The campaign is a coordinated effort between city, community and law enforcement to achieve change on multiple fronts.  It includes a #IncreasePeace public service announcement campaign that features 30-second videos of mothers of gun violence victims telling their stories.

“Lately we’ve become desensitized to gun violence in our community,” Woodfin said. “These people aren’t able to go back to life.”

Woodfin noted that while 2,300 guns were removed from streets in 2018, reducing crime must go further than increased policing.

The mayor challenged the community to get involved – championing the work of neighborhood block watches and crime prevention officers as effective violence deterrents – and encouraged residents to download the Next Door app.