Youth Firearm Violence Intervention
A social impact evaluation and assessment of what it takes to sustain safety and wellbeing.
Co-creating a vision for safety rooted in community-centered efforts.
AHSHAY contributed to the Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program (FIPRP). The project was led by Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar at the University of Washington. FIPRP evaluated and assessed how seven community groups are enhancing safety and well-being. These groups are instrumental in reducing youth firearm violence and incarceration rates.
In year one, AHSHAY team members Vivian Lyons and Dominique Smith engaged in a deep listening process. They conducted interviews, gathered impact stories, and developed and led a collaborative workshop. The workshop resulted in a unified theory of change and the setting of important goals. FIPRP was backed by the Washington State Department of Commerce via the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention.
Partners
AHSHAY worked with the Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program (FIPRP) at the University of Washington.
Project Goals
Collaborative Evaluation and Assessment
We evaluated local community-based organizations providing youth firearm prevention programming. The process involved hearing stories, key perspectives, and co-creating a theory of change. We also collaborated on developing assessment measures and processes.
Redefining Safety
Usually, evaluations of community programs to reduce violence focus on negative outcomes. Through deep listening and collaborative workshops, FIPRP took a different approach. Instead of indicators like arrests or injuries, we focused on services and structures that support well-being and safety. These measures will inform future state-funded evaluations of such programs.
Amplification
AHSHAY will continue to amplify community-based firearm prevention efforts statewide.