Archive for 2010
RDC Community Service Learning
Community Service Learning (CSL) at Red Deer College (RDC) bridges service and learning. It integrates volunteerism/activism with academic learning and is of mutual benefit to both community and campus. It structures opportunities for students to link community engagement with their academic program.
Jane Jacobs once wrote “you don’t really get a clear picture until you get out of theory-land and get into the street for a closer look.” That is exactly what Kelly Moslenko, a student at RDC got to do this fall.
1 commentTo Lead or not to Lead
For companies around the world, being a world leader is probably a pipe dream for many, especially considering the way they operate and set their priorities. However, for some others it’s like comparing apples and oranges. These leaders are blazing a new path, one that’s based on corporate responsibility and the big picture. These organizations are carefully examining something we now call Social Return on Investment (SROI), not to be confused with ROI.
This is an evolving methodology, one that holds great potential for those companies wanting to make a difference in their communities. In fact, it reminds me of the CNN Heroes Special that aired recently and profiled 10 Everyday People Changing the World. Can you imagine this type of commitment in the corporate world? Well, many can and are moving in the right direction. These leaders are not only concerned with the bottom-line, they’re tapping into something much bigger than themselves. In fact, they are going above and beyond what most companies would ever dream of and this requires such attributes as vision, inspiration, imagination and dedication … just to name a few. This requires active engagement at many levels to be successful. More than anything, it’s about forging forward and never giving up on humanity, no matter how disturbing the issue.
In his book titled “The Empathic Civilization”, Jeremy Rifkin wrote about something called Service Learning, where millions of young people are now required to perform public service in neighbourhood organizations where they assist others in need and advance the quality of life of the community. He also writes ” the traditional assumption that knowledge is power and is used for personal gain is being subsumed by the notion that knowledge is an expression of the shared responsibilities for the collective well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole.”
As a Crime Prevention practitioner, I find this nothing less than remarkable and it encourages me to strive for better methods of being innovative in what I do for my community and for my clients. It’s new ideas such as SROI that motivate me and hopefully motivate others to become better business leaders. I challenge other businesses to explore how they can do more than simply turn a profit. Make no mistake it is our communities that truly sustain us from day to day and nourish each and every one of us. Giving has always been a greater cause!
1 commentCare, Connect and Commit
As Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioners we often talk about the subject in 3D – Designation, Definition and Design. We are so passionate about the built environment around us some professionals may be overlooking what I’d like to call the 3 C’s – Caring, Connecting and Committing. We are often so busy, frantically rushing from space to space that we are at risk of missing one or all of the 3 C’s that help ensure a well-balanced approach to CPTED.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of election candidates and other City officials in Red Deer. The event was organized by the Red Deer & District Community Foundation to kick off the launch of their 2010 Vital Signs Report. This organization continues to truly demonstrate how to Care, Connect and Commit and is a “community catalyst” on issues that matter. The top 3 issues in this years report were Poverty/Homelessness/Hunger, Health Care and Crime/Law & Order.
An excerpt from my talk:
Today, I want to focus on the good because all too often we get caught up on the bad or the ugly. Our city is full of vitality, it’s healthy, safe and we enjoy a great quality of life here.
There are far to many good (great) things going on in our city to discuss all of them today. Here are a few highlights that stand out for me as a crime prevention practitioner living and working here and throughout Central Alberta.
Obviously, the continued use of CPTED in our city. It’s a best practice that focuses on reducing the fear and incidence of crime and improving quality of life through proper design and effective use of the built environment. The City of Red Deer and local RCMP utilize CPTED frequently throughout the various neighbourhoods in Red Deer, not just Downtown! It’s used around the world and although it’s not the silver bullet we all might hope for, it is helping us create Safe Growth and Safer Spaces throughout our community.
Neighbourhood Watch & Citizens on Patrol continue to provide residents with more “Eyes and Ears” throughout our city. Initiatives such as this help us become more diligent and heighten our awareness on the subject of crime prevention and community safety.
