Events

We are pleased to invite you to our 3rd Annual SPREAD LOVE, NOT BULLETS: Gun Violence Awareness Symposium, Activities & Prayer Walk, taking place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Philadelphia.  

This year’s theme is “Protecting Our Children During the Summer Months: Vacation, Not Violence. Out of School, But Not Out of Our Sight.” - focuses on ensuring a summer of safety, support, and community for our youth. As violence prevention becomes increasingly urgent during the summer months, this event serves as a powerful platform for collaboration, education, RESOURCES and collective action.

The program will begin with a Symposium Panel Discussion from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, bringing together community leaders, youth-serving organizations, and partners for meaningful dialogue around youth safety, advocacy, and prevention strategies. Youth groups are also encouraged to attend and participate as well. Following the symposium, attendees will engage in interactive activities and conclude with a community Prayer for Peace Walk.

Event Details:

Event: Spread Love, Not Bullets – Gun Violence Awareness Symposium, Activities & Prayer Walk
Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Location: The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center
4200 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Symposium: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Gun Violence Awareness Symposium Participants:

• Moderator | Kenyatta Johnson, President of Philadelphia City Council and Councilmember representing the 2nd District
• Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Founder and National Executive Director, Mothers In Charge
• Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director, City of Philadelphia
• Craig Johnson, Deputy Chief of School Safety, School District of Philadelphia
• Deputy Commissioner Myesha Massey, Commanding Officer of Community Partnerships, Philadelphia Police Department
• Capt. Dana Bradley, Commanding Officer, 39th Police District
• Jaime “Jalil” Meekins, Founder and Director of Public Safety, F.A.S.T. Foundation; Outreach Administrator of Pushing Progress Philly
• John Solomon, Founder, Endangered Kind

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Interactive Activities Include:

• Prayer for Peace Walk
• Wage for Peace Workout
• Spin for Hope on Spin bikes
• Kids’ Line Dance for Kindness
• Move for Change Zumba
• Basketball Against Violence
• Soccer - Kicking for Community
• Peace in the Playground
• Plant a seed & Plant a flag in honor of a loved-one
• Vendors against Violence

For additional information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Veda Brown at Veda.Brown@use.salvationarmy.org.