We Build The Block

OUR APPROACH

The Problem

The Problem

For decades, black and brown neighborhoods in New York City have battled the same issues – gun violence, under-resourced schools, food apartheid, lack of employment opportunities and more.

Instead of strategically and intentionally investing in communities, the city of New York has invested huge amounts of money into over-policing — a public safety approach that is not working.

For decades, black and brown neighborhoods in New York City have battled the same issues – gun violence, under-resourced schools, food apartheid, lack of employment opportunities and more.

Instead of strategically and intentionally investing in communities, the city of New York has invested huge amounts of money into over-policing — a public safety approach that is not working.

The Problem

The Problem

For decades, black and brown neighborhoods in New York City have battled the same issues – gun violence, under-resourced schools, food apartheid, lack of employment opportunities and more.

Instead of strategically and intentionally investing in communities, the city of New York has invested huge amounts of money into over-policing — a public safety approach that is not working.

For decades, black and brown neighborhoods in New York City have battled the same issues – gun violence, under-resourced schools, food apartheid, lack of employment opportunities and more.

Instead of strategically and intentionally investing in communities, the city of New York has invested huge amounts of money into over-policing — a public safety approach that is not working.

OUR MISSION

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We are on a mission to replace
over-policing with community-led public safety.

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OUR MISSION

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We are on a mission to replace
over-policing with community-led
public safety.

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OUR WORK

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Make youth leaders in their communities

We believe that youth are at the center of our community’s safety. Our programs actively seek out youth directly involved or impacted by gun violence and the criminal justice system. We offer healing programs to process trauma and employment programs around civic engagement and community organizing. Our work is proven to reduce violence, lower recidivism and help foster the next generation of community leaders.
Our Programs
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Pilot new models of public safety

We work with a broad coalition of organizations, advocates, activists, officials, and local precincts to develop new models for public safety. We test and measure new ways for partners to share information and coordinate resources, so communities feel supported and involved in the public safety strategy on their blocks.
Our Pilots
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Shape the conversation on reform & policy

We work with our partners to advocate for smarter public safety policies. We work with elected officials,coalitions, youth and cultural leaders to raise awareness around solutions and change the narrative of public safety.
Our Vision
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We believe in a future where communities have a voice and role in how public safety is best achieved. Working with a broad coalition of activists, public safety experts and community members, we identified 5 key policy changes that would transform public safety in NYC.

1

Create a participatory budget process
2

Develop community-led responses to shootings

3

Purge the gang database

4

Develop community-led responses to shootings

5

Remove the 911 system from NYPD control

Read Our Full Vision
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We believe in a future where communities have a voice and role in how public safety is best achieved. Working with a broad coalition of activists, public safety experts and community members, we identified 5 key policy changes that would transform public safety in NYC.

1

Create a participatory budget process
2

Develop community-led responses to shootings

3

Purge the gang database

4
Develop a community-informed promotion matrix
5

Remove the 911 system from NYPD control

Read Our Full Vision