Help Baltimoreans Build a Shared Future of Empathy, Authentic Cross-Racial Relationships, and Community Resilience
About Baltimore CCR
The Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP), founded on the principle of social justice, directly addresses some of Baltimore’s deepest divides by fostering empathy, authentic cross-racial relationships, and community resilience. Developed by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), the BCCRP is a transformative initiative designed to bridge divides between historically separated Baltimore neighborhoods, address root causes of mistrust, and foster sustainable, community-driven change.
Building on the success of recent programming, a donation to the BCCRP would allow for an expansion of two completed cohorts into a multi-pronged, citywide initiative, launching the Baltimore Community Peacebuilding Committee, rolling out the self-directed “Building Our Shared Future Block by Block” series, and sustaining “Our Shared Humanity” sessions for every Baltimore Police Academy trainee class held every ten weeks. These programs will equip residents and law enforcement with the skills, context, and relationships to prevent conflict, foster trust, and strengthen the social fabric of Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
Testimonials:
“Fear and guilt are what are keeping us from talking to each other. We’re territorial in Baltimore, so we need to expose ourselves to each other.” (BCCRP Graduate)
“We need to build a collaborative safe zone in Baltimore. Some people are afraid to look at another perspective. And it can be easier to blame others. But we need to be able to talk about these things without worrying that we’ll be scolded.” (BCCRP Graduate)
“The most valuable part was the dignity discussion and not being judgmental and having an open mind about the communities and people you come in contact with.” (BPD Academy Trainee)
“Recognizing that we are all the same at the core of us. And that everyone holds value and deserves dignity and respect.” (BPD Academy Trainee)
“It opened my eyes to respect everyone's values, beliefs, culture. Being the help that someone else needs. Be that voice. Be the change. UNITY!” (BPD Academy Trainee)
“Most wish we could have this session monthly. Regain values and morals within yourself. This was helpful.” (BPD Academy Trainee)
“Getting to know my peers. Understanding we are all cut from a different cloth, but if you put us together, we can be a quilt that covers a damaged soul, a security blanket for others.” (BPD Academy Trainee)
“The Baltimore Police Department has been honored to collaborate with the Global Peace Foundation on multiple projects, and we hope you might be able to support their continuation. BPD is committed to community collaboration and appreciates the assistance of partners like the Global Peace Foundation. Moreover, I personally appreciated the opportunity to participate and serve as a stakeholder. I can specifically attest to the significant value of “Our Shared Humanity” sessions for our police academy trainees. That program aligns with the values and mission of our training and of the Baltimore Police Department more generally.” (Gary Cordner, Ph.D., Academic Director, Education and Training Section, Baltimore Police Department)
“Our unconscious biases run deep because of our historically white powered country. The police recruits in the “Our Shared Humanity” training agreed that the sessions would definitely help in their work as police officers. Imagine a young black man looking differently at a police officer because of a new type of interaction or a police officer looking differently at a young black man because of what the officer learned? Taking time to listen to each other brings new understanding and respect. The impact in a neighborhood and community would be worth every effort.” (Peggy A. Meyer, Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee at St. Vincent de Paul Church and BCCRP Stakeholder)