RAINIER VALLEY – It’s been a particularly brutal year so far in Seattle and especially the Rainier Valley, and this week two local groups are hosting events to explore ways to end violence in our community.

“The many incidents of gun violence in Seattle put all of us on edge,” wrote Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council (SSCPC) President Pat Murakami in an email to the community. “The killings [this last week] are tragic, but aren’t related to our on-going problems of gang-related violence in South Seattle.”

She encourages neighbors to come out and “bring your ideas for how to put a stop to gun violence in our community.”

On Wed., June 6, the SSCPC will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center (4655 S. Holly St.) at 7 pm.

Then, on Thurs., June 7, the Atlantic Street Center will host a Teens Against Guns Youth Summit from 5 to 7 pm at NewHolly Gathering Hall (address). Organizers say the event is being held to address the recent gun violence that has been happening in the community.

“This summit is for youth and organizations to come together and plan a positive way to show the community that there are teens against gun violence,” said Marquinta Williams, Youth Development Program Coordinator Atlantic Street Center.

The scene of two recent Rainier Valley shootings. Photo/KOMO News (RVP news partner)