In honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) would like to share events the team is helping to plan and organize. The events bolded below are the ones where we would especially appreciate your presence and assistance in spreading the word.

See finalized flyer with a summary of these that can be distributed widely. 

Secure Storage Awareness Day

• June 4^th at 1:30 PM at Port Clinton Square in Highland Park (in partnership with Be SMART)

Boys and Girls Club Aim For Peace Event

• June 7^th @ 5:30 PM at Boys and Girls Club (724 S Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085)

Lake County Peacemakers Grand Opening

• June 8^th @ 12 PM at LCP Headquarters (2424 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085)

GVPI Vigil to Honor Victims of Gun Violence

• June 13^th @ 7 PM at Jesus Name Apostolic Church (208 Lake St, Waukegan, IL 60085)

LiveFree Morning Prayer

• June 15^th at 10 AM at Jesus Name Apostolic Church (208 Lake St, Waukegan, IL 60085)

Peace March (in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club)

• June 15^th at 2 PM at Boys and Girls Club (724 S Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085)

Community Carnival (in partnership with the Antmound Foundation)

• June 29^th at 12 PM, Cristo Rey St. Martin (3106 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085)

The Antmound Foundation and the Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative are collaborating to host the first annual Lake County Gun Violence Awareness Month Community Carnival. The Community Carnival on June 29, 2024 will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, honor those who have been taken from us by gun violence, support survivors, and find joy in the richness in our community.

The purpose of Gun Violence Awareness Month (June) is to honor the communities shattered by gun violence as well as the 120 people who are shot and killed, and hundreds more who are wounded, each day in our country. This event will bring together community members, partner organizations, elected officials, and law enforcement to break down silos, raise awareness about the effects of gun violence, and open collaborative opportunities to reduce violence and save lives. By increasing awareness about the underlying factors that contribute to gun violence, advocating for responsible firearm ownership, and implementing effective community-wide-prevention strategies, we can build a safer community for everyone.

This family-friendly Community Carnival will have inflatables, obstacle courses, traditional carnival games, team-building activities, and a resource fair! The community will be able to enjoy a fun-filled environment while having the opportunity to seek and find the appropriate resources they need from partners who provide youth programming, free mental health support, legal aid, and more. Please consider contributing to the Zeffy link below and/or sign up for a volunteer shift if you are able. Thank you for your support!

Please let us know if you have any questions about the upcoming Gun Violence Awareness Month events, and thank you again for your support. Email the GVPI: LCSAOGVPI@lakecountyil.gov