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Police/Community Relations
Community Conversations for Change
Community Conversations for Change is a model for community engagement that seeks to help community stakeholders work together to arrive at just solutions to community concerns using the “Study Circles” model developed by Everyday Democracy All too often these conversations are not attempted until a crisis already exists. By seeking to be proactive, rather than reactive, the Center can help law enforcement and the community capitalize on the community’s interest in dialogue and the corroboration of the President's Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.
Facilitation & Training
Center can facilitate and/or train community members to facilitate Conversations for Change on the topic of community/police relations with the goal of arriving at achievable, mutually agreed upon next steps and solutions for community concerns.
Diverse Small Groups
Diverse groups of community stakeholders and law enforcement meet together in several simultaneous groups of about 12 -14 individuals including, youth, law enforcement, community organizations, community leaders, faith leaders, and other interested citizens.that operate not in isolation but rather as a network of groups whose efforts are mutually reinforcing and command attention across the community. The groups meet separately for five sessions as briefly described below:
Session 1 - (2 hours)
Participants will . . .
- Get to know each other.
- Agree on how the study circle will run.
- Learn each person’s history has shaped how he or she thinks about relationships between community and law enforcement
Session 2 - (2 hours)
- Look at what is happening between the law enforcement and community
- Share what you think is going on
- Listen to what others think is going on
Session 3 - (2 hours)
- Discuss what law enforcement and community expect from each other
Session 4 - (2 hours)
- Look at different ways to improve working relationships between law enforcement and the community
- Explore how to make progress on these issues
Session 5 - (2 hours)
- Consider action ideas in the guide, and the Final Report of the President's Taskforce on 21st Century Policing
- Decide together on key action steps for change
Session 6 - (2 hours)
- Create action plan and accountability structure implement action steps
Resilient Congregations - Trauma Informed Ministry
Trauma-Informed Ministry
Trauma Informed: A Framework, Not A Model
Trauma Informed Ministry is a framework for doing ministry in a way that is sensitive to the real trauma that is experienced by the individuals and communities with whom we minister inside and outside of our congregations. Because it is a framework and not a model trauma informed ministry is completely contextual. While some churches may do similar things in doing trauma informed ministry, each congregation has the ability to adopt the framework in in a way that most appropriately fits their particular community and context.
What is a Resilient Congregation
Resilient Congregations apply the principles of trauma informed care, with respect to both individual and community trauma, in all of their ministries.
Resilient Congregations:
» Become familiar with both individual and community trauma
» Understand and apply the 4 R’s
» Incorporate the 6 principles of trauma informed care in entire life of the church
» Remain faithful to their particular context, even while changing their culture
» Meet regularly to review progress internally
» Participate in follow-up coaching with Resilient Congregations trainers
» Connect periodically with Resilient Congregations Network for follow-up
Resilient Congregations create an atmosphere of genuine care, concern, and compassion. As a result may find themselves engaging ministry at any level; personal, congregational, community, policy or any combination of these levels of engagement.
Your church can be a Resilient Congregation!
To book a training or introductory workshop for your faith community, click here.
Learn More
Trauma Informed Ministry is a framework for doing ministry in a way that is sensitive to the real trauma that is experienced by the individuals and communities with whom we minister inside and outside of our congregations.
Healing Communities
Become a Station of Hope
Healing Communities is a framework for a distinct form of ministry with families of incarcerated men and women, returning citizens from incarceration, those at risk of incarceration, and the larger community. Healing Communities challenges congregations through mobilization of its existing resources to become “Stations of Hope” for persons affected by the criminal-justice system. Resources that are helpful in ministries among those impacted by the criminal-justice system include the formal and informal networks of congregational life, and the Christian themes of forgiving, healing, redemption, reconciliation and justice. Healing Communities identifies basic components of action for congregations. Each action is built on existing strengths, all located within the existing mission and ministry structure of the local church. Healing Communities trains congregations to remove the shame and stigma associated with connection with the criminal justice system and become Stations of Hope for people who are trying to live productive, fulfilling lives.
Primary components - Primary components of Healing Communities are the following:
- Stigma Reduction & a Welcoming, Supportive Atmosphere. The aim is to heighten awareness surrounding criminal justice, help the congregation reduce the sense of isolation and shame families feel over having incarcerated loved ones, and create a welcoming environment for returning citizens.
- Congregations will be a source of strength for the family of the incarcerated and/or at risk persons through developing authentic relationships of care and providing a support group to walk with the family through the incarceration of their loved one and their return home.
Any Church can. Every church should
We have trained churches across the US to become Stations of Hope. Click here for our next class.