WATCH: MPI Field Manager Andre Lawrence Discusses How ‘Relentless Engagement’ Can Build Bridges to Peace

Friends of Children Chicago Executive Director Taal Hasak-Lowy (top left), Illinois Action for Children Director of Community Connections Rarzail Jones (top right), and Metropolitan Peace Initiatives Field Manager Andre Lawrence (bottom center) sit for the panel “It’s On Us: Creating True Access to Care through Outreach and Relentless Engagement” on Tuesday, March 18.

Friends of Children Chicago hosted a virtual panel on Tuesday, March 18, where panelists explored how outreach and engagement can help support individuals impacted by disinvestment and systemic racism. Metropolitan Peace Initiatives Field Manager Andre Lawrence, and Illinois Action for Children Director of Community Connections Rarzail Jones joined the conversation, while Friends of Children Chicago Executive Director Taal Hasak-Lowy moderated.

“Relentless engagement is a critical part of the work because so many [participants] have experienced let downs and people have written them off,” Lawrence said. “They’re not so enthused about just participating in programs. You have to engage them in a way they haven’t been engaged… Our objective is to change the normal thinking patterns and behaviors of the participants out there in the streets.”

Watch the entire panel below.

Video courtesy of Friends of Children Chicago