By: Ashmar Mandou

A new initiative could be the key for youth across Chicago to help make an impact in reducing violent crime among their peer group. Peacebook, an executive order that was signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, is Chicago’s first permanent, year-round Youth Peacekeeping Program by hiring 50 Youth Peacekeepers and four Youth Safety Advisors.

“For years, youth organizers across the City, including the leaders at GoodKids MadCity, have been organizing, advocating, and showing what becomes possible when we trust young people. By investing in peer mentoring and youth-led peacekeeping, we are investing in safer communities—not only in the future, but right now,” said Mayor Johnson.

Funded by the Department of Family Support Services (DFSS), a grant of $900,000 will be distributed to organizations to help to facilitate the year-round Youth Peacekeeping Program, such as training peers in conflict resolution, facilitating peace circles within the communities, and connecting families to resources and support services. “We’re grateful to Mayor Johnson for trusting young people to lead,” said Isaiah Williams, GoodKids MadCity Youth Organizer. “The Peacebook is about investing in us—the ones already doing the work to keep our communities safe.”

Youth Peacekeepers aged 16-24 will work on a part-time basis while training their peers. Youth Safety Advisors will be employed full-time to supervise, guide, and mentor the Youth Peacekeepers.  “We need a plan, and GoodkidsMadcity and the youth in this city have given us the road map to do this. They’re ready,” Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33rd Ward) said. Program participants will collaborate with DFSS to develop a youth resource map which will be integrated into the MyChi My Future app and a future Peacebook app which will be developed alongside the implementation of the “Peacebook” Executive Order.

“Peacebook is about engagement and bringing people into community to build the relationships that make real accountability possible,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Emmanuel Andre. “It recognizes the power of youth leadership and understands that peace is not a single state, but an ongoing process. This program is a bold, forward-thinking approach that invests in creative solutions to interrupt and prevent violence before it occurs.”

The Peacebook Working Group will make recommendations for the “Peacebook Pilot,” a citywide initiative to reduce violence through prevention, opportunity, and youth leadership. Tasked with developing a comprehensive implementation framework, the group will outline budgets, funding, and rollout plans for both neighborhood and citywide Peace Commissions. Beyond long-term strategy, the group will also provide advice in real time on how Youth Peacekeepers can address emerging trends and rapid response safety needs. The working group is expected to convene in 30 days.