CHAMPAIGN, Ill (WAND) — Following the deaths of multiple school-aged children in the community, the Department of Equity and Engagement held a community meeting to discuss strategies on reducing gun violence.
Those who attended broke into small groups to discuss the "gaps" in the city that have allowed increased gun violence to fester. Citizens collaborated to discuss the various ways the city could meet the community to make improvements, including increasing access to resources and creating safe spaces to share experiences.
Justice Victim Advocate Andre Davis works under the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint. He said it was necessary to hear the community's input to be able to bring the city to a better place.
"It was time for our members of our community to just be heard and share their ideas and bring their various lenses to the table to try to work towards a resolution," Davis said.
Champaign resident Charlisa Hart said she felt positive after the discussion, and that each person had the chance to make their voice heard.
"When you bring people from all different walks of life, they to go back to their communities and spread that knowledge. This is a very positive step towards mitigating gun violence," Hart said.
The data and information gathered will be used to help The Blueprint formulate a plan with actionable steps.
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