Cristian Ambriz

I didn’t wait for change. I helped create it. As part of Increase The Peace Chicago, I worked with other young people to transform our communities by taking action where violence had taken lives. We didn’t confront the problem with more conflict, we reclaimed public spaces with peace. We organized camp-outs, marches, and community events to bring people together and show what unity looks like. We used our voices to push for change, held forums with elected officials, and trained each other to be leaders. Through civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and real community-building, we tackled the deeper causes of violence and proved that youth aren’t just the future