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Local experts weigh in on street outreach as a strategy to reduce gun violence

Media invited to cover panel event on Dec. 8 in person or remotely

CHICAGO --- How can we sustainably reduce gun violence and enhance community-led efforts to foster safe neighborhoods and cities?

As the country wrestles with a rise in gun violence and urgent calls to rely less on harsh criminal justice strategies to reduce crime, street outreach is becoming an increasingly central violence prevention strategy. Hosted by the Northwestern Neighborhood and Network (N3) Initiative at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, this symposium highlights emerging research on outreach, featuring the work of local experts who are building the infrastructure to strengthen the field.

Panelists will share their perspectives and experiences on the assets, challenges and opportunities for the growth of this approach. They will also discuss what additional services, supports and policies are needed beyond the work of outreach alone.

Chris Patterson, assistant secretary for violence prevention at the Illinois Department of Human Services, will deliver opening remarks, and N3 co-director and professor of sociology Andrew Papachristos will present recent N3 research. Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois, will provide closing remarks. The complete event agenda can be found here.

WHO:             The Northwestern Neighborhood & Network Initiative (N3) 

WHAT:           “Advancing the Science and Practice of Street Outreach: Lessons Learned and the Future of Street Outreach in Illinois” 2021 Symposium

WHEN:          Wednesday, Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Central)

WHERE:        Register here for the Zoom webinar.
                        Wieboldt Hall, enter at 339 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago

Media wishing to attend in person must RSVP to Stephanie Kulke at stephanie.kulke@northwestern.edu or 773-501-4360. Media interested in attending remotely via Zoom should also contact Kulke.