PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After eight weeks of training volunteer mediators on listening, de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques, the Philly Truce app is ready to go live.
On Saturday, 20 volunteers will graduate and be able to take community calls via the Philly Truce app. Similar to requesting an Uber or Lyft, those in need of help in a conflict can use the app to contact an on-call volunteer meditator.
The volunteer can then meet with parties via phone, video or in person to help resolve the issue and “avoid some of the lives of our young people getting lost to gun violence or to incarceration,” said Steven Pickens.
He and high school classmate Mazzie Casher co-founded the app. They began executing the idea last October in an attempt to curb the skyrocketing gun violence crisis in Philadelphia.
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They built the app, created videos and recruited volunteers. Now, they’re hosting Philly Truce Day to raise awareness.
The celebratory graduation takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. at Nicetown Park on Germantown Avenue. Organizers will also set up a resource fair, mental health screenings, entertainment and more to get the word out about Philly Truce.
“I feel hopeful,” said Casher. “I feel optimistic. We all want a safer city, and we can get there together.”