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Our Work

The Urban Specialists’ 3-I Model is proven to positively transform lives. It is possible to change the cultural environment of at-risk youth and disadvantaged citizens in order to eradicate violent and destructive behavior.

INVADE

Invade these neighborhoods with an OG presence, alternative messages that promote peace over violence and increase awareness of civility and citizenship.

INTRUDE

Intrude the communities with programming and youth engagements that counter the opportunities to participate in violence. Such engagements will include community conversations, conflict resolution and consistent youth programs that will cultivate mentoring moments with the OGs and the identification of “investable hustles” present within the community.

INSTITUTE

Institute new ideas, principles and authentic opportunities for citizenship. Additionally, OGs will collaborate with institutions, businesses and organizations within these neighborhoods for even more positive impact on the communities.

All of the Task Force’s core recommendations should include ongoing evaluation. Over time, it is critical to know whether evidence-based strategies are being implemented as outlined in research and if public investments are yielding results. Given that the most credible evaluations are independently-funded and university-led, we encourage philanthropy to consider this as one of many ways to meaningfully support public safety in Dallas.

Mayor’s Task Force
on Safe Communities Report

Implementation Strategy

OUTREACH:

To ensure the success of this model and effectively implement the 3-I Methodology, the following roles are implemented per neighborhood:
  • 1 Lead OG
  • 4 OG “Mentorventionists”: OG presence, various duties assigned as needed
  • Youth Engagement Plan: Youth programming, conflict resolution, etc. 25 youth per neighborhood, “Too Busy for Violence”
  • Marketing Plan
  • Community “Stop The Violence” Walks, Peace Rallies & Peace Zone Partners

KEY SUCCESS INDICATORS:

  • The number of community events & community engagements
  • The increased citizenship, as evidenced by community participation, youth involvement in positive programming and survey responses from community residents
  • Decrease in homicides, decrease in non-fatal shootings