It Happens To Everybody
Over the past few weeks, the City of Milwaukee and even the Near West Side has experienced some unfortunate events with the Milwaukee Police Department and residents. Despite the many wonderful initiatives and announcements, there are some events that capture the attention of residents of the Near West Side and can impact us in many ways.
Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with a Pastor Alexis Twito and Pastor David Hill to discuss the resources the Salvation Army brings to the community when traumatic events occur. The discussion was insightful as the Salvation Army's Chaplaincy Program of Milwaukee has been involved in many high profile events of the past year in the City. During the conversation, I was able to get a better understanding of what occurs with traumatic events and how community organizations like Near West Side Partners can play a role.
Here are a few lessons learned from that conversation.
It Happens To Everybody
When traumatic events occur they affect everyone including the victim, the victim's family, the perpetrator, the perpetrator's family, those who saw the incident, and organizations who work in the community. Like a ripple, effect trauma affects us all in various ways.
It is up to the community and its partners to develop structures prior to traumatic events that allow for resources to go to those in needs. Community organizations, faith leaders, and community leaders have to partner with the Milwaukee Police Department to develop those structures.
Time To Debrief
Immediately after any traumatic situation, there needs to be a debrief with the local community and faith leaders with the police department and other city resources. These debriefs depending on the sensitivity of the case and the investigation can stop gossip and rumor and provide guidance to the local community on how to educate residents and community members.
The debrief process is ongoing and if successfully implemented can strengthen police and community relations while providing context for community members. There are also immediate, mid-term and long-term debrief strategies that keep the community informed and connected.
Did Not Die Today
There have been many incidents in the City of Milwaukee in which a life was lost and the community mobilized afterward to deal with the trauma that such a tragic situation can and will induce. However, if community members and the local police are able to develop strong partnerships and infuse "collective efficacy" strategies that encourage community members to get involved in certain cases death and trauma can be avoided.
Ice creams socials, block parties and events like National Night Out can be tools that connect community members with not only police but with resources and strategies that strengthen the voice of the community. The Salvation Army's Chaplaincy Program is a helpful program and is important to local communities who happen to suffer from such traumatic events.
Later this month on Thursday, September 21st at the Ambassador Hotel, Avenues West Association in conjunction with Near West Side Partners will be joined by Pastor Omar Jahwar of Dallas, Texas to discuss what his organization, Urban Specialist has done to improve the lives of people also affected by trauma.
For more information please visit the following link.
I would like to thank Pastor Twito and Pastor Hill for taking the time out to educate me on the Chaplaincy Program in addition to being leaders and examples in this community. The work they are committed to is not easy but they both have a heart for the people.
