Twin Cities Youth Led
Empowering Youth. Preventing Gun Violence. Leading Change.
Twin Cities Youth Led
Empowering Youth. Preventing Gun Violence. Leading Change.
WHY WE EXIST
Gun violence isn't solved from the outside. It's solved by the people living it.
Gun violence has become the defining crisis of our generation , robbing young people of their futures, families of their loved ones, and entire communities of peace. In the Twin Cities, this epidemic falls hardest on African American and Native American youth. Guns Down, Love Up Youth Council exists to change that story, by putting the young people closest to this crisis in the driver's seat of ending it.
EDUCATE
Youth are equipped with the knowledge and awareness to understand gun violence and its impact on their communities.
ENGAGE
Peer educators train in leadership, conflict resolution, and media production, building real skills alongside real pay.
EMPOWER
From stages to summits, we build platforms where youth lead the conversation instead of just attending it.
youth Open Mic Night
Every Monday this August and September, 825 Arts hands the stage over to you.
Rhyme, sing, dance, spit poetry, do comedy, or tell your story, whatever you bring, this is your moment to share it. Not performing? Come anyway for the food, the energy, and a room full of talented people.
Details:
Every Monday, August 4 – September 7
5:00pm – 8:30pm
825 Arts, 825 University Ave, Saint Paul, MN
Free · Pre-sign optional
Your stage. Your moment. Come claim it.
Pick your lane. Every path leads to leadership.
Apparel & Design
Graphic Design, Screen Printing & Clothing Design Apprenticeship
Turn your ideas into real impact. Design it, print it, wear it, a hands-on apprenticeship in graphic design, screen printing, and clothing production.
Community Mural Design Apprenticeship
Your art. Your community. Your legacy. Learn, create, collaborate, and leave a lasting mark on your neighborhood through hands-on mural training.
Details: Runs Aug 4–28 · Tue & Wed, 11:00am–1:30pm · Transportation provided · Spots limited
Meditation & Soundbowl Therapy Apprenticeship
Heal yourself. Heal others. Change the world. A certificate apprenticeship for youth ready to lead healing in their community.
Details: Runs Aug 4–28 · Tue & Wed, 11:00am–1:30pm (20 hrs total)
COALITIONS & community PARTNERS
Minnesota Department of Health, Office of African American Health Partnership
Guns Down Love Up is proud to partner with the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of African American Health in support of the Paths to Black Health program. Through this partnership, we work alongside the Office of African American Health to advance health equity and wellness within Black communities across Minnesota.
This collaboration allows Guns Down Love Up to bring our community-centered, trauma-informed approach to the Paths to Black Health program, connecting our violence prevention work to the broader mission of improving health outcomes for Black Minnesotans. Together, we are addressing the intersection of community violence and public health, building stronger, healthier, and safer communities for Black families across the state.
White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Guns Down Love Up is proud to be a part of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, formally the Community Violence Intervention Collaborative. As a member of this esteemed coalition, we participated in a year-long training and community-building cohort, where we gained valuable tools and resources to enhance our mission of reducing gun violence in Minnesota.
Through this partnership, Guns Down Love Up has been equipped with strategies and best practices to expand our work in prevention, intervention, and restorative justice. This training has empowered us to deepen our engagement with the community, build stronger partnerships with local and national organizations, and create lasting, impactful solutions to combat gun violence.
Department of Defense’s STOP THE BLEED
Guns Down Love Up is excited to announce our new partnership with the Department of Defense’s STOP THE BLEED campaign. Our organization is officially licensed to provide STOP THE BLEED® training, empowering our community with life-saving skills.
Through this partnership, we will integrate STOP THE BLEED® training into our youth gun violence prevention efforts, offering hands-on instruction to participants in our community outreach programs, school assemblies, and intervention initiatives. Together, we are taking a proactive approach to reducing harm and ensuring that everyone, especially young people, are prepared to act in the face of an emergency.
Ramsey County Office of Safety and Justice Partnership
Guns Down Love Up is proud to partner with the Ramsey County Office of Safety and Justice on programming for systems-impacted adults, youths, and families. Through this partnership, we work alongside the county to connect individuals and families navigating the justice system with the mentorship, resources, and community support they need to move forward.
This collaboration allows Guns Down Love Up to extend our reach into the community, meeting people where they are and providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed programming that complements the Office of Safety and Justice's work. Together, we are building a coordinated response that addresses the root causes of violence, strengthens family stability, and creates real pathways toward safety and opportunity for adults, youths, and families impacted by the justice system.