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92NY’s Center for Children and Family provides an exceptional array of programs designed to support children at every stage of their development.
December 5 and 12, 2022
What does safety look like—and how can communities collectively reimagine it? Over two evening sessions, a group of high school students from the North Penn School District, their parents and guardians, and representatives from four police precincts worked together to define what a safe community means to them. Students shared their experiences with law enforcement and their perceptions of them from social media. Police officers shared their hopes to build meaningful relationships with students and community members, and parents and guardians spoke to their own values and perceptions.
Connecting across their different identities, generations, races and ethnicities—and sharing personal perspectives—led to moments of discovery and understanding. Participants recognized the value in listening to each other, asked thoughtful questions, and imagined together how to create a more open and respectful community.
Since the gathering, North Penn School District administrators brought what was reimagined to all seven police precincts that serve their district. As a result, new policies were proposed that redefine how police will be present on campus going forward. The school district will additionally host Share Our America gatherings every semester—which means more students, their families, and law enforcement officers can meaningfully connect and co-create a safer community together.
Participants reported increased empathy and understanding of others—and feeling more understood themselves.
People who are so different—like students and police—rarely come together in meaningful ways like this. This first gathering was a necessary catalyst for us as we continue to plan productive dialogue on what a safe community really means.
— Dr. Pamula Hart, Director of Curriculum and Equity, North Penn School District, 2022
It’s really about having one person listen and understand another — and have that other person do the same thing. Conversation is about opening yourself up to hearing what the other person has to say.
— DeVon Jackson, Upper School Equity Justice & Belonging Director & Conversation Facilitator, Share Our America Facilitator, December 2022.
People who are so different—like students and police—rarely come together in meaningful ways like this. This first gathering was a necessary catalyst for us as we continue to plan productive dialogue on what a safe community really means.
— Dr. Pamula Hart, Director of Curriculum and Equity, North Penn School District, 2022
