A Peace Core New Narrative pillar

Advocacy Through Research and Knowledge Mobilization

What is the initiative?

Advocacy Through Research and Knowledge Mobilization is one of the six pillars of YAAACE's Peace Core New Narrative (PCNN) strategy. PCNN is a multi-year effort, funded by Public Safety Canada, to prevent and interrupt gun and gang violence in the Humber River–Black Creek community. This pillar turns what we learn on the ground into evidence. It raises awareness among residents, partners and decision-makers about the systemic issues facing families in northwest Toronto, and it shares what works so that community-led violence prevention can be adopted across Canada.

What it offers

  1. Original research and publications

    We write scholarly articles on overcoming structural barriers and confronting anti-Black racism in the education and justice systems. Five articles were published in 2022 and 2023, and more are being co-authored with partners such as the Centre for Research & Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims (The CRIB).

    Read the journal articles

  2. Community storytelling

    Our documentary, Our Reality: Streets of the 6ix, shows how violence affects families and communities, and it highlights solutions the community is leading.

  3. The Centre for Community Safety and Roots of Violence

    This is a think tank that produces and shares evidence on violence prevention and intervention. Its research focuses on the systemic barriers behind violence and on how gun violence affects Black communities.

    Visit the Centre

  4. Accessible communications

    We reach people through the Safer Communities Canada podcast, conference presentations, site visits and digital outreach, all in formats that are easy for community members to use.

    Listen to our podcasts

  5. Building Canadian evidence

    We collect and evaluate program data so the PCNN model can be tested, improved and shared. This matters because most research on gun violence prevention comes from the United States.

    See the reports

Our goal

The change we are working towards

We want decision-makers, institutions and the public to understand the root causes of community violence, so that policy and investment answer those systemic barriers instead of reacting to their symptoms. Our goal is a stronger Canadian evidence base, grounded in the knowledge of Black communities and the community itself. We also want proven, culturally reflective approaches like PCNN to be widely adopted, so that more young people and families in northwest Toronto and beyond can live in safer, more connected communities.

The library

Research & Publications

An assortment of academic research, data-driven insights, and publications authored or co-authored by YAAACE to drive institutional change.

Showing 25 publications

Interested in our Data?

For media inquiries or to request specific research datasets regarding our community initiatives, please contact our administrative office.

Contact Research Team