Tuesday; August 5
If you live in a
community that promotes National Night Out, I encourage you to attend. National Night Out is a partnership between
Law Enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Traditionally, the events are held on the
first Tuesday of August and create chances for people to come together in
physically and emotionally safe environments.
Depending upon your community, it might be a single major event in one
central location or several smaller venues scattered around smaller
neighborhoods. The format isn’t nearly
as important as the formula – bringing Law Enforcement and the community
together. One of the ads for the event
observes, “Together we are making communities safer, more caring places to
live.”.
We live in a time where
it is convenient to focus on what drives us apart, so we need to take every
opportunity to work together. Years ago,
we were told that it takes a village to raise a child and, while that is still
true, we can expand on that philosophy to show that it takes a partnership to
protect a village. When we work
together, we are safer. When we spend
time together, we establish trust and understanding. Sure, there will be times when tough
decisions need to be made, but by spending time together and focusing on what
we have in common, we can enhance the spirit of community. It doesn’t matter if we are schools,
churches, law enforcement agencies, families, mental health providers, medical
centers or whoever else is in the mix when we find opportunities to work
together, we can build something special.
I hope your community has
something scheduled for tonight – but even if you don’t – find some way to
bring together your community partners and enjoy the security of unity.
Think About It!