YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown's Community Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence (C.I.R.V.) held a Call-In today for local young men who are at risk for future gun violence Thursday afternoon.

Guy Burney, the Director of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, was joined by county officials, city law enforcement, local prosecutors, judges, and community resources to speak to the men about why the violence in Youngstown must stop, and what role they can play to make that happen.

"These are individuals who have backgrounds that are violent," said Burney, "And we know if we don't intervene that they can be one of the casualties, statistics, victims, of [the] next violence in the city."

When asked how to address the people who won't or aren't ready to listen to the C.I.R.V.'s message, Burney said "All we can do is try. All we can do as a community is offer different paths."

Mayor Tito Brown was also there to speak to the men.

In an emotional speech, Mayor Brown told the men, "Tell your friends, tell everyone you know, put the guns down."

He mentioned that he receives a call every time there is a shooting in Youngstown, and learning when the shootings are fatal affects him as if it were a member of his own family.

"This is your opportunity to take another call," said Brown. "A call to action."