How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope: A Conversation with Robert David

How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope: A Conversation with Robert David

How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope – Featuring Robert David What happens when you try to pull someone out of gang life without giving them something equally valuable to hold onto? It doesn’t work. In this episode, Jonathan McMillan sits down with Robert David, a community violence prevention expert and consultant, to unpack how gangs function as ecosystems – providing structure, identity, and belonging. Robert shares his insights on why effective intervention isn’t just about removing youth from a harmful environment but about creating new, supportive ecosystems that address the same needs. Robert also discusses his journey from probation officer to community advocate and how he uses jobs, community connections, and behavioral science to shift young people from survival mode to success mode. He breaks down the role of credible messengers, the power of cultural connections, and why duplicating a gang’s structure with positive alternatives is essential for real change. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Robert David 02:21 – Robert’s Personal Journey and Motivation 07:08 – The Role of Community in Violence Prevention 10:19 – Recruiting Youth to Change the Narrative 12:16 – Understanding Gang Culture and Community Engagement 17:41 – Creating Ecosystems for Change 21:06 – From Probation Officer to Community Advocate 25:09 – Integrating Behavioral Science in Community Work 27:05 – The Multifaceted Role of Robert David 32:31 – Personal and Professional Evolution in the Field 36:04 – The Importance of Roles and Principles in Community Work 38:08 – Understanding Motivations: Money, Ego, and Turf 40:44 – Entering the Field: Advice for Newcomers 42:57 – The Importance of Respect in Community Work 45:11 – Beyond Mentorship: Being a Conduit for Resources 51:11 – Building Community Ecosystems: Starting at the Grassroots 01:01:08 – System-Level Solutions: Connecting Resources Effectively 01:08:30 – The Heart of the Work: Passion and Authenticity Takeaways: Gangs function as ecosystems, providing essential needs like belonging, identity, and protection. Removing youth from a gang without replacing those core elements leaves them vulnerable. Real intervention requires creating new systems that meet those needs through positive, structured support. Community-based strategies that include credible messengers can help bridge the gap between survival and opportunity. Programs that duplicate the structure of gangs with positive alternatives can effectively shift young people out of criminal life. Connect with Robert David: Website: https://www.robertdavidconsulting.com/ [https://www.robertdavidconsulting.com/] Email: Robertdavidlifecoach@gmail.com [Robertdavidlifecoach@gmail.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-david-sr-ms-6ab58b45/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-david-sr-ms-6ab58b45/] Books: https://amazon.com/author/robertdavidlifecoach [https://amazon.com/author/robertdavidlifecoach]

What A Day In The Life of A CVI Worker REALLY Looks Like: A SECOND conversation with Preston Adams

About the Guest(s): Preston Adams is the founder and director of a youth-serving organization dedicated to gun violence prevention, youth violence prevention, and suicide prevention. With extensive experience in working with at-risk young people, Preston has been at the forefront of innovative community safety strategies. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and collaborative efforts across sectors. Prior to establishing his own organization, Preston gained robust experience within the juvenile justice system and other outreach programs, which has given him rich insights and practical expertise in violence prevention and youth outreach. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Credible Messenger Podcast, host Jonathan McMillan revisits a compelling conversation with Preston Adams, a respected figure in youth violence prevention and intervention. This episode dives deep into the gritty realities and rewarding moments of being a youth outreach worker, exploring the intricacies of the daily work with at-risk young people. By sharing first-hand experiences, Jonathan and Preston offer a candid look into how intervention efforts unfold on the ground and provide valuable insights for those interested in the field. Focusing on the dual aspects of direct service and organizational leadership, Preston discusses the challenges and strategies involved in running a successful community-based organization. Highlighting the necessity of strong collaboration and perseverance, Preston provides an in-depth analysis of navigating funding avenues, operational logistics, and team management while maintaining a steadfast focus on serving young individuals effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge with strategies for building sustainable interventions and engaging communities in impactful ways, touching on key SEO topics such as "youth violence prevention strategies," "community safety measures," and "trauma-informed care." Key Takeaways: Flexibility in Outreach: Approaching young people in adverse situations requires constant adaptation and presence, with daily operations varying greatly to meet dynamic needs. Collaboration is Key: Building strong relationships with system professionals enhances advocacy efforts for young people and empowers community safety work. Business Acumen in Nonprofits: Building a nonprofit organization involves strategic financial planning and operational management akin to running any business. Empowering Voices: Elevating young people’s voices in advocacy helps them navigate systems effectively, fostering self-confidence and resilience. Sustainable Growth: Successful organizational leadership requires clearly defined roles and understanding when to delegate and bring in expertise to drive a mission forward. Notable Quotes: "A day in the life is really varied… It's highly varied." – Preston Adams "It has to be collaboration and it takes a certain type of individual that can juggle schedules." – Preston Adams "Running a nonprofit is just like any other business." – Jonathan McMillan "You start here and then you get momentum and you start and you keep going and snowballs onto each other." – Preston Adams "Don't go at it alone. That's the wisdom and advice I have for people wanting to start their own thing." – Preston Adams Resources: Fly Organization: Insight into Preston’s approach to youth outreach and community safety. Second Chance Center: A mention of collaboration and advocacy. Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle: A book that inspired Preston in his work. QuickBooks: Highlighted as a tool for nonprofit financial management. By synthesizing the essential threads of this episode, listeners are invited to delve into the full conversation to uncover more of Preston's insightful perspectives on effective violence prevention and organizational leadership. Continue tuning into the Credible Messenger Podcast for more content that shapes our approaches to community safety and transformation.

