ALSO’s Executive Director Joins Statewide Leaders at We Are Our Own Medicine Conference to Advance Community Violence Intervention
ALSO was proud to see Executive Director Lori Crowder serve as a panelist at the third annual We Are Our Own Medicine Conference, held April 24–25, 2026, at New Life Covenant in Humboldt Park. The conference convened leaders from Community Violence Intervention (CVI), faith-based organizations, public health, and government to share strategies for reducing violence and strengthening Chicago’s neighborhoods.
During the panel discussion, Crowder joined fellow CVI leaders to explore effective, community-centered approaches to violence prevention and intervention. The conversation highlighted the importance of investing in credible messengers, supporting outreach professionals’ wellness, and treating gun violence as a public health issue requiring sustained, long-term commitment.
Across the conference, speakers emphasized that violence prevention cannot be accomplished by any single agency or sector. As conference founder Alees Edwards noted, communities must “activate all the assets” available to them—recognizing that lasting change requires collaboration among community organizations, public institutions, and residents themselves. Panelists also underscored the need for continuous engagement with elected officials and ongoing investment in the individuals doing frontline CVI work.
ALSO is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important dialogue and to stand alongside partners committed to evidence-based strategies that save lives, strengthen communities, and promote healing. We remain dedicated to advancing collaborative solutions that center community leadership and address violence through a public health lens.
Through participation in convenings like We Are Our Own Medicine, ALSO continues to support shared learning, policy advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships that move communities toward safety, stability, and opportunity for all.