Educate, Advocate, Eradicate
The ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition seeks to end gun violence in Rochester by bringing attention to the causes and effects of gun violence and promoting quality of life in Rochester's neighborhoods. The Coalition is made up of community partners and stakeholders who are already working to end gun violence using three unified tools: to educate, advocate and eradicate.
Mission
The ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition will be a unified voice to improve the quality of life in our community by supporting efforts that educate and assist with eradicating gun violence, provide safe neighborhoods and trauma care for the individuals in the city of Rochester.
Purpose
The ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition will educate youth and the community at large of the dangers and collateral effects of gun violence, encourage individuals to engage in diversion programs that lead to positive outcomes for their families and neighborhoods.
Support Services
One of the important functions of the Coalition is the support and services
they provide to families and the community after a homicide has occurred. Community
guidance around social distancing prohibits the RAGVC from providing in-person
responses to homicide at this time, however the following services are
available:
- 211 - will provide access to available mobile and online services
- Moms on Demand - intake services for survivors to connect them with
resources, call 585-685-4460
- RAGVC – to leave a message, call 585-428-6554.
Sub-Committees
The Education Committee
The Education Committee will identify existing programs within the City of Rochester (i.e. R-Centers) to assist with efforts to inform individuals and groups about the effects of gun violence in communities. The ED-C will also use data to create new curriculum or programming that will align with the mission of RAGVC.
Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy Committee will create new legislation supportive of the RAGVC mission and coordinate efforts to support existing laws that work towards reducing and eliminating gun violence.
Eradication Committee
The Eradication Committee will recruit volunteers, mobilize RAGVC’s awareness, prevention and assistance teams as well as coordinate with existing agencies that address gun violence.
Media Committee
The Media Committee is responsible for managing RAGVC’s social media platforms, organizing press events, overseeing public messaging and creating a calendar of events with ongoing updates. The Media Committee will coordinate with the City Communication Department.
General Coalition Partners
History
The Coalition was formed in June of 2018 during Gun Violence Awareness Month at the behest of City Councilmember Willie J. Lightfoot.
Join Us
The
Coalition seeks more Individuals and organizations to get involved and help
Educate and Advocate to Eradicate gun violence in Rochester. Meetings occur on
the second Monday of the Month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers. If you cannot
join in person, you can participate with Zoom or watch on the Council's YouTube channel or Facebook page.
Are
you interested in joining the Coalition, attending a meeting, or receiving
email updates on their progress? Call Councilmember Willie J. Lightfoot’s office - at (585)
428-6554, the Rochester City Council Office - at (585) 428-7538, or email
Councilman Lightfoot’s Legislative Aide Andre Gulley.