Hello there,
Welcome back to the blog! I want to start by saying thank you for reading. I heard many people this weekend tell me they enjoy reading and it warms my heart. My hope is that I can keep you here, keep you entertained and informed. Please let me know if you ever have suggestions for improvement.
Welcome back to the blog! I want to start by saying thank you for reading. I heard many people this weekend tell me they enjoy reading and it warms my heart. My hope is that I can keep you here, keep you entertained and informed. Please let me know if you ever have suggestions for improvement.
Last Friday and Saturday the Safe Communities Task Force hosted our annual Keeping Our Kids Safe Conference at Clark College, an event dedicated to connecting individuals, organizations, families and building safety in Clark County. The event opened with a keynote speaker followed by multiple breakout sessions running throughout the day. These workshops ranged in topics under the umbrella of Building Community including a youth panel, developing a youth council, gang 101 and building resiliency in young people.
The keynote presentation on both days was given by Vazaskia Crockrell, Director for the Office of Juvenile Justice. I can personally attest to her creativity, vigor, energy, kindness and talent in connecting with audience members. She not only informed participants about the Juvenile Justice system but also left people feeling connected, validated and heard.
The keynote presentation on both days was given by Vazaskia Crockrell, Director for the Office of Juvenile Justice. I can personally attest to her creativity, vigor, energy, kindness and talent in connecting with audience members. She not only informed participants about the Juvenile Justice system but also left people feeling connected, validated and heard.
| Vazaskia’s approach to Juvenile Justice is inspiring. She emphasized that young people want to be in school. They want to be loved, have responsibility, have accountability and be a priority but they must first feel safe and accepted. She knows people are not the crimes they commit. There are root causes that need to be considered:
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"I want kids to know early on they can make their own labels instead of letting other people decide who or what they are. They can make their own label and base it out of respect."
At one point during the keynote, Vazaskia asked participants to describe a person or experience that inspired them to get involved. Responses were diverse and powerful.
One participant shared how their Mother didn’t speak English and was in the hospital giving birth not knowing what the doctors were doing or saying. This inspired them to be an interpreter.
Someone discussed coming from Russia and observing differences between the school systems. They shared how their daughter was a star student in Russia but when they came to America their daughter struggled and made some bad decisions. They said, “In America we teach people their rights but not their responsibilities.” Ultimately, this motivated them to help others.
I heard someone say they wanted to teach others to “fill their own kettle so they can help fill the kettles of those around them.” Another person mentioned wanting to help youth find a safe space like the one they found when they were young. Another audience member said, “When we are able to be quiet and listen, there is a wealth of knowledge people have to share, especially youth.”
One youth said "I want kids to know early on they can make their own labels instead of letting other people decide who or what they are. They can make their own label and base it out of respect."
Another quote I love is that “No matter what devastation you’ve been through, it is not our job to shut the door or shut people out. It’s about our human capacity to forgive.” Vasaskia added, “We have to have the capacity to forgive not just others but also forgive ourselves.”
One participant shared how their Mother didn’t speak English and was in the hospital giving birth not knowing what the doctors were doing or saying. This inspired them to be an interpreter.
Someone discussed coming from Russia and observing differences between the school systems. They shared how their daughter was a star student in Russia but when they came to America their daughter struggled and made some bad decisions. They said, “In America we teach people their rights but not their responsibilities.” Ultimately, this motivated them to help others.
I heard someone say they wanted to teach others to “fill their own kettle so they can help fill the kettles of those around them.” Another person mentioned wanting to help youth find a safe space like the one they found when they were young. Another audience member said, “When we are able to be quiet and listen, there is a wealth of knowledge people have to share, especially youth.”
One youth said "I want kids to know early on they can make their own labels instead of letting other people decide who or what they are. They can make their own label and base it out of respect."