Town Hall Meetings help us build relationships with residents around Red Deer and it gives the RCMP and people like myself an opportunity to truly “connect” with neighbourhoods and listen to concerns. It also allows us to provide timely information and build awareness about how important their roles are in our community.
Community Partnerships continue to grow and although we are still recovering from a poor economy, various people and agencies in our city continue to work together, despite some of the hardships such as funding and capacity issues.
Finally, I want to talk about PEOPLE. If we are looking for the best recipe for success, it will be found in the relationships we establish. Firstly, in our own home, then with neighbours and friends and finally with those we work with and interact with in our community. People make the difference!
I have been involved in the We Care project from it’s inception and yes, there is no doubt that “We Care”. However, we need to “CONNECT.”
Jane Jocobs once wrote “You don’t really get a clear picture until you get out of theory-land and get into the street for a closer look.”
I suspect that some of you have attempted this and residents as well. However, for the most part many people don’t. They go about their business daily and rarely make these “connections” with those they are often critical of.
To really understand, we need to challenge ourselves every day!
We need to do more than just CARE, we need to CONNECT and COMMIT!
Those of us that are truly passionate about community safety and preventing crime are “dedicated” and we realize that this is not a part-time “gig” – We are “action” oriented and in it for the long haul.
I challenge each of you here today.
What will you do to make our community safer and prevent crime?
Remember, it’s not always about politics, spending more money or hiring more Police Officers – it’s often about little things that can make a big difference.
Each and every one of us has a responsibility here and now – this is our city! GET INSPIRED!
Do you really think putting a piano on Ross Street was simply about music?
CARE, CONNECT AND COMMIT – now that’s music to my ears!
Summer Flashbacks
Downtown Plaza Park, Red Deer
It seems that summer has come and gone … quickly. Even so, it was enjoyable and there were many activities throughout the last few months that reminded me of how great Red Deer really is. With many people taking some time off through the summer (including myself), we still managed to pull off some terrific projects and there are still plenty to come. Our city is growing and vibrant and we should all be proud of the good work that is being done by many people in our community.
With elections just around the corner we need to continue to focus on important issues in our community and listen to concerns. Community safety and crime prevention will undoubtably remain a priority for residents. We have been fortunate in Red Deer that City officials and the RCMP remain focused on community safety and reducing crime. However, these challenges require diligence and help from the general public.
There was little gloom and doom this summer and the sound of music could often be heard along Ross Street. In my June feature I wrote about street pianos and was so taken by the idea that I purchased one of my own. It seemed like a great idea, so I had it refurbished and gave it back to our community for my 50th Birthday. Family and friends helped make it a reality. It was great having my cup of coffee at City Roast and wandering down a few doors to listen to someone play for a few minutes or a few hours. There has been plenty of talk around town and even some visitors that enjoyed it. In fact, my friend Lorne Daniel (a contributor) wrote about this recently in his blog feature titled ” Living in the world.”
We also saw the launch of an important community project called We Care this summer. As the slogan states “Red Deer cares about homelessness in our community”. This campaign will continue to evolve and addresses another important community issue in our city. Learn more about how you can care by visiting www.reddeercares.com
A final treat to kick off this months feature is a great video that a good friend shared with me recently. See – Stand by Me
No commentsPlay Me, I’m Yours
Piano in the Bronx - New York City
Recently, I have spoken in two small Central Alberta Communities about Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). During these presentations, it’s difficult not to address more than just the “traditional” principles and talk about a more holistic solution – 2nd Generation CPTED. Today, marked the launch of a two-week project in New York, which will feature 60 public pianos in locations throughout their five boroughs. This initiative was started by artist Luke Jerram.
For those of us that practice CPTED, we know that projects such as this create more Activity Support on the street and bring life to our public spaces. It can be powerful and inspiring to see our streets be totally transformed as a result of music. However, there is a lot more to this than meets the ear.
