IFS Hope Symposium

The IFS Hope Symposium on Gun Violence Prevention - From Awareness to Action: Shaping a Safer Tomorrow is more than a gathering, it's a call to action! It's a bold initiative under the PCCD funded, Peer2You program umbrella, bringing together leaders, policymakers, educators, social workers, survivors, and community advocates. The symposium will tackle the complex issue of gun violence head-on to ignite transformative change. Together we will delve deep into the complex issue of gun violence uniting data driven research, real life stories, and innovative strategies to build a cohesive framework for prevention.

The Hope Symposium will feature an expert-led panel discussion in the morning, a lunch time Fireside Chat with Philadelphia leaders, and interactive breakout sessions to inspire collaboration and foster a plan to move forward. Participants will leave equipped with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships necessary to create sustainable solutions within their communities.

Please view the "add-on items" to indicate which breakout session you are interested in attending!

Info: Please join us for a welcome from Intercultural Family Services from CEO, Javi Alvarado, and a greeting from Temple University Representative.

Info: Join our moderator for this conversation with our panelists from the various fields that work together for Gun Violence Prevention. Our panelists include: Dr. Amy Goldberg, Temple Medical Center; Scott Charles, Temple Medical Center- Victim Trauma Outreach; David Brown, Temple University & Executive Director of Civic Coalition to Save Lives; Stephen Leff, CHOP - Center for Violence Prevention and VIP Data and Research; Dr. Ruth Abaya, CHOP; Malcom Yates, PHMC, Government Relations, Delaware County Black Caucus, Oronde McClain, Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting

Info: Join us for a Fireside Chat with Philadelphia DA, Larry Krasner(tentative) and Commissioner, Kevin Bethel. Followed by Q&A.

Info: Please head to the appropriate room for your chosen breakout session.

Info: Join our experts as they discuss empowering young minds to break the cycle.

Info: Our facilitators will lead a discussion on building trust with effective law enforcement strategies to combat gun violence.

Info: A discussion on Critical Care - Bridging Mental Health and Faith to Navigate Grief and Support Communities in Crisis.

Info: A discussion on harnessing media’s role in Transforming Perception

Info: Facilitators will discuss Grassroots Advocacy and parental power, and how those can be catalysts for change.

Info: Our panel will summarize what was learned in the breakouts and will continue the conversation by highlighting aspects of those discussions to form a consensus on next steps.

Info: Closing remarks from our host and a call to action that will leave you motivated and ready to take next steps of your own.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Howard Gittis Student Center, 1755 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, United States