Advance Peace

The Women in CVI Leadership Training is a specialized leadership development initiative designed to equip and empower women working in community violence intervention (CVI). This training provides targeted skill-building, mentorship, and peer support, recognizing the unique challenges and contributions of women in the field. Participants engage in intensive workshops, leadership coaching, and experiential learning, strengthening their abilities in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, advocacy, and strategic decision-making. The training also fosters a Community of Practice (CoP), ensuring women have a strong support network to share best practices and sustain their work. With a focus on visibility, empowerment, and professional growth, this initiative elevates women’s voices in CVI, preparing them to lead efforts in violence prevention, policy change, and community healing.

The Advance Peace Forum (AP Forum) is an annual convening that brings together community violence intervention (CVI) practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to share insights, strategies, and best practices in reducing gun violence. This two-day event features intensive training sessions, panel discussions, and cultural immersion experiences, fostering collaboration and innovation in CVI work. A key focus of the forum is amplifying women’s leadership in CVI, highlighting the critical role women play in violence intervention and community transformation. The AP Forum also serves as a platform for Advance Peace Fellows, providing space for their voices, experiences, and leadership to shape discussions on effective intervention strategies. With a strong emphasis on peer exchange, leadership development, and capacity building, the AP Forum reinforces Advance Peace’s commitment to investing in practitioners, elevating women in CVI, and advancing policies that support safer

The NCA Boot Camp is an immersive, skills-based training designed to prepare Neighborhood Change Agents (NCAs) for frontline community violence intervention (CVI) work. This intensive training equips NCAs with core competencies in conflict mediation, crisis response, de-escalation, and relationship-building—key tools for disrupting cycles of violence. The Boot Camp combines scenario-based training, expert-led workshops, and hands-on exercises to simulate real-world challenges NCAs face in the field. It also emphasizes self-care, trauma-informed practices, and professional development, ensuring NCAs are supported as they take on this high-stakes work. Additionally, the NCA Boot Camp fosters a Community of Practice (CoP), creating a peer support network where NCAs can share strategies, refine techniques, and strengthen their impact in advancing community safety.

The APLI is designed to equip Neighborhood Change Agents (NCAs) and other frontline community violence intervention (CVI) practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and support systems necessary to lead and sustain impactful violence intervention efforts. APLI is a rigorous and immersive training experience that combines classroom instruction, experiential learning, and mentorship to strengthen participants' leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution skills. The training also emphasizes professional development and self-care, ensuring that practitioners are equipped to navigate the high-stress environments in which they operate. In addition to skill-building, APLI fosters a dynamic Community of Practice (CoP)—a peer-led network where participants can collaborate, share best practices, and receive ongoing support from fellow practitioners across different cities and contexts. This network strengthens the collective impact of violence intervention efforts.