Another quote I love is that “No matter what devastation you’ve been through, it is not our job to shut the door or shut people out. It’s about our human capacity to forgive.” Vasaskia added, “We have to have the capacity to forgive not just others but also forgive ourselves.”
| Between both days we had approximately 130 people in attendance. Fewer people attended the Parent & Family day than we hoped, but we have plans for addressing this next year. Friday was filled with excited and cheerful bustle while Saturday offered connection building and a safe space for having candid, vulnerable conversations. The coffee and espresso service was provided by Pacific Perks, breakfast items donated by Franz and lunch hosted by Subway. We are extremely grateful for their partnership in keeping our tummies full! |  |
I had the honor of sitting in on the Youth Panel on Friday and I can’t express enough how moved I was by what the five youth volunteers had to share. I was impressed by their candor, bravery and desire to give back to their community.
I listened as the panel discussed attitudes towards police and authority figures at school, experiences they’ve had in their communities and the many ways they are involved. They each shared about a person who inspired them or helped them during their journey and described what that person did to motivate them. They each talked about the importance of cultural competency and getting people more informed about diversity and inclusion.
Sitting in on the panel reminded me that young people have a lot of great things to say if only given a platform on which to stand. Youth want to learn and want to be helpful but they need to feel safe in order to do so. They need to feel wanted and connected.
I listened as the panel discussed attitudes towards police and authority figures at school, experiences they’ve had in their communities and the many ways they are involved. They each shared about a person who inspired them or helped them during their journey and described what that person did to motivate them. They each talked about the importance of cultural competency and getting people more informed about diversity and inclusion.
Sitting in on the panel reminded me that young people have a lot of great things to say if only given a platform on which to stand. Youth want to learn and want to be helpful but they need to feel safe in order to do so. They need to feel wanted and connected.
The majority of participants completed evaluations, which the SCTF Coordinator Josh has already sorted through. I took a peek and appreciate the honest advice: things like shorter lunch, advertising differently online, making the programs more accessible on the website and using microphones in certain workshops. Josh and I will take to heart your feedback as we plan the next conference.
People noted in their evaluations they liked the casual, friendly atmosphere and how easy it was to meet new people. They enjoyed being able to ask questions during presentations and choosing which workshops best fit their interests.
This year was my first time attending/assisting the Keeping Our Kids Safe Conference and I am definitely excited and motivated for next time. There are already plans for building upon what amazing things happened this time around.
People noted in their evaluations they liked the casual, friendly atmosphere and how easy it was to meet new people. They enjoyed being able to ask questions during presentations and choosing which workshops best fit their interests.
This year was my first time attending/assisting the Keeping Our Kids Safe Conference and I am definitely excited and motivated for next time. There are already plans for building upon what amazing things happened this time around.
I want to thank those that attended. Your commitment to growth and our community is admirable and rare. I see firsthand the impact your passion has on the young people in my life and it is truly inspiring.
I also want to thank the youth who attended and served on the panel. Your voice moved me. I heard you. I saw you. Your stories and advice were truly helpful and I’m so proud of you for taking the risk to present in front of an audience.
Vazaskia and Alice, thank you for opening our event. You are extremely talented, passionate and committed to excellent. You traveled a long way for us and I’m so grateful to have heard you present.
Lastly, thank you Josh and members of the SCTF. Events like this one are part of why I love Clark County. Offerings where we get to connect, learn and grow together are valuable and important. Thank you for investing in our community, safety and our future.
Sending my best,
Christopher Belisle at SCTF
I also want to thank the youth who attended and served on the panel. Your voice moved me. I heard you. I saw you. Your stories and advice were truly helpful and I’m so proud of you for taking the risk to present in front of an audience.
Vazaskia and Alice, thank you for opening our event. You are extremely talented, passionate and committed to excellent. You traveled a long way for us and I’m so grateful to have heard you present.
Lastly, thank you Josh and members of the SCTF. Events like this one are part of why I love Clark County. Offerings where we get to connect, learn and grow together are valuable and important. Thank you for investing in our community, safety and our future.
Sending my best,
Christopher Belisle at SCTF
