Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant. DHS recently spotlighted GPF’s work in the Maryland area, featuring the Youth Leadership Development and Knowledge Exchange program. GPF received funding in 2021 and 2022 to develop targeted violence awareness training using a unique community-driven peacebuilding model that fosters cooperation between a diverse cross-section of local communities.
The following is an excerpt from an article by the DHS.
GPF is an international nonsectarian, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a values-based approach to peacebuilding. The nonprofit engages and organizes a global network of public and private sector partners that develop community, regional, and national peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. GPF received TVTP funding in both fiscal year 2021 and 2022 to develop targeted violence awareness training. In FY21, GPF used funding to develop a series of train-the-trainer sessions for community and faith leaders in Prince George’s County, Md., as well as a state-wide campaign focused on the awareness of risk factors that can lead someone toward violence. In FY22, the organization received a second TVTP Grant that focused primarily on awareness trainings in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties in Maryland. It also supported development of knowledge-sharing exchanges between New Jersey and Maryland law enforcement, youth and youth-serving organizations, and community members.
The three-day GPF event was designed for young adults between the ages 18-30, community members, and youth-serving professionals from a variety of community organizations, agencies, and faith communities to enhance and facilitate resilience building and community strengthening. One particularly engaging forum featured a presentation from Jon Romano, a teenage school shooter, at his own New York high school in 2004. In addition, GPF’s New Jersey contingent hosted a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, facilitating engagement with all in attendance.
