Glenn's blog

I just read in the latest Pivot newsletter (Issue 2, Fall 2009) that they co-hosted (along with VANDU and VPD) a "Downtown Eastside Policing Dialogue".

As they describe it:

Local residents, police officers, and advocates from community agencies gathered at Chapel Arts on September 22, 2009 to share their experiences and record visions for the future.

It's pretty astonishing (and a serious example of how dedicated the people involved in organizing this event are to finding solutions) that all of these people were able to get in a room together, let alone talk to each other.

The story continues:

More than thirty residents showed up. We invited them into the cafe-like venue. Tables were equipped with plenty of paper, pens and markers and adorned with vases of flowers. Music played as participants seated themselves at a table and helped themselves to coffee and refreshments. The discussion was divided into three phases. The first phase focused on envisioning a safer Downtown Eastside. The second phase invited participants to share personal stories about moments when they did feel safe. Finally, the third phase asked them to generate ideas about resources that could make the streets safer. At the end of the afternoon, residents, officers and advocates debriefed and identified important themes.

I haven't been able to find any information about the event online at all. Likely there are some concerns about anonymity of the people involved in the event, which makes perfect sense. I would though, like to hear more about it. Will the outcomes be used to influence policy? Was this event planned as a foundation for more dialogues?

I'm looking forward to hearing more about future events like this that Pivot and other groups have planned. We can really use any opportunity to bring people together to learn about each other and envision a better future together.

For more information about Pivot, visit their website, and be sure to check out their latest campaign, Homelessness is Over.