The Pioneers for Peace program is a violence prevention and awareness program established by the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). Pioneers for Peace members are a group of survivors of gun violence who have sustained a permanent disability as a result of gun violence. Instead of viewing their disabilities as a tragedy, they see an opportunity to make a difference by becoming “Soldiers For Peace.”
The mission of the program is three-fold:
- To increase awareness about the impact of violence and educate the public on ways to reduce the incidents among at-risk youth
To discuss with youth means for conflict resolution and the importance of making wise decisions
To increase the awareness about the abilities of persons with disabilities
The Pioneers provide a variety of presentation including:
S.O.U.L (School of Urban Life)
S.O.U.L. is an after school workshop series is designed to educate and equip urban youth with the necessary skills and information needed to successfully overcome daily challenges they face in their lives along with obtaining the motivation to accomplish their goals.
This innovative series of workshops hits at the heart of many issues facing today’s urban youth, along with taking a unique approach that helps at-risk youth develop or enhance their self-determination and conflict resolution skills. Our aim is to also provide students with the opportunity to participate in the planning of a community service project.
Violence Prevention Assemblies
Violence prevention assemblies are held at schools, churches, detention centers, hospitals and other community settings, where Pioneer members talk candidly about how violence and making risky lifestyle choices permanently altered their lives. Not all Pioneer members were injured as a result of risky lifestyle choices. Some were the innocent victims of crimes such as car jackings, domestic violence and drive by shootings. They discuss the challenges of living with a disability, answer questions and encourage students to find peaceful means to resolve their conflicts and disputes. Through the Pioneers personal accounts, students witness first hand potential consequences of guns, gangs, drugs and violence.
“Keep It Real” Reality Tour
Monthly tours are given at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan where Pioneers for Peace members demonstrate daily experiences of what it is like to live with disabilities caused from acts of violence. Participants are shown how the Pioneers accomplish everyday activities such as dressing themselves, climbing stairs and the other various challenges they face surviving everyday life. At least five participants of the tour will have the opportunity to undergo this whole experience using a wheelchair.
To schedule a presentation or for more information, please call 313-745-1003