In response to Rochester, New York’s 50+ homicides in each of the years 2004–2007, on January 5, 2008, Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church launched a countywide anti-snitching billboard campaign named You Bet I Told.
In December, 2009, the You Bet I Told campaign merged with Baber’s Center for Social Change and Economic Development and embraced another local nonprofit committed to advocating for victims’ rights and promoting violence awareness. These organizations united to form Rise Up Rochester, a new cutting-edge nonprofit that would empower the community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture.
Crucial to the development of Rise Up Rochester was its partnership with Nazareth College’s Social Work Department. This Church / College partnership enabled Rise Up Rochester to address social justice needs of the community and service delivery systems.