Atlanta, GA - Faith in the Field Clergy Summit

The Faith in the Field Clergy Summit: Moving From Thoughts and Prayers to Action is specifically designed to empower clergy to spearhead impactful community violence prevention initiatives. During this three-day, in-person summit, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from frontline advocates deeply engaged in the work to end violence
• Connect with a national network of clergy and community leaders to enhance collaboration and mutual support in violence prevention
• Access a toolkit of strategies, resources, and intervention techniques tailored for faith-led initiatives that address community violence
• Leave with a practical, faith-based action plan to implement in your own community

We truly believe that this summit will provide a unique opportunity for us to connect with fellow clergy and community leaders, share best practices, and gain valuable insights and resources to inform your work.

In today's world, virtual meetings offer ease and flexibility, but nothing replaces the power of meeting in person. We believe that this summit will provide a unique opportunity for you to connect with fellow clergy and community leaders, share best practices, and gain valuable insights and resources to inform your work.

Info: Our preaching has power beyond the pulpit and in the public square. What does it mean to be a person of faith in a violent world? What does it even mean to have faith in this world that is so violent?... If faith is a verb, then how do we “do it” in such a world that we have today?
We need orthodoxy and orthopraxis
Praxis - The melding theory and practice; it is the integration of reflective action and practice-based reflection.
We must preach and teach amid challenges of violence in our communities to regenerate radical forms of prophetic, (pro) tested faith, and to hone those skills and instincts through public conscientization and participatory action, whose goal is insurrectional, resurrectional hope.

Info: -Clear Organizational Structure: Establishing a clear organizational structure is foundational. It ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, thus streamlining operations and decision-making processes. With defined roles, teams can work more efficiently towards the organization's goals without confusion or overlap.
-Diversification is Crucial: Relying on a single funding source can be risky. Diversifying funding streams—such as grants, individual donations, corporate partnerships, and earned income enhances financial stability and resilience.
- Collaboration, partnerships, and networking is a key component that increases an organization's capacity and reach which can lead to shared goals, increased visibility, and a greater overall impact
- Capacity building is essential

Info: - We have to empower young people to grow. - A holistic approach is what’s required to create a virtuous path.
- The faith-based community must take a leadership role in this work - you love your community and as such you help them heal AND prevent harm.
- Government needs to learn to engage faith-based and nonprofit communities as partners and as a natural extension to their public safety efforts to drive a greater impact.
- These three days are not to provide you with templates to follow but to help you think through what will work in your community. Be prepared to create your own action plan.

Info: - Importance of Positive Role Models: Mentors can provide guidance, support, and positive influence, reducing the likelihood of youth engaging in violent behavior.
- Building Resilient Communities: Mentorship programs can strengthen community bonds and create a supportive environment that discourages violence.
- Providing Alternatives to Violence: Mentorship can offer youth constructive activities, educational support, and career guidance as alternatives to engaging in violence.
- Empowerment and Self-Esteem: Mentorship helps build self-esteem and empowers youth to make positive life choices.
- Collaborative Efforts and Faith-Based Initiatives: Trained mentors can boost the success of faith-based and community collaborative efforts through structured mentoring programs which would have a great impact on reducing gun violence.

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