Events such as this help break down barriers and musicians can truly interact with local residents and visitors. As people gather in these public spaces, they begin to listen to something that is truly “universal” in nature – MUSIC. Few of us can say that we don’t enjoy some form of music and it’s therapeutic benefits. As people listen, they begin to interact with one another. It might be a familiar melody that everyone recognizes as they sing along or simply a quick comment to the person standing next to them. One thing is certain, when crowds gather around they are enjoying more than just music, they are capturing a moment together in time and space. There is often laughter and people generally feel safe and relaxed in these settings. It’s projects such as this that engage us and as the Sing for Hope slogan indicates, it’s “Arts Activism in Action”.
CPR Railway Bridge - Red Deer, Alberta
In 2008, I conducted a CPTED Assessment of the CPR Bridge and the surrounding park spaces. During many site visits both day and night, I came to enjoy this public space and still frequently walk this neighbourhood, enjoying it’s diversity. As part of my work, I have the pleasure of studying various environments and making recommendations that are based on good CPTED practices.
When these recommendations are considered and change occurs it’s exciting and they can transform a space. The City of Red Deer has been instrumental in supporting CPTED and continues to do so. Recommendations were made to increase Activity Support by celebrating this beautiful space and using it for art and cultural activities. Now, on July 2nd, Red Deer residents will be able to enjoy a special event called “Blues on the Bridge”. If weather is not cooperative, the back-up date will be Friday, July 9th. For more details contact BIG 105.5 FM or 106.7 The Drive.
The question I would pose to every community, to every resident and business owner is this – What are you doing to CREATE – INSPIRE – INTEGRATE & ENLIVEN your community?
2 commentsA Work of Art
Recently while conducting research I was fortunate enough to come across a great new initiative in the United States called the Carroll Avenue Quebec Terrace Project (CAQT). It was launched by Arts on the Block (AOB), an organization working to transform a community through art. Needless to say, I immediately left a comment on their blog and was contacted by their Executive Director a short time later. The result was a conference call to discuss their project in more detail and talk about how they have incorporated Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) into their plan.
The CAQT will be creating art to improve safety and promote community pride in a neighbourhood plagued with crime, gangs, and drug dealing. AOB’s 20 apprentices are working with CAQT residents and a team of experts in art, design, crime prevention, and community development to create temporary and public art projects that will enhance the quality of life for hundreds of families.
Now, if that doesn’t sound like 2nd Generation CPTED at its best, you had better read further. The CAQT Community Centre is a community-based program centre of YMCA Youth and Family Services (YFS). The centre was established over 18 years ago to address the urgent needs of the underserved and ethnically diverse community in eastern Silver Spring, Maryland. The community centre is a safe haven for youth and families, and YFS provides an emergency food pantry, homework assistance for children, and a variety of adult services.
For those of us that are seeking out new ideas and embracing social development alternatives that can have an impact in our communities, the CAQT will be well worth following. On the home front, remember that we have our own success stories. Find out more by visiting the CAQT Blog where I recently contributed a guest feature. Finally, don’t forget that the Annual Red Deer Artwalk Festival happens the middle of June. Artwalk showcases local artists working at various venues, offers an evening of gallery hopping, a film event and a whole day festival with live music, extensive Art Market and FUN!
2 commentsSymptoms of At Risk Communities
Vandalism, graffiti, loitering and other forms of nuisance crimes are usually the first symptoms of a community at risk.
The big question of course is how to approach these issues. Do we place sole responsibility on the police, social agencies, communities or the government? There is always more than one way to solve a problem. Relying on one group or organization is not reasonable or fair. Criminological issues are complex and to “solve” these issues we need a wide-range of expertise and talents from a larger group of professionals.
I remember seeing an article in the Edmonton Sun in January of this year. This article was about the community’s fight against social disorder and it brought back some real memories for me. Last fall I was traveling through Hobbema (Native Reserve south of Edmonton) and I was quite shocked at what I observed. The images of this community, burnt out homes, loitering gangs and graffiti everywhere reminded me of my UN peacekeeping tour in Croatia….the same landscape. How can this exist in Canada!
Last year, Hobbema was racked with gang violence which culminated in the murder of a young adult struck by random gunfire. The community had enough and began working closely with the RCMP, Government and they engaged the youth. Social disorder would not be tolerated…was the message. Graffiti was promptly removed, gang members were identified and counseled and some were even arrested. Everyone got involved!