From the Streets to the Solution: Real Talk on CVI with Marcus McAllister

EPISODE TITLE: Why Credibility Is Your Best Tool in Violence Intervention: A Conversation with Marcus McAllister DESCRIPTION: If you’re serious about understanding Community Violence Intervention (CVI), this episode is a must-listen. Marcus McAllister doesn’t just teach CVI—he’s lived it. After nearly a decade of incarceration, Marcus transformed his life and is now a nationally recognized trainer and thought leader in violence intervention. In this candid conversation, he shares personal stories, career-defining insights, and hard-earned truths about what makes CVI work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: – The real difference between prevention, intervention, and interruption – Why empathy is a frontline skill, not a soft skill – How credibility earns trust and creates lasting impact – The importance of structured training and professional development for outreach teams – Why many CVI programs fail—and how to avoid it Whether you’re a CVI worker, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or just passionate about community transformation, this episode delivers practical wisdom and powerful perspective. Guest: Marcus McAllister Host: Jonathan McMillan Resources Mentioned: https://www.mcallisterconsult.com/ [https://www.mcallisterconsult.com/] https://www.instagram.com/marcusmcall/ [https://www.instagram.com/marcusmcall/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mcallister-b2b75537/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mcallister-b2b75537/]

What Most Cities Get Completely Wrong About Violence Prevention - And How to Fix It: A Conversation with Dr. Monique Williams

What Cities Get Wrong About Violence — and How to Fix It with Dr. Monique Williams, Executive Director at Cure Violence Global In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Monique Williams—one of the sharpest minds in public health and violence prevention—to talk about why so many cities keep getting this work wrong. We get into the root causes of violence: structural, cultural, and direct. We talk about why public safety alone can’t fix what’s broken, and how public health strategies offer real solutions. Monique shares her journey from grassroots public health work to leading Cure Violence Global, and what it really means to invest in community-led change. If you care about making your city safer—or you’re doing this work on the ground—this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:30 – Monique’s journey 10:00 – Public health vs. public safety 14:20 – What cities get wrong 17:00 – Breaking down types of violence 30:00 – Rethinking leadership in public safety 36:00 – What real youth engagement looks like 43:00 – Final thoughts Connect: I’m Jonathan McMillan – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/btajonathan] Guest: Dr. Monique Williams – Cure Violence Global (cvg.org)

Evidence-Based Strategies: Effective Youth Violence Prevention through Community-University Collaboration

