In-School Education program
What is ReACTION?
Our signature program, ReACTION is a year-long education program delivered in schools that are disproportionately affected by gun violence. Since 2001, we have guided students throughout New York City in our year-long curriculum, emphasizing personal and group development, misconceptions about guns and gun violence, policy and programmatic solutions to reducing gun violence, and advocacy skills. The program culminates with a group trip to Albany or Washington, in which students bring their concerns directly to lawmakers. Over time, participants learn how to overcome their sense of helplessness in the face of gun violence, how to access community resources, and how to take leadership roles in addressing gun violence as spokespeople and advocates.
The program – the only one of its kind in New York – has seen tremendous growth in recent years, thanks to a unique Train-the-Facilitator program we have conducted in partnership with New York City’s Office to Prevent Gun Violence. ReACTION was taught at four schools in 2017; as of March 2021, we will reach 18 schools and after-school programs with our curriculum.
Our program evaluations show both the need for the ReACTION program and its efficacy in shifting students’ attitudes about guns, gun violence, and civic engagement. A survey during the 2019-20 school year showed that three-quarters of ReACTION students had heard gunshots in their neighborhood; two-thirds knew someone personally who had been shot; and 44% knew where and how to get a gun if they wanted one. The number of students who felt that a gun makes a person safer dropped by 31% over the course of the program, and the number who felt a gun makes a person more powerful dropped by 27%. The number of students who felt empowered to reduce gun violence rose by 24% over the course of the program, and there was an increase in 33% for students who felt prepared to discuss the issue with elected officials.
Train-the-Facilitator Program
In partnership with the New York City Office to Prevent Gun Violence and community-based violence intervention groups, NYAGV Ed Fund has trained 17 new facilitators to teach our ReACTION curriculum. These “credible messengers” are uniquely qualified to connect with students who see gun violence daily in their communities. We partner with community groups associated with the NYC Crisis Management System, including Bronx Connect, B.R.A.G. (Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence), Elite Learners, Life Camp and Save Our Streets Bronx.
The NYC Crisis Management System is a network of organizations that deploys credible messengers who mediate conflicts in disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities and connect high-risk individuals to services that can reduce long-term risk of violence. Data from 2010-2019 shows that CMS has contributed to an average of 40% reduction in shootings across program areas.
Who We Serve
Our Schools (as of Spring 2021)
Academy for Language and Technology – Bronx
Bronx Academy of Health Careers – Bronx
Bronx Charter School for Excellence – Bronx
Crotona International High School – Bronx
Hostos-Lincoln Academy of Science – Bronx
Paul Dunbar High School – Bronx
The Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters – Bronx
Boys and Girls High School – Brooklyn
East Williamsburg Scholars Academy – Brooklyn
FDNY Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety – Brooklyn
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School – Brooklyn
High School for Civil Rights – Brooklyn
High School for Public Service – Brooklyn
Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice – Brooklyn
Performing Arts and Technology High School – Brooklyn
William H. Maxwell Career and Technical Education High School – Brooklyn
John Bowne High School – Queens