Multi-Sector Collaboration Highlighted as Key to Preventing Violence

Congratulations to the four UNITY cities invited to join the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, a White House initiative led by the Departments of Justice and Education. We’re pleased at the recognition and praise for efforts in Baltimore, Cleveland, Louisville and Seattle. Attorney General Eric Holder said when he announced the expansion, “Our dedication to create stronger communities, better outcomes and brighter futures… This commitment is bigger than any single organization or agency.”

As the National Forum expands, Prevention Institute will continue supporting the UNITY City Network with training, technical assistance and peer learning opportunities. UNITY and the National Forum agree that tackling a complex issue like violence requires diverse partnerships, and UNITY recently adapted Prevention Institute’s Collaboration Multiplier tool for A Multi-Sector Approach to Preventing Violence. In 2015, we will focus on multi-sector efforts with funding from the Langeloth Foundation, and we’ll kick off the year with a UNITY City Network Convening event in Oakland. 

To hear real-world examples of how multi-sector partnerships can prevent violence, tune into the Internet radio show Promoting Healthy Communities through Youth Violence Prevention. Chris Gunther of New Orleans, Sasha Cotton of Minneapolis and UNITY Project Director Rachel Davis will speak live at noon PT, 3 p.m. ET. Join them on October 17, and spread the word on Twitter:

• New to a #PublicHealth approach to #Violence? Tune in Friday, noon PT, to hear @UNITYinitiative pros talk about it: http://bit.ly/1su85wt
• Live on air Friday, 3 p.m. ET! Straight talk on preventing violence: http://bit.ly/1su85wt @NOLA_for_Life @UNITYinitiative #MPLS

UNITY is a Prevention Institute initiative. UNITY efforts have been funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The California Wellness Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and the Langeloth Foundation.