So, are there any proven solutions to gun violence? In this episode of Philly Under Fire, The Citizen’s look at the stories and solutions to gun violence in Philly, reporter Jo Piazza introduces listeners to organizations in Philly and elsewhere—Chicago, Oakland—that have made meaningful progress, even if it hasn’t been easy.

Underlying these programs are strategies like using data to identify who’s most likely to be shot—and to shoot; talking to shooters; mediating and de-escalating “beefs” before they get too hot. We meet leaders of grassroots organizations in Philly, like Cure Violence, whose work shows real promise.

The biggest barrier to these organizations’ success? Funding, data collection, cooperation and continuity of leadership that is dedicated to actually ending gun violence and not just talking about it.

But, says David Muhammed, executive director of the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform who has instituted successful violence reduction programs in Oakland, California, “It’s a problem that can be reduced. And there can be intervention.”

And then there’s this reminder, this call to action, woven throughout the episode: Jobs—good jobs, careers, purpose, dignity—are what communities really need to overcome gun violence. More on that next time.

Listen to the full episode here:

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Extra reading on the issues highlighted in this episode

• Reporter Jo Piazza talks about the making of Philly Under Fire
• David Muhammad on how CeaseFire helped cut gun violence in half in Oakland, California
• More on CeaseFire’s impact in Oakland, California

More ways to dive in and stay engaged

• Learn more about Cure Violence Global.
• Read up on Philadelphia Ceasefire Cure Violence here, here, and here.
• Dig into the work of Group Violence Intervention.
• Learn more about David Muhammad’s work.

Now a little thank you …

Special thanks to Nadira Goffe, our associate producer. We used news clip in this episode from Philadelphia’s’ 6 ABC, from San Francisco’s local CBS news and audio of Gary Slutkin from One Earth Future Thanks to reporting from Chirs Palmer and Helen Ubiñas at the Philadelphia Inquirer. They’ve done an incredible job explaining the evolution of these various programs. Thank you to Caterina Roman at Temple for her continued support through the creation of this episode. And of course thanks to Colwin, Robert and the entire Cure Violence team for letting me tag along and staying in touch through this entire year. Finally, a big thank you to Spring Point Partners for funding this project.