Tell Congress: Pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, Provide Funding for Violence Interruption Programs

From Oxfam America (http://www.oxfamamerica.org):

Lamar Johnson Jr. saves lives and stops gun violence.

As a Violence Prevention Coordinator with B.R.A.V.E Youth Leaders in Chicago, he teaches teens how to advocate for peace and seek a life beyond the cycle of violence. Lamar knows firsthand what these teens are facing; he grew up exposed to gun violence. Focusing on sports and school activities helped him avoid violence and conflict.

But while gun violence continues to surge nationwide, crucial prevention programs are losing funding. Violence interrupters like Lamar have been forced to cut programming that gives kids and teens the tools they need to stay safe.

That’s where you come in — demand that Congress pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act at https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/60186/action/1. This bill has FINALLY been lifted up as a priority, and would provide $5 billion in funding for violence interruption programs.

Community heroes need resources to help us all live free from gun violence — join us in the fight to get this act passed!

Tell Congress to act!

Violence prevention and intervention programs, like B.R.A.V.E, are key initiatives needed to end gun violence. Through street outreach, community call-ins, and by providing survivors and families with counseling, support, and mediation, these programs get results; gun homicides dropped by almost 50% in cities where leaders received funding for their work.

But due to the pandemic and budget shortfalls, Lamar and other leaders are seeing their funding cut right when they need it most. Passing the Break the Cycle Act wouldn’t just change lives — it would save families from the pain and trauma of losing a loved one to gun violence. No matter where you live, we all should be able to live in safe communities free from the threat of gun violence.

Take action now

It’s time to give community heroes the funds they need to stop gun violence — Congress must pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act. This important and timely bill can fund the lifesaving work of violence interrupters. Will you take action to get this act passed?

We all have the right to be safe from gun violence, Sandra. Local heroes need funding to protect their communities and prevent gun violence from spreading.

Tap into your superpowers and join us in calling for Congress to help break the cycle.

Your action today can save a life tomorrow — thank you.

* B.R.A.V.E. is Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere, a program for youth ages 6-24 from different schools and communities to come together to promote peace and change.