Violence is preventable, and more U.S. cities are exploring public health approaches to create safe, thriving communities. Prevention Institute developed the UNITY RoadMap for cities to more effectively and sustainably prevent violence before it occurs. Grounded in partnerships and prevention strategies, the UNITY RoadMap describes the essential elements for implementing a comprehensive strategy. Presenters will introduce the UNITY RoadMap and describe how its elements have been integrated into local efforts, such as the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative.
Learning Objectives:
During this webinar, participants will learn about:
• The importance of coordination and collaboration for preventing youth violence
• The essential elements of an effective and sustainable violence prevention initiative
• A practitioner’s experience applying the UNITY RoadMap in Seattle
About the Presenters:
Benita Tsao coordinates Prevention Institute initiatives that prevent violence and promote community safety. She supports Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth (UNITY) and develops tools, training and publications for local governments and non-profit organizations to more effectively and sustainably prevent violence before it occurs. Benita earned a master’s degree in community health sciences at the UCLA School of Public Health, and received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Berkeley.
Mariko Lockhart directs the City of Seattle’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. The community-based comprehensive effort aims to reduce youth violence by focusing on about 1,100 youth most at risk in Central, Southeast and Southwest Seattle. Mariko served as a President and State Director of Communities In Schools of New Jersey where she was responsible for the management and operations of the statewide dropout prevention organization.
Resources:
UNITY RoadMap Gauge (pdf)
Advancing State Efforts to Prevent Urban Violence
Success Stories from Seattle and other UNITY Cities
An Example of Accessing School Data on Suspensions and Attendance in Louisville