Chain of Change Awareness Campaign



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Youth activists and adult allies are invited to join Chain of Change by participating in a public art installation symbolizing a movement to end violence. In partnership with the Center for Community Arts Partnerships and Lawrence Minksy's Ad Agency class at Columbia College, Beyondmedia has created silicone "awareness" bracelets with the debossed words, "Youth Against Violence - ChainofChange.com," to raise awareness of the violence affecting young people in Chicago. These bracelets will be sold for $1 throughout Chicago at Chain of Change events and in select cities across the country.

Each time a bracelet is sold, a "receipt" will be generated, which includes the buyer's name, location, and a personal message relating to how violence has affected their life. These receipts will become a long paper chain, which will be installed at an outdoor venue near Columbia College. The "Wrap the Park in the Chain of Change" opening event will feature youth speakers, music and performance Spring 2011.

Bracelet Messages

  • "Violence occurs everyday. The best way to fight is with your words not your fists."
    -Chicago Ridge
  • "I remember when I first moved to my neighborhood, I witnessed minimal violence, but now I witness gangs arriving and seeing cars blow up and a boy my age be shot in a drive-by shooting."
    -West Elsdon, Chicago
  • "I have never personally experienced violence, but my heart goes out to the victims of any kind of violence. You will get through this, You are strong!"
    -Mckinley Park
  • "I hope to someday not have to guess if the sounds in my area are gunshots or fireworks."
    -West-Lawn
  • "My older sister was killed when she was 15, two weeks before her 16th birthday. My family and I still struggle daily, but we're here."
    -Fillmore, SF, CA
  • "I witnessed bullying on campus."
    -Lincoln Park
  • "No one should be help up on their way home."
    -Indianapolis
  • "Making others feel powerless is not the way to make yourself feel powerful."
    -Lincoln Square
  • ""STOP THE DRUGS because it killed some of my family members.""
    -East Garfield Park Chicago, IL
  • "I witness the police all along North Clark Street in Rogers Park always pulling over young men of color. I worry about the daily impact on all of us, most who experience police harassment and all who witness it. "
    -Rogers Park





The Chain of Change is a project of Beyondmedia Education

Beyondmedia Education's mission is to collaborate with under-served and under-represented women, youth and communities to tell their stories, connect their stories to the world around us, and organize for social justice through the creation and distribution of media arts.

To learn more about Beyondmedia Education, visit www.beyondmedia.org.

Contact Us



You can reach the Chain of Change by using our contact form.

Get Involved



Make a Video, Photo or Podcast

Make and share your media about youth and violence on the Chain of Change website.

Add to the Blog

Link to mainstream new stories about youth and violence or share your own stories and experience with violence.

Take our Survey

Fill out our survey about how violence affects you. All information is confidential and no names are needed.

Participate in the Awareness Campaign

Buy a Chain of Change bracelet, write a message and get it added as a piece of public art.

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Chicago Messages




National Messages