Peace During War - Youth Gun Violence - What We Are Up Against

Updated about 4 hours ago

In the podcast episode 'Peace During War Podcast: Facing Gun Violence', Michael Wilder, co-founder of the nonprofit program Peace During War, addresses the pressing issue of gun violence among youth. He is joined by guests Amp and Blackout, two young men with firsthand experience of street life. Together, they delve into the challenges outreach workers face, the mentality of young people involved in gun violence, and the importance of self-love and making better life choices. Wilder shares his mission to steer youth away from a path that could lead to imprisonment or death, highlighting personal stories and real-life consequences. The discussion aims to inspire change and promote a future where young people choose life and freedom over violence.

Chapters

Introduction to the Program and Michael Wilder (00:00:08)
Michael Wilder introduces himself as the co-founder of Peace During War, a nonprofit aimed at reducing gun violence and helping youth with education and jobs.

Michael Wilder, co-founder of Peace During War, introduces himself and the purpose of the podcast. He explains that the nonprofit program aims to help the youth put down guns, return to school, and find jobs. He mentions his partner, Harris, will join in future episodes.
Challenges in Outreach and Promoting Self-Love (00:00:36)
Michael discusses the challenges faced by outreach workers, including changing the mentality of youth involved in gun violence and promoting self-love as a deterrent to incarceration and early death.

Michael Wilder talks about the difficulties outreach workers face in combating gun violence. He emphasizes the importance of promoting self-love among the youth to prevent them from ending up in prison or dying young. He uses his platform to reach young people and instill a sense of self-worth.
Introducing Guests Amp and Blackout (00:01:19)
Michael introduces his guests, Amp and Blackout, who will discuss their experiences and perspectives on youth mentality and gun violence.

Michael introduces his guests, Amp and Blackout, and sets the stage for a discussion about the youth mentality regarding gun violence. He expresses a desire to learn from their experiences and insights.
Amp's Perspective on Graduation and Support (00:01:45)
Michael encourages Amp to graduate and offers support, discussing the importance of motivation and mentorship in staying out of trouble.

Michael encourages Amp to stay focused on graduating and offers his support to keep Amp motivated. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the belief that he has Amp's back in their shared journey to stay out of trouble.
Amp's Experience with 'Ops' and Gun Violence (00:02:09)
Amp discusses his past experiences with 'ops' and how he has mostly avoided direct gun violence, highlighting the danger of such encounters.

Amp shares his experiences with 'ops'—rival individuals or groups—and explains that he has mostly avoided direct gun violence. Michael reflects on the blessing of not having current conflicts, which decreases the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
Blackout's Street Life and Mentality (00:03:41)
Blackout, known for his street life, discusses the constant threat from 'ops' and the necessity of being prepared to retaliate in self-defense.

Blackout, who is deeply involved in street life, talks about the ever-present threat from 'ops'—opponents who may attack on sight. He admits living in a state of readiness to defend himself, reflecting a harsh reality of his environment.
Michael's Outreach Work and Realities of Gun Violence (00:05:05)
Michael explains his approach to mentoring youth involved in gun violence, emphasizing the gradual process of encouraging them to put down guns.

Michael Wilder discusses his approach to outreach work, focusing on meeting youth where they are and gradually mentoring them towards putting down guns. He explains the complexity of taking away guns from those in immediate danger and the long-term goal of fostering self-love and change.
The Difference Between Shooters and Killers (00:09:19)
Michael distinguishes between 'shooters' and 'killers,' emphasizing the recklessness of shooters who endanger innocents and the calculated nature of killers.

Michael differentiates 'shooters,' who recklessly shoot and endanger innocents, from 'killers,' who are more deliberate in their actions. He highlights the tragic consequences of youth pretending to be killers and the societal impact of their actions.
The Consequences of Gun Violence and Incarceration (00:11:16)
Michael discusses the life-destroying consequences of gun violence, the illusion of safety in armed confrontation, and the tragic outcomes of youth incarceration.

Michael talks about the severe consequences of gun violence and the false sense of security that carrying a gun provides. He explains the tragic outcomes of youth who end up in prison for life due to impulsive actions, urging them to consider the reality of their choices.
Michael's Personal Journey and Message of Hope (00:17:28)
Michael shares his personal transformation from a life of crime to advocacy, using his experiences to inspire youth towards positive change.

Michael Wilder shares his personal journey from engaging in crime to becoming an advocate for peace. He uses his past experiences to mentor and inspire young people, offering them guidance and hope for a better future. His message focuses on the value of life and freedom over a life of crime.
The Value of One Life (00:27:31)
The speaker emphasizes the impact of saving one life, which can lead to positive changes for generations.

The speaker discusses how saving one life can prevent a mother from suffering the loss of a child and can lead to positive societal contributions as that person becomes a productive member of society.
Encouraging Realistic Goals (00:28:04)
The speaker advises aiming for achievable goals, like getting all C's, rather than setting unrealistic expectations.

The speaker explains that telling someone to improve from F's to A's is unrealistic. Instead, aiming for C's can lead to accidental B's and gradual improvement, which is more achievable and less discouraging.
Understanding the Streets (00:28:34)
The speaker shares insights into life in the streets and the importance of valuing one's life.

Addressing those living in difficult circumstances, the speaker urges them to recognize the value of their lives and make better choices to avoid a life of violence and incarceration.
The Importance of Praise (00:29:08)
The speaker highlights the importance of praising individuals for their achievements and positive behavior.

The speaker discusses how people are often quick to criticize but slow to praise. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and rewarding positive actions, such as helping with chores or improving in school.
Making Mothers Proud (00:30:18)
The speaker talks about the importance of making mothers proud and the role of God in changing lives.

The speaker shares their belief that God plays a role in helping individuals change their lives and avoid negative paths, and that making one's mother proud is a significant motivation for personal improvement.
Life in Prison (00:33:59)
The speaker describes the harsh realities of prison life and the people they encountered there.

The speaker recounts their experiences in prison, describing it as a place filled with the worst of humanity, including individuals who have committed heinous acts, and the mental toll it takes on inmates.
The Role of Mentorship (00:44:08)
The speaker emphasizes the role of mentorship in guiding young people away from violence and crime.

The speaker discusses their commitment to mentoring young people, helping them avoid making life-altering mistakes, and preparing them to become mentors themselves.
The Consequences of Gun Violence (00:45:00)
The discussion focuses on the harsh realities and consequences of gun violence and its impact on families.

The speaker and their guests discuss the effects of gun violence, emphasizing the pain and suffering it causes to the victim's family, as well as the long-term consequences for the perpetrator, who often becomes forgotten in society.
Call to Action for Mentorship (00:47:01)
The speaker invites young people seeking guidance to join their mentorship program, Peace During War.

In a call to action, the speaker encourages young people who need mentorship to reach out to their program, offering support and guidance to help them make better life choices and avoid the pitfalls of street life.

Peace During War with Michael Wilder (2 Episodes)

Updated about 4 hours ago

With a degree in sociology from KVCC and real life experience, Michael Wilder explores solutions to gun violence.