A year later there had been a dramatic improvement. Cultural public art is now seen throughout this community, and the youth are kept busy. The community should be recognized for their efforts. By tackling the small issues one at a time they took care of the larger issues. A community that does not tolerate petty crimes will mitigate bigger problems. New York is another excellent example on a large scale; Petty crimes will not be tolerated.
Communities must give careful consideration to nuisance crimes, loitering, trespassing, vandalism and graffiti. Early intervention in these types of crimes WILL help mitigate the more serious crimes of assault, theft and homicide.
Spring has, somewhat, arrived in Alberta. In the crime prevention world the season of nuisance crimes has also arrived. We must not let social disorder take over. Our community’s must work closely with the police and municipal bylaw services. We must deal with such things as illegal parking, late night partying, vandalism and graffiti.
The City of Edmonton has ramped up their Capital City Clean Up program. This is an effective City Organization that is an excellent resource for home and business owners to deal with graffiti. Literature, phone numbers, strategies and cleaning kits are readily available. You can find many resources by exploring the City of Edmonton Graffiti Management Program and be sure to view the video clip and other related documents that can help you.
Dealing with petty crimes is not just a Police problem…it’s our problem! Get involved, enjoy your summer and remember that Alberta Crime Prevention Week is from May 9th – 15th.
Greg Smith is a leading CPTED expert located in the City of Edmonton. For more information on Greg click here.
No commentsCPTED Works Great But What’s Missing?
There is no doubt that Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is effective and that many communities are embracing it more today than ever before. Although it’s methodology continues to evolve, there is often a few important things missing – Leadership, Social Planning and Community Support. It’s these things that make CPTED a recipe for success. These ingredients help create safe communities and neighbourhoods that will be successfully transformed, empowered and better able to face adversity in an ever-changing human-made environment. Without them, it gets a failing grade!
It’s always nice to brag about your own community and what’s great about it. As a CPTED consultant living and working in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, we are on the right track. Our municipality clearly understands CPTED and how it can benefit every resident and business owner. However, this article is also about good leadership and those that support it. It’s spring finally and this reminds me of a book my wife recently read called Let Your Life Speak, by Parker Palmer. It’s a great little book that asks it’s readers to “Listen for the Voice of Vocation” in each of us. It reminded me of some of the leaders I have been working with during the past few years. This list of names would be long but it’s clear that each of them are leaders in their vocations. I consider them more than simply colleagues, they are critical to my success as a CPTED practitioner. They come from various city departments such as community services, social planning, licensing and inspections, parks, recreation, culture, planning services and the list goes on. Various businesses, non-profit organizations, residents and certainly our local RCMP also play primary leadership roles in the successful implementation of CPTED.
There is no doubt in my mind that social planning plays a tremendous role in designing out crime and improving community safety. For those that truly think traditional CPTED practices are a panacea for crime, they’re missing one of the key ingredients. Since last year, I have been privileged to participate in several important groups, one for high-risk youth and the other, a social marketing campaign for our homeless and other vulnerable community members. It has been a tremendous learning experience and I realize that the success of CPTED requires feedback and support from these groups and those we are helping. I’ve been offered a unique opportunity to “see” the environments they work in and those people they are interacting with each and every day. We are not the only city pushing the envelope and challenging ourselves. Teens are taking to rebuilding communities all over the world. Take for example the Build On Program and the dedicated teens serving their community in Detroit. For them, it’s all about giving back and trying to help create safe streets and neighbourhoods.
Finally, without community support various programs and new initiatives will never be successful, including CPTED. This is required at all levels and from all sectors. I often say that “it’s not about how well we work alone, it’s about working together. We are starting to hear a lot more about companies, big and small, stepping up to the plate and being more socially responsible. For many of these companies, it’s helped create a shift in their way of thinking and how they conduct business. They are not just considering their ROI, they are seriously embracing Social Return on Investment (SROI). I’m hoping that we all begin hearing more about SROI in the near future. More importantly, let’s start practicing it. Find your true vocation and ask yourself – What inspires you?
