Dr. Stephanie M. Myers, president, Positive Change Foundation; National Co-chair, Black Women for Positive Change
The Month of Non-Violence 2026 has received official support from the World Conference of Mayors (WCM). The endorsement marks an important milestone for the annual campaign. It also strengthens efforts to promote violence prevention, voter participation, self-worth, and artificial intelligence education throughout October.
The endorsement covers the 15th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Voters Rights, Self Worth and Understanding Artificial Intelligence. The campaign will run throughout October 2026.
World Conference of Mayors joins nationwide campaign
The Positive Change Foundation and Black Women for Positive Change announced the endorsement on July 28.
Dr. Stephanie M. Myers, president of the Positive Change Foundation and national co-chair of Black Women for Positive Change, welcomed the partnership.
“We are honored to partner with the World Conference of Mayors (WCM), who are supporting our mission to stop violence, encourage voting and to learn AI,” Myers said.
She also thanked World Conference of Mayors founder Johnny Ford, mayor emeritus of Tuskegee, Alabama. In addition, she recognized WCM President Alberta McCrory, mayor of Hobson, Alabama, for supporting the initiative.
According to the announcement, the partnership will expand social media campaigns. It will also encourage Generation Z and first-time voters to participate in elections. Furthermore, it will promote violence prevention workshops around the world.
Month of Non-Violence 2026 focuses on four priorities
This year’s campaign highlights four major goals:
- Prevent violence in communities.
- Encourage voter participation.
- Promote self-worth and positive community engagement.
- Increase public understanding of artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, organizers hope schools, community groups, faith organizations, and local leaders will host events that support these priorities.
Mayors encouraged to lead local events
Dr. E. Faye Williams, senior advisor to the World Conference of Mayors and a member of Black Women for Positive Change, emphasized the role of local leaders.
She said mayors have the ability to inspire action because residents trust their leadership. Therefore, she encouraged WCM members across the United States and abroad to organize October events. These activities should focus on violence prevention, AI education, and youth voter engagement.
Campaign continues to grow after 15 years
The Positive Change Foundation and Black Women for Positive Change launched the initiative 15 years ago. Since then, the campaign has continued to expand.
Over the years, the organizations have partnered with many national and international groups. These include Everytown for Gun Safety, the National Black Nurses Association, the National Association for Community Mediation, Mediators Beyond Borders International, Trusted Inc., the World Conference of Mayors, 100 Fathers Inc., the Dick Gregory Society, and the DC Peace Team.
As a result, the campaign has reached more communities each year through education and public outreach.
Global participation increased in 2025
According to the announcement, the October 2025 campaign featured 45 events across the United States. In addition, organizations hosted activities in 10 countries.
These events focused on violence prevention, peace circles, conflict resolution, and artificial intelligence education.
Now, organizers expect even greater participation in 2026. They hope more local governments, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations will join the effort.
Anyone interested in participating can register to organize an event during the October campaign.
Source: Positive Change Foundation
About the Author
