MIND Over Guns Campaign

Empowering Mental Alertness

About Campaign

The campaign spans from July 15th, 2023, to January 15th, 2024

The MIND Over Guns Campaign is a comprehensive initiative addressing the community's root causes of gun violence. Through events, workshops, and educational programs, the campaign seeks to instill values of mental agility, intentionality, non-violence, and proactive change in the youth, particularly those aged 4-12. Focusing on this critical age group, the campaign aims to shape future generations that champion non-violence and make informed decisions, leading to safer and more harmonious communities.

M. I. N. D.

Within the MIND Over Guns Campaign framework, MENTAL ALERTNESS stands as a cornerstone, not just as an aspirational trait but as a vital responsibility every individual should cultivate. This alertness encompasses engaging in robust psychological processes, honing critical reasoning skills, and championing non-violent approaches to conflict. Proper mental alertness requires individuals to be acutely aware of their thoughts and emotions, practice self-regulation, and consistently make decisions that prioritize personal and community safety. The campaign underscores the significance of four pivotal elements:

  • Fostering cognitive flexibility and quick decision-making.

  • Making purposeful choices that align with positive outcomes.

  • Advocating for peaceful resolutions and rejecting violent tendencies.

  • Actively working towards a positive transformation within the community.

Partnership Announcement

The Cultivating Thru Struggles Foundation and the Southside Hornets Athletic Association have forged a strategic partnership, uniting their efforts to combat gun violence in Fort Worth. Through their collaborative initiative, the MIND Over Guns Campaign, they aim to empower the community with tools for mental alertness, non-violence, and proactive engagement, driving a safer and more harmonious future.

  • Moto: Keeping Kids In Sports Not Courts

    As a prominent athletic association, they leverage sports events to promote the campaign's objectives, emphasizing mental alertness and responsibility. Their platform provides a unique opportunity to engage the community, especially the youth, in meaningful and impactful ways.

  • Moto: Cultivating Struggles to Strategies

    Focused on investigating the social and economic barriers that hinder community progress, the foundation brings expertise in understanding systemic challenges and offers educational resources, community events, and public service announcements to inspire positive change.

Campaign’s Mission

To empower youth, especially those aged 4-12, with mental agility, intentionality, and non-violent behaviors, fostering a proactive approach against gun violence. Through community engagement, education, and early intervention, we aim to mold future generations to champion non-violence, making our communities safer and more harmonious.

  • Equip those aged 4-12 with tools for positive life choices.

  • Prioritize cognitive flexibility and quick decision-making.

  • Encourage peaceful resolutions and reject violent behaviors.

  • Involve all community members in collective action.

Campaign Vision

A future where communities, led by informed and empowered youth, stand united against gun violence and its root causes. Through the principles of Mental Agility, Intentionality, nonviolent behavior, and Driving Change, we envision a world where conflicts are resolved through understanding and dialogue, ensuring a lasting legacy of peace and unity.

  • Communities led by informed youth against gun violence.

  • Future generations prioritizing peace and dialogue.

  • Address both symptoms and root causes of gun violence

  • Work in tandem with other initiatives for a unified approach.

Campaign Values

  • Prioritizing cognitive flexibility and quick, informed decision-making.

  • Emphasizing purposeful actions and decisions that align with positive outcomes.

  • Advocating for peaceful resolutions and rejecting violent behaviors.

  • Believing in the potential of the youth to drive change and shape the future.

  • Addressing both the symptoms and root causes of gun violence.

  • Working hand-in-hand with other initiatives and organizations for a unified approach.

Campaign Objectives

  • Implement programs targeting children aged 4-12.

  • Involve parents, guardians, and other family members.

  • Address potential negative behaviors before they escalate.

  • Work in tandem with programs that empower youth and stimulation innovation

  • Host events, workshops, and rallies to increase community awareness.

  • Empower children to become ambassadors of change within their peer groups.

Data Collection and Analysis

The MIND Over Guns Campaign adopts a hands-on approach, delving deep into the community to understand the social patterns related to violent behavior. Through methods like observations, interviews, and surveys, we aim to capture the genuine experiences of our community members. The insights we gather will be rigorously analyzed and subsequently shared with the City of Fort Worth, enhancing the city's broader efforts to combat gun violence.

    • Comprehensive strategy rooted in direct community engagement.

    • Prioritizing boots-on-the-ground methods for genuine, in-depth insights.

    • Direct observations to witness community dynamics firsthand.

    • Meaningful interactions to gauge community sentiment.

    • Structured interviews for detailed personal accounts.

    • Surveys for a broader understanding of community experiences.

    • Delve into the social patterns contributing to violent behavior.

    • Understand the nuances of conflict resolution within the community.

    • Rigorous consolidation of collected data.

    • Detailed analysis to derive actionable insights.

    • Findings to be shared with the City of Fort Worth.

    • Aiming to bolster the city's broader anti-violence initiatives.

Be part of the change towards a safer and healthier community. 

Register as a Partner, Sponsor, and Volunteer in the Mind Over Guns Campaign

 
The MIND Over Guns Campaign EMPOWERS Fort Worth communities to prioritize mental health and responsible gun ownership practices through critical reasoning and non-violent conflict resolution. Spearheaded by the Southside Hornets Athletic Association and Cultivating Thru Struggles Foundation, our six-month effort includes educational resources, community events, and public outreach. Join as a partner, volunteer, or sponsor to make a lasting impact. Let's collaborate to build a cultural shift that rejects gun violence and promotes safe gun ownership. Together, we can cultivate a safer community for all.

Past Events

July 15 2023

The event’s report is currently in progress. Please revisit soon for updates.

MIND Over Guns Initiation Event

Briscoe Elementary School
Fort Worth, TX

This Mind Over Guns Campaign Initiation Event is the POWERFUL kickoff to our campaign, marking the OFFICIAL start of our journey towards safer communities. We are EXCITED to bring together cs and ignite the SPARK for a change! Our event offers an INSPIRING fusion of sports, mental alertness, and social justice with a dynamic flag football tournament and poverty simulation activity. We will also h a thought-provoking panel discussion, where we will hear from community members directly affected by gun violence and gather raw, QUALITATIVE data on the challenges and concerns surrounding gun safety and mental alertness. This event is a CALL TO ACTION for all those who want to be part of the positive CHANGE that the Mind Over Guns Campaign will generate in our communities.

Upcoming events

  • Mental Agility Touchdown (September)

    September 30, 2023 | 10:00AM-12:00PM

    • Objective: Promote mental agility and quick decision-making

    • Location: OD Wyatt High School (football Filed), Fort Worth, TX

    • Activities:

      • Quick Decision Drills: Mini obstacle course with decision points, using football-related challenges.

      • Trivia Timeout: Trivia questions related to non-violence, mental health, and community pride during halftime and timeouts.

  • Intentionality Playbook (October)

    October (DateTo Be Determined)

    • Objective: Emphasize the importance of intention in our actions.

    • Activities:

      • Play-Calling Booth: Participants choose between two actions, one promoting non-violence and the other not, followed by an explanation of their decision's consequences.

      • Unity Chain: Attendees write a personal commitment to non-violence on a paper link, forming a "Unity Chain" symbolizing the community's collective commitment.

  • Nonviolent Defense Rally (November)

    November (Date To Be Determined)

    • Objective: Promote nonviolent behavior and responses.

    • Activities:

      • Peace Pledge Wall: A board for attendees to pledge to promote peace and non-violence in their communities.

      • Role Reversal Relay: A relay race emphasizing the power of words over physical confrontation.

      • MIND Cheer Squad: Cheerleaders performing routines emphasizing MIND values.