School Safety Campaigns Grow in South LA

Urban Peace Institute's three School Safety Collaboratives are taking on safety campaigns in South Los Angeles to ensure youth can get to and from school without fear of violence. The collaboratives meet monthly in the Harvard Park, South Park and Watts neighborhoods to discuss safety concerns and strategize on community-based solutions. Presently, UPI is leading participants in developing advocacy campaigns to create community safety and health.

A common theme in each collaborative is the rise in traffic violence and its harmful impacts on the walkability of South Los Angeles neighborhoods. Urban Peace Institute has led Community Walks, alongside partners, to promote pedestrian safety, encourage vehicles to slow down, and administer surveys to identify community needs. Throughout the walks, community members make 311 calls and reports to advocate for safety solutions in real time. At the collaboratives, community violence interventionists and other service providers coordinate and leverage resources to further develop safe passages, as well comprehensive and tailored community safety solutions to address issues around community violence.

Over the last year, Urban Peace Institute reconvened efforts in Harvard Park, launched a collaborative in South Park, and grew participation in Watts. These developments were made possible from the generous support of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA2050, and Toms Foundation. We are grateful for these foundations' commitment to building community power and to social justice!

Looking forward, Urban Peace Institute is eager to update our allies and supporters on the victories of the three School Safety Collaboratives' safety campaigns. All children deserve to get to and from school safely! Learn more about our Community Safety and Health initiatives here.