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Broken Windows Brigade Quick Thought: A Citizen’s Responsibility Thursday, September 29, 2011
American communities and their local Police Departments tend to agree that with today’s government budget limitations, crime prevention must include a city-wide, collaborative strategy. Because police officers are occupied almost entirely by reacting to crime-in-progress, prevention is left to a few investigators, and local citizens. We musn’t forget Democracy is not a “spectator sport;” it requires active participation and extra effort to keep it healthy. We must perpetually, habitually engage in the democratic process by exercising our rights and sharing our passion for positive social change.
The Broken Windows Brigade led a conversation Monday evening with a group of East Chattanooga residents to discuss strategies for self-organization, to create positive momentum in their neighborhood and a voice for their “forgotten” neighbors. These locals, many of them having lived on Wheeler Avenue for 30+ years, have seen East Chattanooga rise and fall, and are ready to restore the district to its former civility. Though they jokingly question their ability to make a difference because of their age, they have a great deal of experience are determined to try to improve their home - to lead by example.
Because their neighborhood (and most of East Chattanooga) is dealing with several social issues, including crime, the group explored a standard process for progressing from collective concern to noticeable change. They hope to raise awareness and gain support for current challenges by regularly sharing their concern and immediately acting toward true solutions. Similarly, they recognized that “good” communities are not necessarily smarter than “not-so-good” ones, they just have a superior process of maintenance and growth.
Commtting to a continual process of self-improvement, as a community, is the essence of local Democracy - an ideal requirement of American citizens - which can solve many problems including crime.
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