4 comments
Getting Creative About Community Safety
Isn’t it interesting how, when people have been traveling to the world’s most popular tourist destinations, they come home with tales about great streets? Colourful memories about buskers, street artists, great little restaurants, unique shops selling stuff that’s cool and original.
Some of those same people, once home from New York and Paris and Montreal and Vancouver, fail to see the potential in their own home town. Back in the day-to-day grind of going to work, taking kids to school, and meeting obligations, it’s easy to revert to thinking just about one’s own home and a handful of key destinations in the community.
Steve asked me to contribute some thoughts to this blog because he knows that I’m passionate about great streets. I believe that great communities are created, for the most part, in the public sphere – outdoor spaces and common spaces where we interact with one another.
This involves the design of buildings, streets, parks and other spaces. Watch how streets work and notice how they encourage or discourage behaviors. CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) of course looks at design that discourages criminal behavior – avoiding hiding places, keeping areas lit and so on.
But beyond discouraging criminals, it’s interesting to notice how much our physical environment influences our everyday behavior, often without us being consciously aware of its influence. One downtown retail specialist I heard at a conference noted how our shopping behavior is influenced by blank or empty spaces. If we are browsing down a retail street, window shopping and popping in here and there, and come upon either a large building with blank walls or an empty space (including parking lots), we instinctively reverse direction. We have subconsciously decided that it’s not worth our effort, or perhaps a little risky, to leave the cluster of retail shops in hopes that there might be more beyond the blank spaces.
So successful urban design is a complex and subtle art. But we know that in addition to structural design, the planning and encouraging of street activity is important. We are safe, and we feel safe, when we are surrounded by others.
I love the stuff that community activists are doing at www.livablestreets.com. Their focus is on all the potential constructive activities that can happen on well designed streets – streets that not only move cars but encourage people to walk, shop, stop to talk to one another, sit and people-watch or watch performers.
Another positive approach to development is Appreciative Inquiry – an approach that helps groups of people focus on creating their ideal future. The key here is creating – not complaining, attacking, or ‘going to war’ against this problem or that. A war mentality and language will give you just that – war.
I like Steve’s approach on this blog site: “helping create safe communities and neighbourhoods.” They key word there, I think, is “create.”
Safe and healthy communities are creative places – where kids, adults, and seniors are all engaged in doing great things. Did you know that the presence of children’s chalk art on a city street slows cars? I was reminded of this while walking down a street in Victoria’s Fairfield neighbourhood, where I live part-time. There in the middle of the street were a bunch of kids’ chalk drawings, along with a message “slow down, children at play” – in chalk.
The kids in that neighbourhood are safer in their streets because they live in them – they don’t fear them and stay locked up in “safety” indoors.
I am also encouraged by the potential for social media – Facebook, Twitter and many others – to contribute to our sense of community. Contrary to what many would assume, much social media activity online actually involves discussion about our face-to-face communities – that ‘real world’ out there on our streets and in our parks.
So the answers to community safety, in my mind, start with active, engaged citizens who care enough to interact with one another in public spaces – and work to design those spaces so that they encourage, rather than discourage, community life.
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Lorne Daniel is a writer, communications consultant and strategic planner whose work (www.grandviewconsulting.com) has won awards from the Canadian Institute of Planners and International Downtown Association. You can subscribe to his blog at www.lornedaniel.com and follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/LorneDaniel
2 commentsGangland Tours in LA
I can only assume that Crime Prevention and Security professionals around the world are shaking their heads about this new business venture in Los Angeles. The story first made headlines in January and it adds an entirely new dimension to what is often referred to as entrepreneurial spirit. For $65 bucks, tourists can jump on a bus and take a behind the scenes tour of this cities gang turf. Various media giants reported on this story again last week.
For those adrenalin junkies this may sound like fun but the risk factor is right up there with entering a battle zone in some far off jungle wearing nothing but a “speedo” and a bright red tank top. Yes, those entering the danger zone must sign waivers acknowledging that they could be taking their last bus ride. As an added precaution, organizers use an “unmarked” chartered coach. Wow, I bet that provides a lot of comfort to those on tour. Take cover, there is more …
No comments