Preventing School Violence through Community Organization

Lisa S. Roth, LISW.

440-951-2323

fax 440-951-5005

e-mail: lisasroth@hotmail.com

Today we have been deluged by the media and the many occurrences of violence ire our schools. Many individuals and organizations are doing all the "right" things and yet everyone is still frightened and feeling insecure. It is difficult to listen, concentrate, learn and make friends while under the shadow of fear. It is difficult to organize, coordinate or make plans when there is no trust or faith in the individuals and organizations that are supposed to keep u s safe.

Many organizations have chosen to invest thousands of dollars into security officers, metal detectors and surveillance cameras. These are very visible and concrete means of showing the dedication of a group to safety but I question the psychological impact of this equipment. We must ask ourselves what it feels like to walk into a building and have our bags searched and be scanned for metal weapons and then be watched as we progress through the halls and our business routine. Compare this to an entry and walk through an unsupervised doorway and hallways. Which is safer? Which feels safer?

A school and its community must make their own decisions about how they want their children to go to school. They also need to look at previous acts of violence to realize that many times the security equipment would not have prevented the violence or that the technology nay only be one step ahead of the perpetrators. Technology is outmoded quickly and the safety systems of today will be worthless tomorrow and come at a high psychological cost .Are there other options?

Key players in a community need to commit to working together, Often there are turf battles anti questions of jurisdiction but isn't there enough work to do out there for everyone? Fire chiefs, police chiefs, school superintendents must meet with community resources such as community mental/behavioral health agencies, private practitioners, and drug/alcohol agencies try first brainstorm all their concerns about their specific community, They also need to get to know each other and understand one another's definition and vocabulary. There are many misunderstandings among these groups that lead to many young people falling between the cracks, Each of these groups has a rich, educated and trained culture but along with that are the stereotypes that impede positive working relationships. Uniting with common goal., understanding what each group brings to the table as a solution or part of one and having mutual respect and regard for the expertise of all involved will move everyone toward a safer anti healthier community. It will create an atmosphere of trust where children feel okay about going to school each day and their parents feel confident about sending theta.

After these primary groups have met and come to some agreement on their concerns, then other groups of community resources need to be added into the mixture. Exiting groups in your area, who have worked with teens in positive ways for years, need to be connected with and challenged to meet this need. Local colleges and universities can. also have input into useful programs. Religious organizations have much to offer as well as retirees, 0e creative and inclusive because the problem of violence affects everyone, the school Is just a logical place to focus the coordination. Many troubled children have responded well to mentoring relationships and although..."it takes a whole village to raise a child..." it only takes one person to make a difference.