Education

At SAFE Illinois, we believe informed communities are empowered communities. Our microlearning lessons are short and easily accessible educational tools designed to break down complex public health and policy issues into clear, actionable insights.

Whether you are a concerned resident, an advocate, or a policymaker, these quick lessons connect the dots between lived experience, evidence-based solutions, and bold legislative action. Each lesson is crafted to spark understanding, inspire action, and support a shared vision of health, safety, and dignity for all Illinoisans. They are excellent for learning on the go, grounding organizing efforts, and deepening knowledge of the real issues shaping our state.

Feel free to revisit these lessons at your convenience and be sure to share them with your network.

When lives are on the line, education should not be a barrier. It should be a bridge.

Featured Course

Annually, firearm manufacturers pay $0 for the cost of firearm injury. The public pays the tab. This lesson describes the problem the RIFL Act aims to solve, explains how the RIFL Act works, identifies implications and incentives of the RIFL Act, provides tangible ways to take action, and offers FAQs.

Take the lesson on The Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act

SAFE Illinois Microlearning Lessons

Bills don’t become laws overnight, and one phone call to your legislator isn’t enough. This course breaks down the process of lawmaking in Illinois. Learn how the General Assembly works, why deadlines matter, who holds the power, and what really happens behind the scenes. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a roadmap for when and how to engage so your voice can help turn good ideas into real laws.

Take the course on How Laws Really Get Made in Illinois.

Meet Frank Pettis, Lake County environmental justice advocate and founder of GreenLit Solutions LLC, and learn about the connections between Environmental Justice and gun violence. This lesson looks at efforts in Lake County, Illinois to ensure everyone has equal access to a safe, healthy place to live.

Take the lesson on Environmental Justice and gun violence.

The Safe Gun Storage Act passed earlier this year. This lesson explores what got passed and what didn't and the limitations of the act.

Take the lesson on the Safe Gun Storage Act

Illinois is reimagining the mental health crisis response through bold, people-first legislation. This lesson explores how new laws expand access to care, hold insurers accountable, and replace punishment with support.

Take the lesson on Fixing the System

From insurance coverage to incarceration, the U.S. has a long, troubled history of how it treats mental health. This lesson covers the history of mental healthcare policy and how we can move toward a system rooted in care, not punishment.

Take the lesson on History of Mental Healthcare & Where Are We Now

Karina’s Law closes the deadly loophole in Illinois law that lets abusers with active protection orders keep their firearms. This lesson explains Karina's Law, a law which requires a firearm to be removed when a domestic violence survivor is granted the firearm remedy in an order of protection. Learn how the law strengthens enforcement to prevent tragedies like the one that took Karina and her daughter, Daniela.

Take the lesson on Karina's Law

Safe storage saves lives. This lesson discusses the importance of safe storage for firearms, the consequences of not storing safely, and the facets of an effective safe storage bill.

Take the lesson on Safe Storage

Welcome to SAFE Illinois. This lesson introduces SAFE Illinois to advocates. We are a non-profit that addresses the interconnected root causes of inadequate and inequitable public health and safety. Get to know more about us and what we are fighting for.

Take the lesson on Welcome to SAFE Illinois

Community of Care Resources

SAFE Illinois gun violence prevention virtual teach in on RIFL Act

NEW: View the recording of SAFE Illinois' Virtual Teach-In on the RIFL Act

Use Passcode THo66m&= to access the Zoom recording

Learn about critical legislation (HB3320/SB2279) and take action against gun violence in our communities.

Join our guest speakers General surgery resident physician at the University of Chicago Dr. Anthony Douglas, Founder, Strategic Advisor of Community Justice Action Fund Amber Goodwin and CEO of Safe Illinois Sara Knizhnik as they speak to the legislation proposed during the 104th General Assembly this year to combat gun violence in our state.

View the recording of Dr. Margit Henderson: 2024 Election Debrief and Burnout Care (52min 10sec)

Note from Margit: In this session, I offer guided practices/reflection to care for your body, mind and spirit to honor your election grief and help you find a healthy pathway for sustained civil courage. This program is not an analysis of the election results, nor does it address action steps going forward. This is an offering of support for your nervous system to reorient you to activism emerging from love.

View the recording of Margit Henderson for Safe Illinois: Emotional Resilience and Activism ( 1 hour 7 min)

To access the recording of Dying to Vote-Story Bolt x Safe Illinois Event Recording (1 hour 21min)

Please email sdlazar23@gmail.com for a link.

To access the recording of SAFE ILLINOIS-An Ordinary Hero Screening and Q&A with Joan & Loki Mulholland (1 hour 21min), please email sdlazar23@gmail.com for a link.