Archive for the 'Portals for Discovery' Category
Reaching Out for Our Youth
The beginning of this month has started like many marathons do, fast and furious. Although I don’t often run and prefer other methods of conditioning, I began February by attending the Alberta Gang Reduction Training Symposium in Edmonton, Alberta. It was certainly an honor to be invited to attend this special training which brought together community volunteers, leaders and practitioners from across Alberta to learn from some of our leading, community-based, gang reduction experts.
This symposium focused on ensuring that people with a track-record for mobilizing their communities received practical training and information from on-the-ground practitioners delivering promising and evidence-based gang reduction programming. Over the 3-days, there were many new relationships forged among those who truly care about reaching out to our youth. Guest speakers and government officials spoke about the importance of gang reduction and collaborating with each other on multiple levels. Darren Caul, the Director for the Alberta Gang Reduction Strategy referred to this as “skin in the game” and there is no doubt that there are some very high stakes involved – our youth. Read more »
No commentsThe Changing Faces of Graffiti
2011 TAGS Event, Edmonton, Alberta
As a dedicated Crime Prevention and CPTED practitioner, I would like to suggest to you that the future is bright, creative and full of color. It may be somewhat risky for me to even suggest this, but I think we should give it a chance, graffiti that is. For those of you that are already calling the graffiti hotline to report me, hold the phone! Think about it, what are we really trying to eliminate here. If it’s vandalism on buildings and graffiti without permission then I’m still fighting in your corner. If graffiti is being done illegally then its certainly a crime and there should be significant consequences for those that perpetrate these acts of vandalism.
Last month, I attended The Anti-Graffiti Symposium (TAGS) event in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s not the first TAGS Event I’ve attended and it won’t be the last. It was hosted by the City of Edmonton’s Capital City Clean Up Program, with support from the Complaints and Investigations Section of the Community Standards Branch and the Edmonton Police Service. It was well-organized with plenty of supporters and a very dynamic group of guest speakers, many of them considered experts on the subject of graffiti. This year, there were also a number of graffiti artists and taggers invited which I thought was brilliant. After all, they were guests and did offer us a unique perspective on the subject during a panel presentation and discussion.
1 commentSummer Flashbacks 2011
Cochrane Street Piano
Well, it’s back to the business of blogging now that I’ve taken a summer break and enjoyed some terrific weather here in Red Deer, Alberta. There were plenty of interesting things to see and do and I even spent a little time in Santa Monica, California recently. Special thanks to Crime Prevention coordinators Lauralee and Suzie of the Santa Monica Police Department for allowing me to meet some of their Watch personnel and setting up a ride-along for me with patrol officer Blake Cooper. It’s a very progressive police service with dedicated, well-trained officers that work closely with their community to serve and protect. You will soon be able to follow the Santa Monica PD on Twitter.
It was great to see another successful summer launch of the Ross Street Piano here in Red Deer and a 2nd street piano provided for the residents of Cochrane, Alberta. Their initiative was the result of two Mount Royal University students studying criminology, with a little help from their professor. Randi Boulton, a young rising star who has always supported our local project in Red Deer was happy to provide the entertainment for their event on August 7th. Many passersby enjoyed the music and it will be something their community can now enjoy annually. Who says that you need to reinvent the wheel to produce great results. Through all of this I’ve somehow ended up with a new nickname and you can read about that in this summers edition of Red Deer Living Magazine.
There are some great crime prevention conferences just ahead. In Calgary this coming Wednesday, the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association will be holding their event with a great lineup of speakers and you can still register. You can also attend The Anti Graffiti Symposium (TAGS) in Edmonton this October 18 & 19 and learn more about this important community issue. I will be attending both events with various colleagues and encourage you to join us.
Last but not least, we encourage you to join us on Twitter, subscribe by email or through our RSS feed and get connected with us. This is easy and can be done quickly by clicking on the links at the top of our blog. We do our best to share current and relevant information and always appreciate your contributions and feedback. This fall and winter we will be offering some great blog features on fencing, lighting, security, community-based policing initiatives and much more. Help us create safe communities everywhere and target crime in your neighbourhood.
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Smart on Crime
Smart on Crime in Waterloo Region: Getting to the Roots of Crime
When we set out to develop a new strategic plan for the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council (WRCPC) in 2010, we didn’t set out, intentionally, to create “the smart plan”….. It just evolved that way.
