INDIANAPOLIS — Following weekend violence across the Circle City, 15 churches launched the “Don’t Lose Your Cool” campaign.
The campaign focuses on teaching teens and kids de-escalation tactics through community programming.
Pastors from all 15 churches focused their sermons Sunday on how to respond to situations that could become violent. A portion of pastor Kenneth Sullivan Jr’s sermon at the New Direction Church focused on anger and how it is one letter away from danger.
"We know as temperatures rise tempers flare and we know that in the past we have to had to deal with gun violence in our communities due to different acts and different issues,” Sullivan said. “So, we want everybody to take a step back don't lose your cool. "
Gun violence is something Sullivan deals with firsthand. He keeps a folder of homicide victims he's buried.
"Before you act stop, pause, think, reflect, and then when people tend to do that they tend to make better choices, “ Albert Brownlee the director of programming at New Direction Church said.
Better choices are what the programming hopeS to encourage, while also giving people in need the option of working together.
"I believe if we can address some of the things that ill our community at a very base level then we will be able to see long-term systemic change, " Brownlee said.
"It's not just faith leaders it's also our elected officials it's also our everyday citizens our neighbors our community our parents our teachers everybody must embrace this and learn to teach this to young people," Sullivan said.
The “Don’t Lose Your Cool Campaign” is being spearheaded by Indianapolis Urban Pastors Coalition. Those involved in the campaign are offering programming throughout the summer.
For more information about the programs, they are offering click here.
-
Starting lineup for 108th running of the Indianapolis 500
Team Penske dominated qualifications, with Scott McLaughlin leading the way in the famed “Yellow Submarine” entry.Coroner identifies known victim of Herb Baumeister from recovered remains
Previously unidentified remains recovered at Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield have been identified as those belonging to one of the known victims of serial killer Herb Baumeister.Now former Pike Township teacher charged with neglect after fight on playground
The school fight was never reported to school administrators and no discipline from the fight occurred, according to court documents.INDOT to close stretch of I-465 southbound for three weeks starting May 31
On Monday, INDOT announced numerous lane and ramp closures for I-465 SB on the city's east and southeast sides that will last approximately three weeks.