Guitars Over Guns

For the first time, Guitars Over Guns New York is partnering with Strides for Peace to bring the Race Against Gun Violence to NYC, building on years of powerful impact in Chicago.

This inaugural event is about coming together as a community, raising awareness, strengthening partnerships, and creating space for youth voices through performance and storytelling.

📅 September 10, 2026

More ways to get involved coming soon, including peer-to-peer fundraising and opportunities to support the movement for safer communities.

Join us as we move with purpose! 🧡

CHICAGO 🎶 June 18, 2026, Eddie Vedder, in partnership with young people from Chicago-based Guitars Over Guns Organization, has released the original song “Better Believe.”

Debuted during a live performance at the Obama Presidential Center dedication on June 18, “Better Believe” was co-written and performed with Guitars Over Guns and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
🔗 Listen HERE: https://eddievedder.lnk.to/betterbelieve

The Obama Foundation brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the project. Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago cago, where the song was recorded, joined young musicians from the nonprofit through a collaboration facilitated by Add-2, Columbia adjunct professor of instruction and Chicago regional director for Guitars Over Guns.

All royalties earned by Eddie Vedder and the song’s co-writers will benefit Guitars Over Guns, an arts-based youth development organization that uses music, mentorship, and the arts to empower young people and expand opportunities for their future.

Shoutout to Ashley for helping launch our campaign at our recent Menchie's Frozen Yogurt fundraiser event! 🍦💜

We’re so proud of the leadership and energy she brought while helping raise awareness for Guitars Over Guns and the young people we serve.

Know a high school student who would want to get involved? Reach out to:
[email protected] 🎶