What is the MKE Peace Project?

The MKE Peace Project (MPP) challenges youth in the central city to assess the causes of violence in their neighborhoods and, subsequently, to provide solutions to the problem. The MPP goal is simple: to promote youth dialogues around violence prevention. We believe that to imagine and promote peace in Milwaukee, our youth must be actively involved. By simultaneously challenging youth to provide solutions to the problems they identify, we are asking them to envision the opposite of violence around them—we are challenging them to imagine peace.

The Challenge – Organize a team of up to three people and answer all of the following:

• Problem: In fewer than two sentences identify a leading cause contributing to violence in your neighborhood or school (What is causing violence in your neighborhood or school?)
• Solution: In fewer than 200 words (1/2 page) provide a solution to the problem your team has identified. (What is your idea for improving your neighborhood or school?)
• Impact: What impact will this solution make in your neighborhood? (For example, why is this needed in your neighborhood and how do you know it will make a difference?)

Who can participate? You must be 18 years old or younger AND meet one of the following:

• Be a student at one of the schools identified by the MKE Peace Project (please refer to the list on www.city.milwaukee.gov/mkepeaceproject)
• Live in one of the following zip codes: 53204, 53205, 53206, 53208, 53210, 53212, 53215, 53216, 53218, 53233, 53209 (City of Milwaukee addresses only)
• Participate in youth activities at one of our submission collection centers listed below.

When are submissions due? All responses are due by 5:00 P.M. Thursday, May 21, 2015.

Where can I submit my response? Responses may be submitted at any of the following:

• The team can submit its application to the Principal’s office.
• The team can submit its application online at www.city.milwaukee.gov/mkepeaceproject
• The team can email its application to its local Common Council Member office.
• The team can submit its application at one of the following participating community organizations:
  • South Side: JourneyHouse, UCC, Milwaukee Christian Center
  • North Side: Running Rebels, COA Youth and Family Centers, Northcott Neighborhood House
  • All Boys and Girls Club locations in the City of Milwaukee

Winners will be announced in June. Prizes include Summerfest tickets, Brewers and Bucks game tickets with special pre-game and half-time winner announcements, and more! There will also be random prize drawings from all submissions.

Winning teams will be selected as follows:

3 teams from high schools, 3 teams from middle schools from the north side

3 teams from high schools, 3 teams from middle schools from the south side

The prizes include:

• For every individual on the winning team: 4 tickets to a Brewers game with a pre-game ceremony congratulating their success
• For every individual on the winning team: 4 tickets to a Bucks game with a half-time ceremony congratulating their success
• Summerfest tickets for all finalists and one day Milwaukee County bus pass to get to and from Summerfest
• A special lunch at Summerfest hosted by the Bucks
• For every individual on the winning team: 1 ticket to the Milwaukee Museum
• Clear Channel Outdoor will post pictures of winners and quotes on electronic billboards

And more prizes will be announced.