WHEREAS, Over 600 people have been shot in 2021 to date, and nearly 200 people have died. Of these shooting victims, over 60 are children. The unprecedented surge in violence occurring in 2021 could make it the deadliest year in Philadelphia’s history. New and innovative methods to address this violence are greatly needed; and
WHEREAS, Last year, Philadelphia natives and childhood friends Mazzie Casher and Steven Pickens created "Philly Truce," a mobile app and social network. It is designed to encourage community members to seek out trained mediators when potential conflicts arise; and
WHEREAS, The Philly Truce app provides a new resource for those most susceptible to and impacted by gun violence in Philadelphia. Loved ones and neighbors can feel secure in reaching out for help via the app because it relies on mediators within their own community for help; and
WHEREAS, Philly Truce is also recruiting and training conflict mediators, and will connect those trained volunteers to people who need their help. The app is also equipped with a resource guide that provides users with a snapshot of local government agencies and other organizations that offer services; and
WHEREAS, The Philly Truce app launched on May 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 2021, Philadelphia will celebrate the launch of the app with Philly Truce Day at Nicetown Park. The Philly Truce Day event will recognize the volunteers who have stepped up to become mediators and will host a resource fair which will bring awareness to services for communities affected by gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Philly Truce’s work promises to help prevent gun violence, and is therefore critical to public safety in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes Philly Truce for its work to end gun violence and further acknowledges May 8th as Philly Truce Day.
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