An Amazing Morning Addressing Police Concerns
An engaged group of students arrived Saturday morning to listen, brainstorm, and question. St. Louis County Council Members, Lisa Clancy and Kelli Dunaway, and two dynamic presenters from Forward through Ferguson kept the morning fresh and fast-paced. First they shared a bit of history that led to a collaborative effort to create a First Responder Alternative Pilot Program to better address the specific needs of the current 911 dispatch system calls. Students in small groups discussed buzz words like system and policy and equity, defining what they mean to them and sharing with the larger group. We heard about the Big P's of policy that require large, comprehensive plans and often an organized vote; and the Little P's of policy that can be simpler changes made at a local level that influence actual practices that can quickly go in place. Addressing policing concerns requires Little P's first, such as streamlining connections between callers and highly trained responders. Excellent questions were raised, including how the committee is approaching the Defund the Police ideas/language and whether some new practices, especially sending mental health experts in response to people who are in need of help but not committing a crime, might free up some police officers to maintain an inappropriate "warrior vs. guardian stance" when responding to calls.
In an effort to create a collection of the widely different experiences related to 911 responses, a request was made to share any 911 stories people have. Click here to share yours.
If you would like to schedule a presentation of the First Responder Alternative Pilot Program at your school or with another group, contact Lucy at Lucy@forwardthroughferguson.org.
Click here for pictures from the morning.
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Now via Zoom--A Morning of Music Magic this Saturday!
Since snow is predicted this week and the World Community Center has limited no snow removal options for its parking lot and entrance, we have moved Gabe's presentation to Zoom. When you sign up, an automatic response will provide the Zoom link. It will also be posted on our website later in the week.
Gabe Lepak, a graduate of SLUH and current student at St. Olaf College, will share his expertise on music through the lens of American History this Saturday, February 5 from 10:00 am until noon. Here's Gabe's description of the morning:
American history is a long and varied thing, and one that people have been singing about since before the nation formally began. This event recalls the music of American history from the earliest songs of the enslaved to contemporary music protesting former president Donald Trump. Together we'll examine how American music has changed, how it's stayed the same, and what events people are singing about. Together we'll ask (and attempt to answer) questions such as: how effective is protest music anyway? How does music influence how we understand history? Are any of these songs any good?
It will be a fun morning of listening to great music from the comfort of home!
Click here to sign up now.
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Saturday, February 5, 2022, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Civitas intern, Gabe Lepak, junior at St. Olaf College, presents "History of Political Music," via Zoom.
Click here to sign up.
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Saturday, March 5, 2022, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Students will watch and discuss short documentaries on several topics, including prison reform modeled after more humane Scandinavian practices.
Sign up coming soon.
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Saturday, April 2, 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Spring Model UN session for high school students.
Sign up coming soon.
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"Jeopardy!" champ Amy Schneider had her 40-game win streak snapped on Wednesday, January 26. Schneider, an engineering manager from Oakland,California, finished with more than $1.3 million in winnings. -- Jeopardy Productions,Inc. |
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This past week at the United Nations
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