Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) on October 29, 2010 at 11:23am

For Discussion:

I think we need to determine what our values are to help guide the rest of the conversation.

Thoughts?

Permalink Reply by Francesca Gordon on October 29, 2010 at 2:03pm

I haven't gotten involved with a group like this before, so I can't truly evaluate the outline presented above. I have a few thoughts that I'd like to share with the group:
1. The increase in crime in our neighborhood has lead to lots of fear-mongering both in the media and within our community. Lack of correct information and feelings of powerlessness tend to exacerbate this sort of thing. We might want to think about combating these things by expanding on the good work that NFN already does in providing accurate information about crimes that occur in the neighborhood. We also might want to think about how to help people feel less powerless in the face of crime. Self defense or common-sense prevention classes for adults and teens might help.
2. It might be a good idea for us to pick a time in the next few weeks to get together and discuss the above agenda and how each of us can use the skills we have to make it work.

Permalink Reply by Francesca Gordon on October 29, 2010 at 2:57pm

Forgot to add: What does everyone else think about the above.

Permalink Reply by Anna Sandoval on November 1, 2010 at 12:25am

Hello neighbors! I have several thoughts on the model here proposed but I will try to keep this as short as possible - nobody wants to read too much.

1. I agree with Francesca! My first reaction to the call for action was that I feared we would end up with a group of people filled with fear without any real analysis of the data or critical look at the ways in which policing happens in our community.

2. Solutions do not only happen through the police but the police needs to also be held accountable for slow responses and unequal and inappropriate responses to crime. That said as citizens we also need to do something - hence my note.

3. Critical to this framework is the development of an ideological framework. What I mean is we should answer some basic questions before actions take place. For instance: how do we perceive crime in our community? How is crime conceptualized and linked (or not) to other social issues? What are the solutions to present crime? Is crime increasing or it really better reporting? Etc (these are just example questions). The reason is that these ideological or theoretical ideas will frame the rest of the conversations in terms of solutions and actions. If as a collective people agree on what the ideas are behind the actions taken and these ideas are clearly articulated then individuals are more likely to be committed. This process does not need to take long. It can happen in a few hours over beverages and food (I love food and beverages) in two sessions. Clarity in direction is always a good starting point. Of course the ideas can change with time but the core thoughts about what is happening around us should be a shared vision or at least a vision that is arrived to in a process of consensus.

4. If discussions are to take place all members of our community should be represented, or at least we should reach out to everyone. Our Spanish speaking community is a large and vibrant part of Jamaica Plain and they must be included in the conversation. I am glad to do some of this work with help since I am fluent in Spanish. Other language groups should also be reached out to.

For now that is all I've got.

Peace out,

Anna Sandoval

Permalink Reply by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) on November 1, 2010 at 11:59am

Anna and Neighbors,

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Please see my most recent discussion in this group that incorporates your feedback. Let's continue the conversation there.

I'm closing this discussion to avoid confusion.