Dr. Beverly Kingston is a distinguished figure in the field of violence prevention, known for her expertise and commitment to community empowerment. With a background in political theory from Michigan State University, Dr. Kingston's early career began in Houston where she spearheaded community initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence. Her personal experiences and academic pursuits propelled her to seek a deeper understanding of societal issues, leading her to graduate studies in sociology. Dr. Kingston is currently positioned at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she directs the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV). Her proactive approach has been instrumental in creating collaborative, evidence-based strategies with communities for lasting change. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Credible Messenger podcast, host Jonathan McMillan welcomes Dr. Beverly Kingston – a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the realm of violence prevention.  Dr. Kingston’s journey from personal challenges to academic accolades reflects a steadfast dedication to promoting safer communities and better societal systems. Engaged in both the theoretical underpinnings and practical solutions to violence, she shares insightful narratives from her life’s work. Dr. Kingston explains the significance of unpacking societal values and their impact on issues like youth violence and bullying. The conversation delves into the compelling story of her career, highlighting her transformation from a political theory graduate to a respected voice in the public health approach to violence prevention.  Offering a glimpse into their comprehensive, data-driven collaborations, Dr. Kingston and Jonathan discuss the nuanced relationship between academia and grassroots community initiatives. They further discuss the effectiveness of community-led strategies, the challenges of research funding, and the paramount importance of involving the community in framing the research questions and interventions. Key Takeaways: Community coalitions play a pivotal role in violence prevention, with their effectiveness measured through data analysis and evaluation of local interventions. The partnership between researchers and communities leads to comprehensive solutions for violence prevention, blending scientific evidence with lived experiences. The meaningful involvement of communities in research processes combats the traditional 'hit and run' approach, fostering trust and ensuring relevance. Dr. Kingston emphasizes a model for future work that combines community activation with university research partnerships, advocating for equitable funding and representation. CSPV's initiatives, such as Youth University and Game Changers, are key in engaging young people and providing them with diverse career pathways within violence prevention. Resources: CSPV website: https://cspv.colorado.edu/ [https://cspv.colorado.edu/] Beverly Kingston beverly.kingston@colorado.edu  Chapters: 0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Beverly Kingston' 0:02:06 Dr. Kingston's personal experiences and motivation to work in violence prevention 0:04:51 Dr. Kingston's involvement in community mobilization and violence prevention in Houston 0:08:07 Decision to pursue graduate school and study program evaluation' 0:09:36 Discovering the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado 0:11:45 Discussion on the relevance of political theory in understanding societal issues 0:13:41 Exploring the relationship between broader social forces and violence 0:15:29 Importance of evaluating the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies 0:16:38 The effectiveness of community-led strategies can be tested through scientific methods. 0:18:16 Research strategies to measure the impact of interventions and the challenges.  0:22:39 The importance of measuring impact and documenting results to secure funding for community initiatives. 0:24:49 The history of the partnership between CU Boulder and the community coalitions in Denver. 0:26:48 The importance of building trust and long-term commitment in the university-community partnership. 0:29:45 Highlighting the collaborative nature of the research projects, with the community having a significant role in determining the interventions. 0:30:44 The importance of partnership and elevating the lived experience and knowledge of the community in addressing violence. 0:31:25 The impact of racism on risk and protective factors in communities. 0:32:07 The importance of community involvement in research and problem-solving. 0:33:38 The empowerment of individuals with lived experience in shaping research and funding. 0:35:13 Matching evidence-based programs to community-identified risk and protective factors. 0:36:50 The need to develop evidence-based programs that fit the context of communities of color. 0:37:45 Building the evidence base for community-rooted programs and securing funding. 0:39:16 The future of partnerships between universities and communities in violence prevention. 0:41:12 The need for increased funding for violence prevention and the cost of violence. 0:42:30 Exploring opportunities for young people to enter the field of violence prevention. 0:47:35 Exploring different career options for young people in violence prevention. 0:48:20 Beverly and Jonathan express their mutual love for working with young people. 0:49:42 Beverly emphasizes the need for a comprehensive public health approach to address gun violence. 0:50:56 Beverly discusses her upcoming memoir, "Soulshine," and its focus on healing and hope. 0:57:31 Beverly encourages and  highlights the importance of community involvement in violence prevention. 1:01:22 Beverly provides information on how to contact her and support the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence. Experience the intricate tapestry of community empowerment and scholarly rigor firsthand by tuning into the full episode with Dr. Beverly Kingston on the Credible Messenger podcast.  Stay connected with us for more enlightening conversations and insights into creating a safer, more resilient society.