Violence Prevention Initiative Events
VPI Staff Attend Art of Living Foundation Event
The Art of Living Foundation hosted the Meditate for Non-Violence event at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, March 29th, 2013. Internationally renowned humanitarian and founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received special invited guest for a VIP reception, with our own Ann Bria of the VPI being amongst the honored invitees.
Later that evening at the awards ceremony, the following champions for non-violence from the Chicago area were honored including: Ronald and Annette Holt, co-founders of Purpose Over Pain in the wake of their son's murder on a CTA school bus by a stray bullet; Ameena Matthews of Ceasefire Chicago, working as an interrupter to decrease violence; Onedelee Perteet who became a quadriplegic at the age of 14 from a bullet to his spine and speaks about nonviolence throughout Chicago; photographer, Carlos Javier Ortiz whose photo series Too Young to Die has won numerous awards; former NFL football player Levar Fisher, founder of Freeze and Think; and 88 year old Ratanji Dhimar, one of Mahatma Gandhi's original Freedom Fighters.
Ripple Effect Milwaukee's 2nd Annual April Friend's Day Event
The Fitzsimonds Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee hosted the 2nd Annual April Friend's Day event on April 1st. April 1st or "April Fools Day" is commonly known as a day for pranks and gags. Hijinks, even those initiated with good intentions, can perpetuate conflict and indignity, two root causes of violence. One of the main goals of April Friends Day is to work with youth to reclaim April 1st from this cultural norm while introducing skills that promote peace and dignity.
Sixty-six youth from five Ripple Effect Milwaukee sites (Davis, Mary Ryan, Fitzsimonds, North Division CLC and LaVarnway) and one community partner (Urban Underground) attended a half-day full of activities where youth participated in a creative "friendship" bracelet activity (conducted by Milwaukee Public Theater), a Bully Expert Martial Arts demonstration (provided by the Vistelar Group), and a very interactive, engaging, youth led table discussion which focused on Bullying solutions (from a youth perspective). Marquette University's Center for Peacemaking students were also present to assist with the overall event and co-facilitation of the youth led discussions.
Pebbles for Peace Outweighing Boulders of Violence II
Pebbles for Peace Outweighing Boulders of Violence Program II
Hosted by Cardinal Stritch University Leadership Center and in partnership with the Violence Prevention Initiative
Thursday, April 18, 2013
9:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.
Cardinal Stritch University, Bonaventure Hall
6801 North Yates Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53217
The VPI Youth Leadership Council, in partnership with Cardinal Stritch University's Leadership Center and the House of Peace will host the Pebbles of Peace Outweighing Boulders of Violence II Youth Conference.
The conference is a follow-up event from the successful Pebbles conference held November 2012. The theme of the conference dealt with the role of the bystander in bullying. Groups attending the conference formulated projects to implement change in their respective communities, and the Pebbles II conference will be an opportunity for the groups to reunite and share the results of their projects. The Pebbles II "Reunion" will be Thursday April 18th, 2013 on the campus of Cardinal Stritch University.
The Violence Prevention Initiative is excited to partner with Cardinal Stritch University Leadership Center to further promote and enhance youth leadership development skills to youth in Milwaukee. For additional information please contact Anthony Caples or John Rakowski.