Apr 26, 2008 5:35 pm US/Central
Community Reaches Out For Peace
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Community activists say we can't wait to solve the recent violence in Chicago. CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports on what they are doing to end the shootings now.
Outside Mount Cavalry Baptist on the city's far south side, activists were yelling to anyone who would listen on Saturday: "increase the peace."
It's a message with newfound urgency after a bloody week in Chicago that left 40 people shot and a dozen dead. So, this weekend community leaders gathered to announce a campaign called "Increase the Peace."
"We're trying to find programs that give back to young people and effectively increase the peace in our communities," said participant Patrice Greer.
The philosophy behind the campaign is simple – keep the peace by keeping young people off the streets and in programs like the award-winning Pink Panthers Double Dutch Team.
Tiffany Dickerson has been with the program since it started.
Double Dutch has helped me gain confidence not only doing shows, but in school as well," Dickerson said.
Pierre Williams is with a group called Kids Off the Block, but he'd like to see even more options.
"Basketball, tennis, soccer, softball," he said.
But summer, after-school and evening programs all cost money.
Organizers hope to raise $1 million in all and they intend to do that by soliciting donations from corporations and individuals and by selling $10 T-shirts and wristbands for $3 and $5. All money raised will go to fund programs for Peace.
Ray Massie has long believed in the value of after-school programs, so he donated $25,000.
"I just said there's no better program to get involved in and that's why I'm involved – to save these kids," Massie said.
Carlos Orr says getting involved in constructive programs saved his life by turning him away from gangs. Now he's intent on giving back.
"My job is to go back and save the ways I tried to destroy," Orr said.
And he and other Increase the Peace members believe after school activities like double dutch will help the campaign more than live up to its name.
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