Peace Fellows Advisors Review Progress

With the first cohort of the Chicago Peace Fellows finishing their summer projects and nearing the end of their curriculum, the Goldin Institute convened a dinner meeting of prominent advisers on Thursday, September 12, to discuss strategies for sharing the Fellows’ accomplishments and wisdom during their upcoming graduation. Held at the Erie Café in the… Continue reading Peace Fellows Advisors Review Progress

Peace Is a Journey, Not a Destination

On a balmy and breezy Saturday in early September, the fragrance of peace filled the air. The scent of patchouli and music of meditation greeted more than 200 residents as they entered Cooper Park located in the historic Maple Park neighborhood on Chicago’s far South Side. They journeyed to this urban ashram for a “Passport… Continue reading Peace Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Passport to Peace Draws Together 200 Neighbors

On Saturday, September 7, the Chicago Peace Fellows gathered in Cooper Park in the West Pullman community on the Far South Side to spread peace. Hosted by Pastor Robert Biekman, this event was the second of the Passport 2 Peace series, one of the Chicago Peace Fellows’ summer projects. Each event in the series is being… Continue reading Passport to Peace Draws Together 200 Neighbors

Peace Fellows Tour University of Chicago Crime Lab

On Friday, August 30, the Chicago Peace Fellows toured the University of Chicago Urban Labs to learn more about the work of the Crime Lab, hosted by Kimberly Smith, associate director of criminal justice initiatives. Kim talked about how the Crime Lab started with the idea to leverage the intellectual capital of the University of… Continue reading Peace Fellows Tour University of Chicago Crime Lab

Chicago Youth Exchange Builds Trust in the Great Outdoors

Six thirty a.m., Sunday morning, teens ages 15-21 wait in great anticipation for the bus that will take them away from the Windy City, Chicago, with the bright lights, loud noises to the serene shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – the Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School (OWLS) in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. [quote]For many of the youths,… Continue reading Chicago Youth Exchange Builds Trust in the Great Outdoors

Peace Fellows Visit Telpochcalli in Little Village

On Friday, June 14, Chicago Peace Fellow Maria Velazquez invited her peers to the Telpochcalli Elementary School, an institution in the Little Village neighborhood that the community organization she leads, called the Telpochcalli Community Education Project, helped to create. Maria hosted a street festival for members of the community to enjoy time together to start… Continue reading Peace Fellows Visit Telpochcalli in Little Village

Peace Fellow Spotlight: Gloria Smith

What are some important updates in your current work? The Black Star Project is a multifaceted initiative known for its actions with programs on education, culture, economic and workforce development, mentoring, tutoring and youth development, public policy and advocacy and violence prevention. Our programs encourage a holistic, intergenerational approach to community building. Phillip Jackson, our… Continue reading Peace Fellow Spotlight: Gloria Smith

Where Non Violence is Personal

The Chicago Peace Fellows recently met with a unique group of activists who are teaching non-violence techniques to gang members in the city’s toughest neighborhoods. “My job is to stop the violence,” said Kenya Hardy, street outreach worker with the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. “I do whatever I have to do, like a cousin, like… Continue reading Where Non Violence is Personal

Ladies of Virtue Recognize Youth Leadership

On Saturday, May 18, the Ladies of Virtue (LOV), founded and led by Chicago Peace Fellow Jamila Trimuel, hosted their 2019 Recognition Ceremony to honor high school and eighth grade graduates as they move on to the next chapter in the program.   [quote]”Our 8th Annual Recognition Ceremony is a time where our Ladies of… Continue reading Ladies of Virtue Recognize Youth Leadership

Peace Fellow Spotlight: Pastor Robert Biekman

How has Gather informed the work that you do? Have you made any meaningful connections between Gather and your work? I am grateful to the Chicago Peace Fellows for not only increasing my personal capacity as a leader but also increasing the Chicago Alternatives to Incarceration’s Collaborative organizational capacity as well. The skills I have… Continue reading Peace Fellow Spotlight: Pastor Robert Biekman