National Youth Violence Prevention Week
is April 22 - 26, 2024
Founded in 2001,
National Youth Violence Prevention Week (NYVPW) is a time for youth to lead communities on effective strategies to prevent youth violence. The campaign is a week-long event with each day of the week corresponding to a specific challenge for communities. Join with others around the country to unite and lift up youth who work to make their schools and neighborhoods safer.
The City of Knoxville's Office of Community Safety and Empowerment has teamed up with community partners on a variety of activities for young people and families during Youth Violence Prevention Week.
For additional information about an activity, please reach out to each partner organization or event host.
April 21 |
April 22 |
April 23 |
April 24 |
April 25 |
April 26 |
April 27
Office of Community Safety & Empowerment
Youth Violence Prevention Kick Off Party
Free food, music and games!
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
John T. O'Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona Street.
Your Voice Paints the Picture
This first session of the Knoxville Area Urban League's weeklong after-school program for high school students will focus on the importance of creating awareness of youth violence prevention and how social entrepreneurship can help fund effective change and be a creative outlet for raising awareness.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E. Fifth Ave.
Sign up
Our Community, Our Response
This session takes a look at the civic engagement component of address violence against youth in the Knoxville Community.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E. Fifth Ave.
Sign up
| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024 |
Together We Heal: Mental Health Matters Series
This session will discuss the effects of community trauma and what communal healing looks like in practice.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E. Fifth Ave.
Sign up
Western Heights Violence Prevention Week Cookout
Hosted by Renounce Denounce Violence Interrupters
Interactive games, delicious food, lively music, resources and violence prevention education to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for youth of all ages.
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
1331 W. Oldham Ave.
Mother and Daughter Rose Gold Dinner Event
Hosted by My Daughter's Journey
This empowering event is exclusively for young girls aged 14 to 24 years and their mothers or parent/guardians focused on Communication, Relationships and Bond with food, fun and networking. Register by 5 p.m. on April 20, by emailing
[email protected].
6 - 8 p.m.
Calhoun's on the River, First Floor Banquet Room
410 Neyland Drive
Who is My Village? The Importance of Mentorship
This session will highlight the importance of having a trusted adult in your life that can help youth at risk of engaging in violent acts or being impacted by violence can be positively influenced and redirected to things that support their development.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E. Fifth Ave.
Sign up
Walter P. Taylor Violence Prevention Week Cookout
Hosted by Renounce Denounce Violence Interrupters
Interactive games, delicious food, lively music, resources and violence prevention education to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for youth of all ages.
3 - 6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
317 McConnell St.
Standing on Business that Prevents
This session will be dedicated to groups from the first night to share their social entrepreneurship ideas and how they developed over the course of the week.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E. Fifth Ave.
Sign up
Montgomery Village Violence Prevention Week Cookout
Hosted by Renounce Denounce Violence Interrupters
Interactive games, delicious food, lively music, resources and violence prevention education to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for youth of all ages.
3 - 6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
1331 W. Oldham Ave.
Peace Rally and Pre-Prom Showcase 2024
presented by Drums Up Guns Down, YWCA, Yvette Rice Productions
As students, parents and community members gather to see students in East Knoxville celebrate prom night, we will share in this occasion to bring awareness to Youth Violence Prevention by providing awareness information in the form of T-shirts, posters, banners.
5 p.m.
Five Points Parking Lot
"The Collaboration" City-Wide Open Skate Night
Free Skate Party for ages 12-24 at the Change Center.
6 - 9 p.m.
Change Center
203 Harriet Tubman St.
Kickball with Curt Maggitt and Friends
Registration to play is closed, however everyone is welcome to the Kid Zone and Parent Corner, starting at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
U.T. Campus
Anderson Training Facility
1419 Lake Loudoun Blvd
Youth Violence Prevention Cohort
TurnUp Knox seeks youth 13-18 to participate in its first youth-led cohort for youth violence prevention. This cohort will be a dynamic initiative driven by young people who are passionate about addressing the root causes of violence within their communities. Young leaders from our community lead workshops of organized groups of young people who will together take proactive steps to address the root causes of violence within their communities.
Youth Registration (75 slots)
Adult Registration (25 slots)
Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the cohort works towards fostering resilience, promoting conflict resolution skills, and providing support systems for those affected by violence. By harnessing the creativity and leadership potential of young people, our cohort aims to create sustainable change and build a brighter future for generations to come.
11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
YWCA Phyllis Wheatley
124 S. Cruze St.
Education is Empowerment: Gun Knowledge, Safety and Education Workshop
My Daughter's Journey hosts this workshop for young women ages 14-24 and their mothers/parents/guardians to empower young people with knowledge and understanding of firearm safety to prevent accidents and reduce gun violence. No firearms will be used or permitted on site. Attendees under 18 must have signed parental consent form to attend. Preregister by 5 p.m. Monday, April 22, by emailing
[email protected].
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Public Works Service Center
3131 Morris Ave.