VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN CHICAGO IS NO EASY MATTER. THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE WORK AND THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF GUN AND GANG VIOLENCE REQUIRE A LEVEL OF INVESTMENT THAT CAN PUSH EVEN THE MOST RESILIENT PERSON TO THEIR BREAKING POINT.
THE RESEARCH BEHIND "THE PARK" COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE TRUST AND OPENNESS OF A SELECT GROUP OF OUTREACH WORKERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE STILL AFFECTED BY THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH VIOLENCE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION.
TAKE A WALK.
CHRIS PATTERSON
INSTITUTE FOR NONVIOLENCE CHICAGO
What's your biggest hope for the series?
It needs to be something that goes worldwide. There's a story in it. There's a story and there's a message, most importantly. And its not exploitation. I think that you're gonna continue on the journey of making sure that the stories are often told and that they're told right. I think that's what I'm looking forward to it bringing....Its a worldwide view, I think people across the country are interested in what's happening in Chicago. And I think you all are gonna tell the world the true story of what's actually happening.
RALPH EDWARDS
FORMER OUTREACH WORKER - ROGERS PARK
Are you excited about the web series?
"Yeah, I'm excited about it. I'm excited about it because we need more exposure. The media is only going to put out there what they feel is interesting, what appeases their audience, but this right here is catering more to our community and enlightening them about the work that we did and that we need to continue to do. I would really like for more people to really get an understanding of how hard it is to deal with some of these kids on the street....I would want more people to come and get more involved, trying to help. Not just talk, but through actions.
WOOD DIXON
FORMER OUTREACH WORKER - ROGERS PARK
What is your hope for the web series? What do you hope it accomplishes?
"I hope that it brings awareness and shines a little light....For me personally, its not like I take things personally, or to heart, because I understand that everybody doesn't understand.....because we have to be educated to these situations. You know what I mean? It's educating the people on what goes on in these communities for real. And once you're educated on it you come to realize, "wow, maybe I can change my opinion" or "maybe I can view this a little differently because I understand it a little bit better".
