What is LOVE?

LOVE (Leave Out Violence) is an award-winning youth violence prevention organization.

LOVE was founded on the belief that youth challenged by violence can be agents of change, capable of transforming their own lives, investing themselves in their communities, and making the world a safer place.

Media Model

Using LOVE’s educational programs in photography, video, broadcasting and journalism combined with leadership training, youth analyze and document the causes and impact of violence and propose reality-based solutions.

LOVE youth use the media tools they create and the life skills they learn to promote non-violence youth-to-youth across cultural, political, racial, religious, socio-economic and geographical boundaries.

Who Benefits:

LOVE programs benefit both the individual and the community.

LOVE youth have experienced many forms of violence including: gangs, domestic violence, racism, bullying, drugs, physical, verbal and sexual abuse, weapons and self-harm. They have been witnesses, victims and/or perpetrators.

Working together in a safe supportive environment, they share their stories and develop the skills, confidence and passion to become part of LOVE’s violence prevention teams in the community.

Because LOVE youth combine their experiences with their newly gained knowledge, they are uniquely effective in promoting awareness, influencing attitudes and effecting positive social change in their communities.

Since LOVE began in 1993, LOVE youth leaders have reached hundreds of thousands of children, youth and adults, reducing violence in schools, homes and neighbourhoods.