The Joyce Foundation: The ‘Ending Gun Violence in Chicago’ Series Shows Strategic Action Amid a Complex Crisis
The Need for a Coordinated Response
In 2023, Chicago reported over 3,100 shootings, with violence disproportionately impacting 15 of the city’s 77 neighborhoods. Beyond immediate loss, this crisis imposes profound economic and mental health costs—estimated at $7.5 billion annually. The stark disparities, where Black residents make up 80% of gun homicide victims despite representing 30% of the population, further underscore the systemic inequities fueling this epidemic.
With the Ending Gun Violence in Chicago series in 2024, The Joyce Foundation sought a proactive, multi-dimensional response to these entrenched issues. The series was organized in partnership with Black Roots Alliance, City Club of Chicago, WTTW’s Firsthand Initiative and Project Unloaded. It reframed the discussion around gun violence prevention and public safety by examining comprehensive solutions, from constitutional policing practices to gun policies, the deployment and utilization of alternative responsive models and proven violence intervention and prevention strategies, among other evidence-informed tactics. The series gathered community leaders, policymakers, law enforcement, youth advocates and healthcare providers to reimagine gun policy and violence-prevention practices.
ThinkInc.’s Approach: Building an Impactful, Multi-Layered Strategy
- Structured, Targeted Discussions
ThinkInc. worked with the Joyce Foundation to structure the series around three critical dimensions, each addressing distinct yet interconnected aspects of the crisis:
- The Ecosystem of Public Safety: Examining how community-driven models and reimagined emergency responses could reduce reliance on traditional policing.
- Crime, Guns, & Solutions: Focusing on the sources of illegal crime guns flowing into Chicago and the need for regional and cross-state collaboration.
- Youth-Led Violence Prevention: Prioritizing trauma-informed, youth-centered interventions, especially through social media and mentorship, to interrupt cycles of violence.
This targeted approach provided the depth needed to address systemic challenges, while also reinforcing The Joyce Foundation’s role as a thought leader and solutions broker in Chicago’s gun violence landscape.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration
Through strategic partnerships with Black Roots Alliance, City Club of Chicago, WTTW’s Firsthand Initiative, and Project Unloaded, ThinkInc. ensured the series was grounded in both lived experience and expertise. This alliance strengthened community engagement, making the conversation more relevant and reflective of Chicago’s diverse stakeholders. - Amplifying through Media and Thought Leadership
A robust media strategy underscored the importance of these discussions, securing coverage from key outlets like WTTW and others to broaden public awareness and position The Joyce Foundation as a central voice on the issue. ThinkInc.’s media advisories and pitches ensured the series’ outcomes reached audiences beyond event attendees, maximizing the Foundation’s influence. - Creating Lasting Resources
ThinkInc. translated the series insights into a White Paper, Ending Gun Violence in Chicago: A Comprehensive Approach, which synthesizes challenges, perspectives, and solutions proposed during the series. This resource offers a roadmap for leaders and policymakers and serves as an enduring reference for those working to advance public safety.
Strategic Impact
The Ending Gun Violence in Chicago series served as a powerful stage for the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago. It complemented the foundation’s $200 million commitment to public safety initiatives.
Moving Forward
ThinkInc. continues to support The Joyce Foundation’s efforts to drive sustainable solutions for public safety in Chicago. This collaboration highlights how targeted event strategy, effective partnerships, and focused media outreach can turn complex social issues into structured paths for change.
Thinkinc. partnered with the Foundation’s senior leadership to facilitate their vision for the program series. As part of that we enlisted Blackroots Alliance, WTTW and the City Club of Chicago. The Joyce Foundation approached Project Unloaded.
- Our work included drafting documents to clarify the goals and objectives of the series and to ensure a community-based perspective and voice infused the series with academics, subject matter experts and youth.
- We assisted in developing each program concept, aligned partners for two of the programs programs (Project Unloaded developed the concept and speaker line up for the final program.
- We developed the idea of a White Paper.
- We worked closely on messaging. Working with the facilitators of reach program to ensure focus.
- We liaison with the City Club of Chicago.
- We developed both social media kits shared with all of the partners to promote attendance to each program as well as traditional media.
- We had column notes in Illinois Politico for each program and sent media advisories. However, the partnership with WTTW allowed for higher visibility through their social media platforms and actual news coverage on their website.
- We created an overall strategy in partnership with the Joyce Foundation leadership.
- We then worked in partnership with the leadership to invite speakers and confirm their participation.
- The Joyce Foundation had a vision for this series and we assisted in realizing that vision with the specific programming.
