Turning helplessness into hope...mobilizing to end violence in Springfield, Massachusetts

Marianne Winters is a leader in the movement to end and address sexualized violence and is passionate about a vision of a movement that is inclusive, current, responsive and proactive. She is the Project Diva for Graphix for Change and consultant and trainer for Praxis for Change.

Last night I was invited to speak at a Town Hall Meeting organized by Enough Violence in Springfield, a new Facebook group formed in direct response to the waves of violence that we have been experiencing. 17 murders last year alone, including victims of domestic violence, gang shootings, bystanders. On residential streets, outside of fast food places, in cars, bars, parks. I talked about how as a community we can use a social change framework to name a vision of a non-violent city and to hold our elected leaders, police, community organizations, schools accountable to the work that must be done. While I’m a firm believer in public awareness and mobilization through rallies, walks and forums, I’m also a believer in planning and following through on the specifics of the work to be done. I hope that you will join me in being part of the solution. You can become a member of Enough Violence in Springfield by joining the Facebook page.