Last week, Shelby County and the City of Memphis launched a Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. NOVPN Director Shantay Jackson was on the ground for this historic announcement—the Office’s creation marking the City and County’s commitment to a collaborative and data-driven approach to reducing gun violence. Congratulations to Valerie Matthews and Tamika Williams who have been named the Office’s Director and Deputy Director, respectively. Join us in congratulating this Network member! https://lnkd.in/gPpYhQWm

It was truly a pleasure for me to be in Memphis last week as the jurisdiction announced the launch of the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. A pleasure because I remember sitting across from Sandy Bromley on September 14th of last year and talking with her about what an office of violence prevention could look like there, the positive impact it could have, and what standing one up would take. AND HERE WE ARE. Hats off to Director Valerie Matthews and Deputy Director Tamika Williams for executing a series of events around JONSE's launch that both informed and involved community. The National Offices of Violence Prevention Network (NOVPN) team looks forward to supporting you all. https://lnkd.in/eK24xgGm

Last week NICJR and Princeton University launched the Violence Reduction Research and Practice Network with a group of incredible experts from across the country. Deep, detailed and serious discussions on how to effectively address violence in the near and long term. Thank you to Patrick Sharkey and the Public Welfare Foundation for your partnership.

Jurisdictions nationwide have been called to reimagine public safety and invest in communities. Many responded by establishing offices of violence prevention and similar agencies dedicated to implementing violence reduction strategies that are community-centered, data-driven, and public health-informed. As the convener of these offices, the National OVP Network has grown its membership from 21 founding members in 2021 to more than 60 local, state, and federal OVPs in 2024. As a part of this tremendous growth, we are excited to share the first-ever NOVPN Strategic Plan! Through this plan’s successful implementation, the Network strives to grow the depth of member engagement, develop member expertise, and increase Network membership to the 100 local municipalities with the highest rates of gun violence in the country by December 31, 2027.    Read the plan today and join us in bringing these visions to life over the next three years! https://lnkd.in/ge_VnsVs 

#InTheNews: Today, the North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention, led by Director Siarra Scott, MPH, CHES, released its three-year strategic plan! Governor Roy Cooper, who created the state’s inaugural OVP last year, shared his sentiments on this important milestone: “Every North Carolinian deserves to feel safe in their homes, schools, and communities...This plan is a roadmap to advancing a public health approach to violence prevention by supporting law enforcement, local communities, grassroots organizations and public health professionals to create safer and healthier communities.” Strategic plans are crucial tools for OVPs to educate their constituents and promote accountability for their offices. Check out the news article here: https://lnkd.in/gQvwWRhk.

NOVPN members: Advance Peace is launching a transformative 4-part series dedicated to enhancing sleep, healing, and overall recovery for change agents like you. This series is meant to empower everyone from frontline staff to directors to lead and serve at their very best. Join tomorrow, October 31, 2024, at 10 am PST for an immersive session to unlock the full potential of restful sleep and boost your leadership impact. Fill out this form to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/ghzfsWNJ Mark your calendars for the rest of the workshops to deepen your journey: January 16, 2025 - The Power of Nasal Breathing in Improving Health April 17, 2025 - Understanding the Science of Sleep/Unlocking Better Sleep July 17, 2025 - Alleviating Sleep-Disordered Breathing We encourage participation at all levels. Here's to our wellness!

The City of Saint Paul’s Office of Neighborhood Safety has a variety of career opportunities. Check out this week's featured jobs! Featured jobs include: ➡️ Community-Based Organization Liaison ➡️ Gun Violence Intervention Senior Project Manager ➡️ Office of Neighborhood Safety Data Analyst Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/careers #JoinTeamSaintPaul

The Network hosted our first Midwestern Regional Convening in Indianapolis last week! Regional convenings provide members with a small-group setting to share best practices, work through challenges, and build relationships. A special thank you to Mayor Hogsett for his opening remarks and the City of Indianapolis - Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) for hosting us. #WeAreTheNOVPN #WeWillEndGunViolence

#InTheNews: NICJR is excited about a partnership with the City of Birmingham and their Office of Community Safety Initiatives to develop violence reduction strategies that focus on those at the highest risk of gun violence involvement. In a recent interview, NICJR Executive Director David Muhammad speaks about our data-driven approach to violence reduction, “We come in and work with the police department, with others who have incredible knowledge of what’s happening in the city and do a deep dive, both data analysis and qualitative data analysis to say what are the drivers of gun violence in the city of Birmingham.” Check out the full news clip and article here: https://lnkd.in/gAnG3SmZ

Current and aspiring OVP Directors: Consider applying!