In recent months in the Noce neighborhood some business owners found the strength and courage to stand up to the extortion racket thanks to the work of magistrates and law enforcement and the support of Addiopizzo. But if over the course of a few months several people have come forward, it is likely that in this same period other shopkeepers working in the neighborhood have also been targeted.
From 9 to 21 December, Addiopizzo promoted a series of information and awareness-raising initiatives with the campaign “Anche alla Noce si può fare: denuncia collettiva”. The activities reached the neighborhood’s streets, schools and parish communities, with the aim of meeting people in their everyday places, creating opportunities for dialogue and strengthening the awareness that reporting extortion is possible, especially when it is done together.
Leafleting in the streets:
meeting the neighborhood, door to door
One of the key moments of the initiatives was the leafleting in the streets of the Noce neighborhood, during which Addiopizzo volunteers met residents, business owners and workers in the area. Distributing information materials was above all an opportunity for listening and direct dialogue, to explain what collective reporting is, what support tools Addiopizzo offers and how to break the isolation that often accompanies extortion demands. In the streets, people spoke openly about concrete possibilities for reacting, reiterating that no one has to face this path alone.
Leafleting in Noce with Addiopizzo volunteers:
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Meetings in schools:
talking about pizzo, legality and collective responsibility
A crucial role was played by the meetings in the neighborhood’s schools, which involved male and female students in moments of dialogue and reflection on the issue of legality and the fight against the mafias. Through accounts of Addiopizzo’s experience, the presence of guests and witnesses from the anti-mafia world and discussion with the boys and girls, work was done on raising awareness of the extortion racket, on the importance of everyday choices and on the value of collective responsibility. Talking about these issues at school means building cultural antibodies, offering new generations tools to recognize and reject the normalization of illegality.
Manzoni-Impastato Comprehensive Institute with Noemi Di Franco (Addiopizzo) and Davide Grassi, son of Libero Grassi:
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De Amicis-Da Vinci Comprehensive Institute with Francesca Vannini (Addiopizzo), Dario Riccobono (Addiopizzo) and Nicoletta Scimeca (extortion victim):
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State upper secondary school “Pio La Torre”. Meeting at the main campus with Daniele Marannano (Addiopizzo) and Giovanni Antoci, magistrate of the Palermo Anti-Mafia District Directorate. Meeting at the branch campus with Edoarzo Zaffuto (Addiopizzo) and Roberto Cottone (extortion victim):
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Diaconal Center “La Noce” – Waldensian Institute with Chiara Utro (Addiopizzo) and Alfredo Chiodi, grandson of Libero Grassi:
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Meetings in parishes:
building trust and community
The initiatives also involved the parishes in the neighborhood, key reference points for community life in Noce. Parish meetings provided spaces for open and participatory discussion on the phenomenon of extortion and on the community’s role in supporting those who decide to report it. In these contexts, Addiopizzo reiterated the importance of networking, recognizing the value of solidarity and building a climate of trust that makes it possible to break silence and resignation. Cooperation with local church communities strengthened the message that the fight against mafia extortion concerns the whole community, with no one left out.
Meetings at Sacro Cuore Parish with Chloé Tucciarelli (Addiopizzo), at Santa Chiara Parish with Laura Di Fede (Addiopizzo) and at Santo Spirito Parish with Francesca Vannini (Addiopizzo):
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A message that remains:
anche alla Noce si può fare
The days from 9 to 21 December showed how important a constant presence in the neighborhoods is, able to combine information, listening and relationships. Through its work in the streets, schools and parishes, Addiopizzo continues to build a path of emancipation from the extortion racket based on participation and mutual support.
