Community Canvasing
On January 8, 2024, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, aided by the Neighborhood Ambassadors, canvassed the area surrounding Colonial Plaza following a gun violence incident the previous afternoon. Flyers were passed around to neighbors to inform them of the existence of the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint and how the City can assist […]
Cline Symposium
On October 27, 2023, Tracy Parsons of the Equity and Engagement Department presented at the Cline Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois. The Cline Symposium is an annual event that address the campus community on topics of great public importance. This year’s topic was focused on Reducing Gun Violence in American Communities. Tracy had […]
Academy High’s – Women Empowerment Club
The Equity and Engagement Department had the pleasure of working with students from Academy High’s Women Empowerment Club during the month of May. These students had a presentation from City staff regarding the impact of the Blueprint and decided they wanted to be a part of the solution. They chose to gather menstrual products throughout […]
Environmental Justice and Racism Roundtable
April 21,2023, Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager for the Equity and Engagement Department, presented on “The City of Champaign’s Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint” at the Environmental Justice and Racism virtual event. This event was hosted by Carle in collaboration with the University of Illinois and Carle Illinois College of Medicine. The main goals of […]
City Council to Consider Use of Grant Funds for Violence Prevention and Reduction
On February 21, 2023, the Champaign City Council will consider an agreement to accept a $334,440 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) through the federal Violence Prevention and Reduction Program. The grant funding was appropriated for the City of Champaign by State Representative Carol Ammons. If the agreement is approved, the grant […]
City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club
On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]
Community Coalition February 2023 Meeting
Wednesday, February 8th, the Champaign County Community Coalition met for their monthly all goals meeting. The City of Champaign reported on their work with the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint. In addition, speakers from Youth Employment Services presented about opportunities for community youth. Community partners will be hosting workshops focusing on mental health in the […]
Community Safety and Justice Meeting
On November 21st, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity & Engagement) hosted a community meeting at The Champaign Public Library in response to recent shooting incidents in the Champaign area. Residents were informed about the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address these issues and find solutions to acts of […]
City Staff Respond to Recent Incidents of Community Gun Violence
On September 7, 2022, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity and Engagement) hosted a community meeting at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in response to a series of recent shootings near the Garden Hills neighborhood. Residents were informed of Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address issues and find solutions […]
City Hosts Community Meeting in Response to Shooting in the Prairie St. Neighborhood
On August 9, 2022, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity and Engagement Department) hosted a community meeting at the Springer Cultural Center in response to a recent shooting in the Prairie St. neighborhood. Residents were informed of Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address issues and find solutions to acts […]