MKE Peace Project

The MKE Peace Project (MPP), developed by Alderman Michael J. Murphy in collaboration with members of the Common Council, has a goal of promoting youth discussion around violence prevention. “We believe that in order to imagine and promote peace in Milwaukee, our youth must be actively involved," Murphy said.

MPP looks to challenge youth in the central city to come up with what they feel are the factors contributing to violence in their neighborhoods, and to brainstorm and present their solutions to these problems.  Prizes were offered for the top entries.

To read the full MKE Peace Project report, click here.

Winning Ideas

We’re proud of Milwaukee’s youth and all of the thoughtful entries received recently for the MKE Peace Project.  Below are the winning ideas we felt could make the most impact. Come back often to get updates on what the city is doing to put these ideas into action.

Alayjha, Alderman Murphy, Lanieja
	Abandoned homes add to the growing problem of youth violence in the city. Alayjha and Lanieja believe by that redecorating these homes with the help of police officers, community members, and neighborhood youth, their efforts will give these homes and neighborhoods new life while creating stronger community bounds. President Murphy agrees this is a sound plan that needs serious consideration.
Donovon, Isreal, Juan
	Donovon and his team members, Isreal and Juan (not pictured), say that youth violence often extends from a lack of engaging activities. Putting a community center with trained staff in areas of need will help give Milwaukee’s younger population an option to better their lives.
Terry, Kelise, Alicia
	Terry, Kelise, and Alicia are firm believers that positive role models for children can be a key factor in preventing youth violence. By giving at-risk youth a role model and constructive activities over the summer, we can prevent Milwaukee youth from engaging in violent behavior.
Michelle, Isabel
	To improve police-citizen relations in Milwaukee, Michelle and Isabel feel that the police force should engage with citizens more as allies, not enemies, in regular clothing instead of their police uniforms. In changing these perspectives, both parties can break down each other's stereotypes and achieve acceptance and respect.
Raymona, Zuriah, Rodneisha
	Raymona, Zuriah, and Rodneisha (not pictured) believe that through better education, increased parental involvement, more leadership opportunities for youth, and neighborhood programming, crime and violence will decrease in the neighborhoods. This will create a focus on establishing respect amongst youth, adults, and businesses.
Nancy, Dalahi
	Nancy and Dalahi believe Milwaukee residents must respond and better deal with their feelings of anger. Their idea calls for various nonprofits to conduct home visits in high crime areas and offer social support wherever needed.
Damonta, Zoe, Nicole
Unkempt/foreclosed properties and litter concerns bring down the quality of life, according to Damonta, Zoe, and Nicole. They want to see more neighborhood cleanups geared toward youth groups. Resolving these concerns early on could lessen further damage. By encouraging youth to clean up, care for, and invest in the community, Milwaukee will be a safer place to live free of drugs and violent acts.
Chamar, London
Chamar and London are firm believers that poverty and lack of employment opportunities are the root cause of the recent outbreak in violence. They want the city to provide workshops that will offer training on creating budgets, financial literacy, learning to invest, and understanding the stock market. These workshops will help provide financial stability within homes and our communities will become stronger.
India, Gianna
India and Gianna state that emotional health may be the cause for recent violence within the City of Milwaukee. They suggest bringing alternative means of therapy to citizens, like physical activity through dance or basketball. By creating physical activity programs paired with a violence prevention emphasis, people of all ages are given the chance to release negative emotions and problems they may have in a fun, yet proactive way.
Fernando, Avina, Natalie, Bryan
Fernando, Avina, Natalie, and Bryan suggest improving literacy rates in youth will decrease violence. By holding family literacy nights at local schools, offering free books to participants, and promoting the benefits of reading and writing, youth will understand the important to obtain better employment opportunities. Milwaukee will be a safer place to live and youth can go to school without fear.
Samaya, Ricardo, Marelyn
With help from local businesses, garden beautification projects will promote unity and pride in our neighborhoods; thereby decreasing crime. Showing off hard work ethics in maintaining and providing care for gardens will positively shift the community’s perspective on gardening, according to Samaya, Ricardo, and Marelyn. This will have a ripple affect across neighborhoods and reduce the destruction of property.