What if Chicago has been asking the wrong initial question?
Instead of asking,
“How do we stop violence?”
One Small Shift, a new brief compiled by the Violence Prevention Catalyst Team,* asks,
“How do we help every young person feel like they belong?”
Rather than another report filled with statistics and policy recommendations, this brief combines Chicago student voices, personal stories, behavioral science, and local research.
It explores a different approach to violence prevention – one rooted in connection, trusted relationships, and belonging.
“Violence isn’t just about anger,” said Chicago seventh grader, Jade Lee. “It’s about feeling like you don’t have choices… needing to belong.”
While Chicago has experienced meaningful reductions in violence in recent years, too many young people continue to navigate trauma, isolation, and disconnection.
Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to school and supported by caring adults, they experience lower rates of violence, bullying, victimization, and mental health challenges.
The most compelling evidence in this brief comes not from the data, but from the young people themselves, whose stories reveal both the realities they face and the opportunities adults have to make a difference.
Ultimately, One Small Shift is an invitation, not an indictment. It argues that violence prevention is not solely the work of government, schools, or law enforcement. It is a shared responsibility.
Through practical ideas and real stories of ordinary Chicagoans, the brief challenges every reader to consider one simple question:
What is one small shift you can make to help a young person feel seen, valued, and like they belong?
*This report was created by the Violence Prevention Catalyst Team: Communities In Schools of Chicago, Together Chicago, Prismatic, Guitars Over Guns Organization, Henderson Elementary School, PDM Journey Coaching, Helix Education, Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Alice Jordan, BUILD Inc., The Grace Network, Jose Santiago, and Let Go-Be Great.