In light of the recent tragic school shootings, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grantee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores the critical need for community resilience and safety in educational environments. As the new school year commences, this incident painfully reminds us of the persistent need for prevention in our schools and communities.
U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, during the kickoff of the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour, expressed profound grief and concern, emphasizing the urgent need for Congressional action to enhance school safety. “I’m devastated to hear of the shooting, especially at a time when so many families are excited to go back to school. I grieve for the victims, the families, and for the entire community,” stated Secretary Cardona. He reiterated the Department of Education’s commitment to fighting for public education, which fundamentally includes ensuring the safety of our schools.
GPF is committed to fostering safer spaces through its targeted violence awareness programs funded by the DHS’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). These initiatives are designed to enhance community resilience against acts of violence, ensuring that parents and educators can feel confident in the safety of their children at school.
GPF hosted the Youth Leadership Development and Knowledge Exchange convening in May 2024.
The organization has developed several community-based approaches, including threat assessment efforts and training sessions for community and faith leaders in Maryland and overseas. These programs aim to identify and mitigate risk factors that could lead individuals toward violent behaviors, incorporating the community in safeguarding our schools.
GPF also facilitates knowledge exchanges and resilience-building workshops that engage youth, educators, and community leaders, fostering a collaborative approach to preventing violence. Through these engagements, GPF not only raises awareness but also strengthens community bonds—key components in building a preventive framework against school shootings and other forms of targeted violence or mass casualty events.
As we move forward, GPF and its partners, including local law enforcement and community organizations, continue to develop innovative strategies to enhance the safety and well-being of students across the nation. Our collective efforts are crucial in ensuring that our educational spaces remain safe havens for learning and growth.
Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing violence and ensuring the safety of our children and communities.
Visit www.globalpeace.org for more information on upcoming events, resources, and tips to help keep your community safe.
