Joliet Township Government's Firearm Safety Response Network

About

Joliet Township Government’s Firearm Safety Response Network, led by the Community Convener, was established in July 2023 to address community violence and support the Greater Joliet area. This role took over the responsibilities of the former Local Advisory Council of Joliet and now focuses on reducing firearm violence and increasing public safety. The Community Convener facilitates meetings, partnerships, collaborations, and community engagement events to strengthen the safety and well-being of residents.

The Convener works across three main components:

CREW (formerly REIAL Council)
Joliet Township Government’s Municipality Tours
Reimagine Village

These initiatives aim to bring together government, law enforcement, local businesses, and community members to create a collaborative, community-led approach to reducing violence and trauma in the area. The CREW’s goal is to foster intergovernmental partnerships and produce policies that prevent violence and re-traumatization.

Services

Joliet Township’s Community Convener offers many opportunities for community leaders to come together. There is no cost to become a member of any of these organizations.

If your organization is interested in joining the CREW, please contact LeShae Hudson, the Community Convener, at (815) 593-3363 or via email at Lhudson@joliettownship.net.

CREW holds monthly meetings of community leaders, local government officials, and public health experts focused on aligning resources to prevent firearm violence. They help identify and address community needs related to gun violence and advocates for policy change. Click here to view the Monthly Meetings Calendar.

Benefits:

Build and sustain relationships with key community stakeholders
Access free trainings from Reimagine Public Safety Act Technical Assistance Providers
Support for emergency firearm incidents and wrap-around services for clients

The Municipality Tours initiative allows local leaders to learn from other municipalities within Illinois that are working to prevent violence. These tours provide opportunities to exchange ideas, resources, and best practices with other municipalities that have received funding from the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

Reimagine Village is a statewide initiative involving eight Violence Prevention Council Coordinators in Illinois. The program uses the Municipality Tour Method to collaborate across municipalities and promote the sharing of resources, tools, and strategies to reduce violence. Reimagine Village helps strengthen the work of violence prevention councils by connecting local leaders and stakeholders across the state.