Vision
Strides for Peace envisions a nation where all can thrive free of the fear of gun violence.
Bringing people together on purpose
Founded in Chicago in 2014, Strides for Peace is dedicated to mobilizing private-sector resources and raising unrestricted funds directly to community-based organizations working to end gun violence. Through the Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV) fundraising program and National Gun Violence Prevention Expo, Strides convenes, amplifies, and invests in organizations by providing fundraising tools, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building support that strengthens community efforts and expands impact.
As of 2026, Strides’ program models are now nationwide: the RAGV expanded from Chicago to New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, and the previously Chicagoland-focused Strides for Peace Gun Violence Prevention Expo grew to welcome national partner organizations and attendees to Strides’ founding city. Through the RAGV and Expo expansion, Strides’ support infrastructure has reached over 500 civic & nonprofit partner organizations across the country. Forming a source of unrestricted opportunity, Strides for Peace’s goals include further growth and deepened relationships for years to come.
Mission
Our mission is to increase the collective impact of community organizations working to end gun violence, save lives and build a stronger cities.
We believe that everyone has a stake in ending gun violence and that communities have the answers. Our work is centered around harnessing the power of community organizations and providing new pathways for people who care to get involved.
Strategy
Our strategy is founded on the understanding that community organizations and grassroots leaders are one of our cities’ greatest assets, but too often are left out of decision-making, resulting in approaches and narratives that miss opportunities for impact, equity and change.
We view these structural exclusions as creating investment and proximity gaps, and our work is centered on closing these gaps by providing fundraising opportunities, field development, advocacy and civic engagement connections.
Our Core Values
Accessible Partnerships
We believe true partnerships are ones where there is shared power and mutual benefit. Our community partners are our north star.
Better Together
We believe that to end gun violence we must invest in collaboration, lead with what we share in common and learn from each other.
Commitment
We believe that making structural change requires relationships with the people and communities most impacted and the engagement of diverse stakeholders.
Open Doors
We believe to end gun violence we must meet people where they are and offer new ways to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Lived Experience
We believe solutions must include the strategic insights gained from people most impacted and those with boots on the ground responsible for street level implementation.
Change
We believe change is not an intellectual exercise but a human experience. Trust and hope are essential ingredients of change.