Chicago
Our Challenge
Why Chicago?
The city is still very divided and vulnerable neighborhoods suffer from lack of opportunities, record levels of violence and low levels of well being. Despite the efforts and investments of nonprofits, law enforcement, policy makers and activists we are still not where we need to be. Many of the current change efforts are focused on external factors and quick fixes, rather than internal change and deep transformation.
Our Solution
We need a revolutionary shift of hearts and minds. Through our unique and proven model of change, we aim to point people to their innate wellbeing & resilience, enabling community change from within. Our work offers both direct service interventions and systems change. We have already seen great progress in Chicago, Palestine and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but need support to scale this process.
In our touchstone city of Chicago, we aim to provide holistic solutions, elevating resilience and well-being across all facets of society. We don’t think working with one population will make a dent. We need to consider the whole community ecosystem, including businesses, schools, families, law enforcement and all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. When everyone rises, the city rises. A healthy mental immune system provides for a healthy and thriving community. Only when people’s inner resources are strong, can they begin to utilize external resources and participate in improving the community.
Rebels for Peace
Rebels for Peace is a youth-led initiative to bring a new solution to Chicago violence by teens teaching teens about the power of the mind. Co-founded by Chicago teen Dajohn White, with the support of One Solution, Rebels for Peace works directly with teens in the South Side community to help them rebel against the mindsets that drive violence, while offering the education, hope, and social support to maintain healthier, more resilient minds.
