The ECA’s Executive Director, Lindsey Ruffin, and volunteer, Ryan Waldron, attended this morning’s community meeting to discuss the crime wave in Grand Rapids. The discussion was mainly focused on local organizations and residents creating a unified front to develop a culture of peace. Conversations about ways to stop violence in the city will take place throughout the community in the next couple months. Here are the ways you can get involved:
- Life Quest (6:30-8:00pm January 23 at 1050 Fisk)- youth program leaders will lead a conversation with young people.
- Urban League (745 Eastern Avenue, (616) 245-2207)- will be working on system-level changes having to do with families with Reverend Joe Jones. No date set for this meeting yet.
- Coffee with Captain Payne (5:30pm February 5 at 636 Bates St)
- LINC (5:30-8:00pm February 7 at Gerald R. Ford Middle School (851 Madison, (616) 308-6315))- community conversation with Dr. Willy Patterson
Here’s a more detailed description of the upcoming community meetings:
Are you wondering what’s happening in the city to respond to community violence? Check out these opportunities to both listen and make your voice heard.
COMMUNITY FORMATION DIALOGUE SESSIONS
In response to the recent violence in our city, local church leaders, in partnership with community organizations, have cast a vision for a 60 day plan to gather information, listen to our community and identify our assets. This will happen through a variety of community meetings with specific groups. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to attend the following sessions as they pertain to their areas of passion, influence and interest.
A Conversation With Youth & Youth Workers
When: Jan. 23rd @ 6:30pm
Who? Youth Workers, Non Violent Youth And Gang Members
Rev. T. Evans (Edge Urban Fellowship), Quentin Henry (Urban Young Life), Jerry Bishop (LifeQuest) & MarShon Peoples(I.C.O.N.), Victor Williams (Hip Hop Coalition) will lead a conversation at LifeQuest Ministries to listen to youth and young adults ages 16-26 that live in the inner city regarding their concerns and needs. We are asking each organization to bring 2-5 youth and or young adults ages 16-26 that live in the core of the city.
Two questions will be asked:
1) How has the recent community violence impacted your life?
2) What practical things can be done in the areas of: Education, Law Enforcement, Churches, Community Programs, and Businesses/Jobs
A Conversation With Law Enforcement
When: Feb. 5th @ 5:30pm
All are welcome to a Coffee hour with Captain Payne & Pastor Bryan Blakely at Bates Place – 636 Bates SE. (or First Christian Reformed Church if there’s significant attendance). For more information or location confirmation please contact Pastor Blakely at (616) 241-2283.
A Conversation with LINC – Education and Community Pledge Development
When: Feb. 7th @ 5:30pm
LINC will be leading a Community Forum to create a community wide pledge to address violence. It will take place at G.R. Ford Middle School located at 851 Madison Ave. For more information call Willie Patterson @ (616) 308-6315.
A Conversation With Clergy
When: Feb. 21st @ 5:30pm
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance will lead a conversation with the community’s clergy/church staff members at Brown-Hutcherson Ministries located at 618 Jefferson. For more information please contact Brown-Hutcherson Ministries at (616) 988-2016.
A Conversation With The Urban League – Mental Health Systems and Brown & Black Conversations
When: During the week of Feb. 25th (contact Rev. Joe Jones)
Rev. Joe Jones & The Grand Rapids Urban League will lead in the work of developing a systems level strategy to address the issue of community violence. Their work will consist of convening meetings with systems players whose work is directly tied to the physical, mental, economical, emotional, educational and social development of families.
The conversation will take place at the Urban League located at 745 Eastern Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. For more information please contact Rev. Joe Jones at (616) 245-2207.
LINC will also be leading the Black & Brown Leadership Forum between the Hispanic and African-American community. For more information please contact Alicia Dorr (616) 451-9140