As we started to create our new plan, we had four elements to work with:
- A ton of information from an intensive community consultation process;
- The desire to create a plan that would engage our entire community from the grassroots to the highest levels of decision making ;
- The need to move beyond the tough vs. soft on crime debate;
And,
- This quote
Recognize complexity. Accept uncertainty. Embrace possibility. Trust community. Proceed with humanity. (©Eric Young, 2010 “Innovators in Action” Speaker Series)
Smart on Crime emerged as a plan that is rooted in the experience of the Waterloo Region community. But we also paid attention to what we know about successful municipally-based crime prevention in Canada and elsewhere. Smart is…
- Addressing the roots and risk factors for crime
- Using evidence based research to understand what works
- Investing in prevention, which costs less in the long and short term
- Building capacity in both communities and individuals
- Working in partnership across all sectors
- Focusing on actions that create social change
We also asked our community to tell us what smart on crime means to them.
It can be a challenging thing for an organization to throw itself open to full public scrutiny the way we did during the development of Smart on Crime. But we received such valuable information during the process that we couldn’t imagine creating this plan in any other way. It was during one focus group session that a group of people told us “We love what you do and we want more of it. But we don’t want you to work harder and longer hours… just work smarter”. That’s when the light bulb went on. The message of “Smart on Crime” began to develop in this organic way and its simplicity made sense to people.
Trailblazing a Smart Approach
Quite simply, preventing crime before it happens is the smart thing to do. It’s not about being tough on crime; it’s not about being soft on crime. It’s about being smart on crime. Smart on Crime in Waterloo Region focuses on what works best to prevent and reduce crime, victimization and fear of crime. Each and every person, community leader, organization and service in our community has a role to play in crime prevention. By this inclusive effort of all community members, we are well-placed to sustain the progress that makes us one of the safest communities in Canada.
Smart on Crime in Waterloo Region encourages a path of innovation and allows us to respond creatively to opportunities, emerging trends and community needs. Most of all, it challenges us to focus on putting together our collective knowledge, wisdom and experience about the root causes of crime and how to reduce and prevent them.
Now that is smart.
Author:
Juanita Metzger is a Community Engagement Coordinator with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council and blogs for Smart on Crime in Waterloo Region. You can also find the Crime Prevention Council on Twitter and Facebook.
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May Springboard for Crime Prevention
Lorne Daniel leading Jane's Walk group in Downtown Red Deer
There was no shortage of events focusing on the importance of Crime Prevention and Safe Communities this month. Its been great and very exciting to be an active participant. Alberta Crime Prevention week was held from May 8 – 14 and I was honoured to serve on the selection committee, helping identify this years recipients for the 20th Annual Crime Prevention Awards. There was 9 awards received by various community organizations, police members, community groups collaborating with police, the media and two individuals. You will be able to get all the details soon by visiting the Alberta Solicitor General & Public Security online where you will find photos and bios on all the award winners this year. Kudos to our government and to the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association for a job well done!
Crime prevention and community safety were also front and center locally, right here in the beautiful city of Red Deer, Alberta. There were several events and some very informative newspaper features in both the Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express for Crime Prevention Week. Subjects ranged from modern crime prevention looking to the root of the problem to our local RCMP Community Response Unit contributing to crime prevention in Red Deer’s downtown. However, the highlight for me was organizing a special event with my friend Lorne Daniel, for our cities first Jane’s Walk.
On Saturday, May 7th, Lorne and I lead two separate walks for the event, one in the morning and another mid-afternoon stroll. Both were fairly well attended, especially considering it was our first year organizing the walks. We had a good cross-section of people joining us, including Mayor Morris Flewwelling, City Councillor Paul Harris, several planners, citizens and even a project manager from Williams Engineering. The two themes we chose can be found at Jane’s Walk, along with a host of information on Jane Jacobs and the legacy she has left for all of us.
It’s amazing how many people actually got out and walked this year. At Jane’s Walk HQ, they recently reported that there has been significant growth! Here are some of the numbers as of May 25th: 511 tours around the world in 75 cities (36 cities in Canada) – yeah Red Deer, Alberta. Almost 20,000 people around the world participated on a Jane’s Walk on May 7 & 8, almost a 40% increase from last year. It was an incredible experience with Lorne and I getting some great feedback from those that joined us that cold, windy day. Now, we just have to walk the walk, so to speak and get ready for 2012.
Local Red Deer artist Amy Braun preparing the Ross Street Piano
Red Deer Advocate staff photographer Natasha Schmale snaps a great photo in preparation of the summer arrival of the Ross Street Piano on the streets of downtown Red Deer, next Wednesday. The piano made its first appearance last July when my friends and family contributed to its purchase for my 50th birthday. Some restoration work by A&J Piano and Tuning was required and then I gifted the instrument back to our community.
