Community violence intervention is an essential element of public safety, and at the core of this work are homegrown peacemakers—individuals with deep ties to the communities they serve. Champions for Peace is our way of honoring the men and women working on the ground to stop violence in their communities before it happens. Many have lived through the very challenges they now help others navigate. Their leadership is grounded in experience, credibility, and a commitment that cannot be outsourced. They are not driven by recognition or status. Their motivation comes from a belief in what their communities deserve and a refusal to let that vision slip away.

Every quarter GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention recognizes one champion who embodies what this work is really about. Selected honorees participate in a one-hour private conversation with our team to share their story, then are featured in a written spotlight on our website and national newsletter. We ask that participants provide a photo to accompany their feature, and everyone featured has the opportunity to review and approve materials before publication.

If someone comes to mind as you read this, take a moment to lift them up. Nominate them for our Champions for Peace spotlight and help make their leadership visible.