“The Covenant of Peace” is an anti-violence initiative geared at addressing the systemic issues in and around violence. The goal of the Covenant of Peace is to stem the tide of violence in the District of Columbia and beyond by reaching out to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ committed youth, both in its facilities and in violence-torn communities. After undergoing intense focus groups that explore and challenge the root causes of violence, committed youth at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) will sign a “Covenant,” an agreement to abstain from and speak against senseless acts of violence. DYRS and a group of “credible messengers” - a talent of neighborhood-based leaders, individuals with relevant life experiences and proven track records of positive community involvement - will conduct focus groups during a series of “sleep-ins” that begin on a Friday afternoon and culminate the following Sunday. The Covenant of Peace is based on seven pillars to help youth identify where violence begins.
The Covenant of Peace inaugural weekend took place at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center from Friday, November 20, to Sunday, November 22, 2015.
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