A FOUNDATION GUIDE TO FINDING HEALING & PEACE AMIDST COMMUNITY VIOLENCE
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A FOUNDATION GUIDE TO FINDING HEALING & PEACE AMIDST COMMUNITY VIOLENCE
Prepared by The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation (YPJF): A National 501c3 Student Advocacy & Violence Prevention Nonprofit
16 January 2026
In the wake of recent events at Roosevelt High School and the escalating tensions throughout Minneapolis, Minnesota, our students are carrying an invisible weight.
When our streets feel like battlefields, the "psychological crisis" is as dangerous as the physical one. This brief guide below is a first step in helping the community & reclaim its sense of security.
Establishing Immediate Emotional Safety
Before healing can begin, a sense of safety must be reintroduced. While the environment outside may be unstable, the environment at home and in the classroom must remain a "Sanctuary Zone."
* The Power of Presence: You do not need the "right words." Simply being physically and emotionally present for a student—offering a quiet space, a warm meal, or focused attention—reduces the initial distress of community violence.
* Acknowledge the Reality: Do not minimize the events. Use age-appropriate honesty. For older students: "What happened at Roosevelt and in our community right now is frightening and wrong. I am here with you to process how you feel about it."
* Limit "Cycle of Violence" Media: Constant re-watching of viral footage of federal enforcement or local conflict retraumatizes the brain. Set boundaries on social media consumption for the next 48 hours.
Recognizing Signs of Youth Trauma
Violence in the community often manifests as changes in behavior. Look for:
* Hyper-vigilance: Being easily startled by loud noises or SUVs that resemble unmarked federal vehicles.
* Avoidance: A sudden refusal to walk certain routes to school or participate in dismissal-time activities.
* Somatic Complaints: Headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue—trauma often speaks through the body when the voice is too overwhelmed.
De-Escalation Strategies for the Community
In a hyper-militarized environment, reactive antagonism only fuels the fire. We advocate for "Commitment, Not Tactics":
* Control the Mirror: Students mirror the adults around them. If we remain calm and non-antagonistic in the face of tension, we provide a model for their own regulation.
* Give Space: If you encounter a situation involving federal agents or protesters, prioritize the immediate exit of any youth in the area. Do not draw them into the conflict.
* Non-Antagonistic Advocacy: Channel fear into action. Instead of street-level confrontation, join our call for a political commitment to the GVI (Group Violence Intervention) model. This is a proven strategy that replaces aggressive enforcement with community-led deterrence.
A Call for Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
Healing is only sustained when the violence stops. The Foundation is demanding that Minneapolis leaders commit to the GVI model, which prioritizes:
* Community Moral Voices: Local leaders delivering a credible message that violence (from any side) is unacceptable.
* Support Services: Providing "honorable exits" and social resources for those caught in cycles of violence.
* Deterrence: Ensuring clear, fair, and non-aggressive consequences for violence.
Resources & Crisis Support
If you are struggling or need help navigating local resources, the Foundation is standing by:
* 24-Hour Community Crisis Line: 254-499-8027
* Foundation Website: www.theuvaldefoundation.com
About the Foundation:
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation For Kids is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the epidemic of violence in our communities. Formed in the wake of the Robb Elementary tragedy, the Foundation focuses on crisis intervention, community safety, and advocating for proven strategies like the GVI model to protect children and the vulnerable.
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Youth Peace and Justice Foundation
Uvalde Foundation For Kids
254-499-8027
Charity ID 88-3268749
