Gideon's Army
Gideon’s Army is currently the only local organization in Nashville that focuses solely on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline through social activism. Utilizing research-based practices combined with community outreach, Gideon’s Army builds its restorative justice programs based upon this information and uses program results to guide its policy work. Through intensive volunteer and community training as well as dialogue, they work together with the community throughout the entire process.
The organization uniquely emphasizes youth empowerment and community member leadership as well as direct interfacing with families, the juvenile courts, and the public school system. Gideon’s Army facilitators, mentors, and other volunteers are members of the North Nashville community, who train fellow youth, educators, and others in continuing the process of educating. This training structure creates a positive cyclical pipeline to combat the destructive effects of the school to prison pipeline.
Why focus so intently on the North Nashville community? North Nashville's zip code 37208 has the highest incarceration rate in the country. We recommend watching Out North as a starting point to learn more.
The Mission of Gideon’s Army is to act collectively, boldly and strategically as a unified force for all children. Placing children first at all times, we eliminate the root causes of the prison pipeline, saving children from death and incarceration and guiding them on a secure path to success.
Get Involved
Learn more about Gideon's Army United here
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