Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dion Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dion, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Dion Green is a survivor of the 2019 Oregon District shooting in Dayton. After the death of his father, Green founded the FUDGE foundation. The organization specializes in helping those directly impacted by mass shootings and other forms of violence. Green says he knew his experience and perspective would allow him to provide unique help. Green emphasizes that the healing journey can be different for everyone, so it’s important to allow people to grieve in their own way, on their own time. He says he knows how it feels to be pressured and overwhelmed by those trying to help. Green has also published a memoir, titled Untitled Act of God/Act of Man. It shares his story of tragedy, resilience, and community engagement. So, for me not to die that night and to watch my father Derrick Fudge die in my arms, made this mission meaningful by helping those who are experiencing mass violence,
Dion, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
So, for a person as myself that would never think that I would be impacted by gun violence or a mass shooting. That was not the case. So that is what I want people to realize is that gun violence is happening everywhere and that you are not immune from it, as we are seeing nationally so many families are losing loved ones to community gun violence and mass shooting in places where you should feel safe at. So, what my foundation focuses on is gun safety like safe storage and resources for survivors after experiencing mass violence to make sure they are getting the help they need to continue living a life after trauma. What people need to understand is that trauma disrupts a person well-being and if go unnoticed or untreated you can start seeing that trauma surface in your everyday life.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
It’s not a reputation I would consider, but I will say sharing my heart with others who are in a place where they have no idea what is coming after. So, I just show up around the country where violence has occurred and offer them a brave space to share where they can be vulnerable and just give them a place to speak if needed without any judgement. Because there are so many people who are trauma informed or have experience in that area. But one thing I have noticed is the bond that survivors share is a connection you would never understand unless you are a part of that network. So, we have to lean on each other in moments where we feel hopeless to be able to make through that day or week.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My resilience is waking up every day and placing two feet on the ground to continue fighting a fight where at times you think it is pointless. But to have to watch my father died in my arms and be able to move forward each day sometime thinking why not me is a fight within itself. But I made a promise to myself and others that I will continue to be a voice for the 9 victims that died that night, but also be a voice for those who do not have a voice anymore. So, I went from saying why me to why not me, because as much as it bothers me, I had a choice to sit back and do nothing or either step out in front and be a voice for others who are experiencing this or at least trying to prevent others from experiencing this pain. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fudgefoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dion.green.794/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefudgefoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fudge-foundation/
- Twitter: @DionGre95543236
- Youtube: @thefudgefoundation