Executive Summary
In an effort to improve health outcomes for children, youth and families, the City of Salinas joined together with the Violent Injury Prevention Coalition (VIPC) and their foundation Partners for Peace, to launch a community collaborative planning process. The resulting framework, Cultivating Peace in Salinas focuses primarily on reducing youth violence but also addresses overall community well being. Violence is a primary concern for many Salinas residents and they are committed to reducing its effect on their community. The intent of the framework is to provide a snapshot of community assets and needs, and to chart out the kinds of long-term efforts needed to prevent and reduce violence.

Funded by a planning grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, this framework is grounded in local understanding while drawing upon the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field. The framework development process required a committed Core Group, 20 people representing diverse sectors of Salinas, who worked to identify and analyze the underlying issues, and prioritize the solutions that have the best chance for success in the community. An Extended Network of 100 people provided critical information and insight. Additionally, over 50 people were interviewed and 75 questionnaires analyzed, with extensive participation of youth and parents. Prevention Institute, a national non-profit dedicated to forging effective local strategy, facilitated the planning process and developed the written framework.

To design a strategy for violence prevention, it is critical to understand the underlying risk and resiliency factors for Salinas. Key risk factors examined include: alcohol and other drugs, family dynamics, witness/experiencing violence, media, economics, guns, incarceration, oppression, literacy, and truancy. It is also essential to look at the resiliency factors, the strengths and successes to build upon in Salinas. Utilizing assets such as parents, media, faith communities, local businesses, and schools, the Salinas community has a history of actively addressing violence in innovative ways. Because violence is a complex issue its solution must be comprehensive. The Spectrum of Prevention, a six-level tool, was utilized to shape and conceptualize a multifaceted approach. The Core Group prioritized systemic change (Levels 4-6) rather than the creation of new programs. Fostering Coalitions and Networks (Level 4) is particularly important because continued and improved collaboration in Salinas is essential to maximize community-wide efforts and carry out all of the following recommendations.

This framework is not simply a document of logic and reason, but represents a vision of creating a community culture of caring in Salinas. The community described this vision as one of community compassion, of respect and responsibility. Such a culture recognizes the responsibility of the community to family, and the responsibilities of families and individuals to the community. It is critical to translate such a vision into action. Implementation of the recommendations below will be the foundation for success.
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