by coalition members decreased by 24%.
Join the movement for #safety and #justice.