Celebrating 32 Years!

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The Orange Print Promoting Peace as a LIFEstyle MESSAGE FROM ERICA 32 years ago I attended a rally held by the December 12th Movement in Goshen County, New York. On that day, I was born. I was born to a commitment of Black consciousness. I was born to a commitment to something other than myself. My eyes opened, and I saw my own power.  I have to give credence to those who helped me through my arrogance, my ignorance, and my youthfulness to understand that there is a purpose in life other than myself. To all members of the December 12th Movement — I am grateful to you and your lessons.  As I celebrate my 32 year journey today friends, I am grateful for you too for helping me become who I am today. You are part of my journey. It’s from every interaction that I've grown, transformed and am able to create new ideas; to build on our ancestors foundations to create the New York Crisis Management Systems, Peace Week, The Code Foundation. It’s because of you that I am here, 32 years later, able to expose our young people to the same vision of self determination I found in Goshen, NY in 1987.  For the sacrifices of my mother, Doris Elaine Ford, and all of you, I am here today. We did this together.  I look forward to solidifying peace as a LIFEstyle with you as we continue to walk this journey.    Peace and blessings, Erica Ford   P.S. Our young people at LIFE Camp participated in the 2019 Generation Progress #Flight4Future Summit. Take a sneak peek below.   Become A Monthly Donor Generation Progress #Flight4AFuture Summit  December 5-7, 2019 Last week from December 5-7, three of our staff were invited to attend a three-day Generation Progress #Figh4AFuture summit on gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform in Washington D.C. To network with youth activists, advocates and politicians from across the country who are organizing to protect our communities from systemic and community gun violence, mass incarceration, and the criminalization of black and brown young people. We are reminded that we have the power to create and develop our own policies, solutions, and forms of justice & building community. Everyone who attended the summit has been affected by systemic oppression and/or gun violence personally. It is up to our youth to be unafraid to shoot for the moon, even if they first land on the roof and envision a world where youth of color can live in peace. We must address the root causes of gun violence and violence in  many forms. We hope to continue to support others across the country to build community alternatives to 911, policing, and incarceration as a response to crisis and conflicts. Much love to everyone who shared the space with us this past week, let’s continue to make ‘Peace A Lifestyle’!! Upcoming Events Join the members of the December 12th movement to celebrate their 32nd Anniversary!  Show us your talent! Express yourself, try something new, and support local organizations to promote and engage in healthy expression. To RSVP for this event click here. PEACE IS A PROCESS Peace is a process. Part of this process includes equipping everyday people with the tools they need in order to resolve conflict peacefully. The New York City Crisis Management System trains and deploys VIPS (Violence Intervention and Prevention Specialists) to high-risk areas to help de-escalate gang violence and retaliation, teach non-violent conflict resolution, and to promote peaceful alternatives. The Crisis Management System is directly responsible for a 15% overall decrease in shootings in New York City, with as much as an 80% in individual service areas, and 0% shootings in areas directly supported by VIPS. The system works. Help us strengthen this system and expand our work to  more communities in need. LIFE Camp is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible. And life-saving. Donate Today Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*