United States

The United States finds itself at a time of division and upheaval: Political and social divisions. Record gun sales. An increase in hate groups and hate crimes against particular racial, ethnic, and gender groups. 

With this upheaval and calls for reimaging of safety and security, there is an increased need and an increased interest in unarmed civilian protection in schools, civic spaces, and neighborhoods.

NP’s work in the United States

Grounded in the strengths and needs of local community partners, NP is building relationships with community members, leaders, and organizations to identify gaps and approach safety and security from a holistic perspective. Our work is informed by understanding what communities need to feel safe and secure—to feel affirmed and a sense of belonging— which includes and goes beyond physical safety.

• Providing direct protection: Not only does there need to be a systemic and cultural uprooting of the violence that permeates so much of U.S. society, but there is also an immediate need for direct civilian protection at certain flashpoints for violence, from neighborhood events to community actions. NP continues to train new indiviudals to deescalate conflicts without weapons, liaise between groups, accompany vulnerable communities, and more. 
• Strengthening community protection capacities: We believe communities know best how to protect themselves, and have the right to exercise protection in the way that best suits them. We provide ongoing training, mentoring and support to communities who have invited us to support their safety work. For example, through the new Community Peacebuilders Program in North Minneapolis, we are building relationships to collectively address community conflict and violence in North Minneapolis, building towards a world where communities navigate conflicts without the threat of force and work together to address systemic violence. Many other organizations have requested our assistance with ongoing trainings and mentoring.
• Reimagining school safety: After the Minneapolis School Board voted to end their contract with Minneapolis Police to provide security at schools, NP collaborated with Minneapolis Public Schools to train and mentor unarmed school safety specialists. NP has also partnered with the school district to develop and co-coordinate a student peace advisory group: 15 students have taken the lead in developing new school safety initiatives and co-create trainings and engagement strategies to foster the safety and belonging of all. 

Read more about our work in the United States.

The future of NP's work in the United States

In cities around the country, protesters and civilians have come together to de-escalate force by federal agents and armed groups, protect neighborhoods and local businesses, call for accountability in municipal budgeting and policing, and re-envision community safety. Yet, communities often grapple with what it means to maintain their commitments to less reliance on law enforcement response to safety concerns that can be resolved without use of force or threat of force. 

In this context, NP will continue to explore collaborations with community partners to open dialogue, maintain space for civic engagement and protest, as well as equip students, community members, and safety professionals alike with actionable frameworks and skills in both violence prevention and nonviolent resolution of conflict.