Crime prevention you ask – you bet
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design practitioners understand the benefits of creating safe streets and the types of activity that encourage positive interaction in our public spaces. Local residents, people at-risk, musicians and other passers-by sat down last summer to play a tune or just listen to the music. It was certainly music for my ears.
If you live in this neck of the woods or looking for a great day trip, come join us in Red Deer. Musicians Randi Boulton, Carl Stretton and Paeton Cameron will be joining many others and performing around the piano during the lunch hour, on June 1st. The Ross Street Piano will be located for your enjoyment in front of the Thai Garden Restaurant located at 4916 Ross Street from June 1st through August 2011.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO SHARE IN SOME GREAT MUSIC AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
No commentsThe Streets are Alive
There is no doubt that the streets are alive and that spring has sprung. Various musicians and other entertainers have begun sharing their talents with us. These events add a new dimension to our streets and offer us an opportunity to put our fast-paced lives on hold, even if just for a moment, to enjoy a tune or the best hula hoop performance I’ve seen in many years. These are the times that help us live in the present, break a smile or sing with a complete stranger.
Nobody recognized this more than Jane Jacobs who wrote “Cities have the capability of providing something for everyone, only because, and only when, they are created for everybody.” The more we all connect with our built-environment, the more we can truly enjoy it. It’s not just about the people we share our public spaces with, its about how we build and design our cities, our communities.
This coming weekend, May 7th & 8th marks the annual Jane’s Walk which was originally launched in Toronto in 2007. The event was first organized by a group of Jane Jacob’s friends and colleagues who wanted to honour her ideas and legacy. We encourage you to learn more about Jane and share her passion with us this weekend. Experience the sights and sounds right here in beautiful downtown Red Deer. Join Lorne Daniel from Grandview Consulting and myself for two informative walks that will begin from our new Cenotaph Plaza located on Ross Street & 49 Avenue.
Lorne’s walk, titled “Windows, Doors & Blank Spaces” begins at 10 a.m. and my walk titled “Safe Streets” begins at 2 p.m. Join us for both if you wish.
No commentsYouth – Priority ONE
It is difficult not thinking about young people today, the many challenges they face, their future and some days even our own. After all, we’ve all been there and have valuable insight we can share. Are we missing a valuable opportunity to help the youth of today and lend a helping hand? I for one certainly learned some valuable lessons that I have shared with my own children. Growing up, I remember that it was often like banging my head against a brick wall. Fact is, that brick wall is solid and it hurts. Our youth face a wide-range of issues today – drugs, violence and gangs to name a few. It’s tuff growing up in today’s society, in many ways, it reminds of a mine field. Our youth are at-risk and we can all play an important role in their lives and not just at home but in our communities.
In the mid-90′s we referred to them as young offenders or youth in conflict with the law. Working as a correctional officer at a boot camp in the mountains near Nordegg, Alberta, I experienced first hand many boys heading down a destructive path with no future. Some of my co-workers use to say “once a criminal, always a criminal.” As a part-timer I challenged their belief and spent many hours reading files and then trying to make that connection, hoping to get through to just one of these young boys. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen often, but when it did it was magical. Often it was simply a case of listening and not always talking.
4 commentsOff and Running
It seems that many of us, including myself are off and running for 2011. This time of year is pretty exciting or at least I think so and I doubt I’m alone. Many people make their New Year resolutions and get all charged up! This is great so long as we are able to maintain a constant pace throughout the year and don’t drop behind the pack. If our goals are realistic, both personally and professionally then it’s likely we will succeed. I believe our communities go through a very similar process and it’s always nice to see them succeed. Despite our challenges in 2010, it was a great year in Red Deer and I’m predicting another winner for 2011.
Reaching out to one another is a great way of ensuring success in every community, even our on-line community. I think it’s important to remind everyone that this was the reason for creating this blog back in 2008. So, in the true spirit of community I’m challenging all of our subscribers and visitors to ENGAGE with us throughout the year. This blog is really about collaboration and sharing information and resources from around the world. You can easily submit a Guest Feature by sending us an email with your idea or simply providing feedback on the features that appear monthly.
So, what’s new since leaving the starting line this year? A number of discussions and meetings with other crime prevention colleagues specializing in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has helped create new alliances for 2011. Last year there were discussions among some of us to start collaborating more and meeting as a group. This spring a number of practitioners will meet in the City of Red Deer to conduct a walk-a-bout in various neighbourhoods to share valuable insight and expertise. The idea is to do this every other month in different communities around Alberta. So far, those agreeing to this are Greg Smith from Urban Security Innovation in Edmonton, Gerry Bailey, a CPTED Specialist for the Calgary Police Service and Barry Davidson, the Executive Director of the International CPTED Association. Yes, there’s more …
2 commentsRDC 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!
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