Gun violence has recently been a major issue around the world. From school shootings to freak accidents, it can seem like everyone is at risk of becoming a victim of gun violence.

In Richmond, Calif. four teenagers are being paid up to $1,000 a month if they put their guns away and choose nonviolent activities. Unemployed teens in Richmond are fueled by gang violence, this violence led to 47 homicides in 2007 alone. These killings were a record for this city and were at a rate more than eight times the national average. More troubled teens are been pairing up with mentors and are given the opportunity to earn money if they give up violence. Since this fellowship has started, Richmond has seen dramatic results, including a drop of 11 gun homicides in 2014.

In Texas, 3,000 gun-related deaths occur each year. Other cities across the country have been implementing this opportunity for teens to earn money in order to decrease the rate of homicides.

Gun violence will continue to be a serious and dangerous issue if people don’t step in and find solutions to decrease the use of guns in destructive ways. This opportunity of earning money for choosing to put a gun down is a huge step in decreasing the rate of gun violence and homicides across the globe.