Laserfiche WebLink
The Trust grappled with whether it we act to crisis or work to plan in advance _. __ _ iext community crisis. The Trust's <br />initial resolve was put to the test on September 14, 2016, when Tyre King —an African American teen —was killed by a white <br />Columbus police officer who responded to a call about an alleged armed robbery for $10. In its infancy, the Trust was <br />not equipped to react in a manner -to quickly support the community. Trust members considered whether the Columbus <br />community had a process in place to continue to address underlying concerns — not exclusively an investigation about how <br />King was tragically killed. Members considered whether the Trust was prepared to serve between the city and the <br />community and asked how the Trust could support community conversations about the conditions that surround the lives of <br />communities in need. The group appeared to arrive at consensus that the Trust should consider looking ahead, focusing on <br />underlying issues and listening for broad community concerns. <br />To further hone it's mission, in spring of 2017 the Trust engaged in the Midland Simulation.3 Following the two-hour <br />simulation the group engaged in a debriefing conversation which illuminated several themes: the need to do pro -active, <br />rather than re -active work; engaging participants who traditionally do not have a seat at the table; identifying gaps in social <br />services and communications; and taking the right tone to respond to a stressed community. <br />FORUMS and Engagement <br />[The Trust is an] opportunity to bring folks together. Just as you <br />start to scratch the surface, you realize how many folks you need <br />to engage in this discussion. This isn't a top -down approach. This <br />isn't a plan that says this is how a community should react ... this <br />is a sustained conversation that doesn't just stop when our task <br />force is done.... There are different moving parts ... you cannot be <br />dismissive or forget about cultural or diversity issues throughout the <br />community." <br />— Jill Snitcher McOuain, Executive Director, Columbus Bar Association <br />The CCT worked quietly for more than a year before taking significant steps to expand stakeholder groups and community <br />outreach. The Trust uses three formal primary methods for community engagement: A) interface with City agencies; B) <br />continued stakeholder expansion; and C) working groups. <br />