In a world where incidents of violence and harassment have become too common, it is essential to equip our communities with the skills to intervene effectively and nonviolently. Last month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared violence an "urgent public health crisis." His report highlights the severity of the issue:

• Gun violence is the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents (ages 1–19).

• 54% of U.S. adults or their family members have experienced a firearm-related incident.

• 17% have witnessed someone being shot.

• 19% have a family member who was killed by a firearm.

Now is the time to take action with us and unite with the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days call to End Violence: Interrupt Harassment & Violence, anytime between September 21st and October 2nd. Join us in taking bold, nonviolent action to promote peace and safety. We urge everyone to participate and train in bystander intervention, de-escalation, and anti-harassment techniques. Empower your community to stop incidents of all violence and harassment in workplaces, schools, on public transit, at home, in stores, and on the streets. 

The actions for this call include, but are not limited to: 

• Hold a vigil for those killed by gun violence.

• Organize a nonviolent direct action at a gun shop. 

• Put together a violence de-escalation team.

• Hold a sit-in at a public policy maker’s office for gun control.

• Organize a school walk-out over mass shootings.

• Host a teach-in on art therapy or creative projects with youth impacted by gun violence.

• Coordinate a march or rally against violence in your neighborhood.

• Train your community in how to counter harassment.

• Host an Election Scenario De-escalation & Safety Training with DC Peace Team.

• Gather friends for an online anti-harassment training with Right To Be. 

• Educators and Youth Organizations: Bring Sandy Hook Promise’s no-cost Know the Signs Programs to your organization. Start With Hello teaches youth how to minimize social isolation, empathize with others, and create a more inclusive and connected school culture. Say Something trains students to look for warning signs and threats—especially on social media—of someone at risk of hurting themselves or others, and how to speak up to a trusted adult before a tragedy can occur.

• Youth: Start or join a Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club.

Together, we can build a safer, more peaceful society. Sign up now and be a part of this vital effort. In addition to the options presented, we invite your ideas for nonviolent action. Whether your action is big or small, it can make a difference. Let us know you are interested in joining by filling out the short form here. We will be in touch with you soon for further information. 

In the meantime, feel free to read more about our 2024 calls to action, check out what others are planning, and share this message. 

We are excited for you to join us!

Check out our new posters! Designed to be “grab 'n go,” they're versatile and can go with you to any number of protests or events. Created by Rosie Davila.