Restore the Village is a rolling series of community forums across Multnomah County where concerned citizens, neighbors, parents and young people can come together to openly discuss their reactions to violence in their community and work together to find solutions. Sponsored by the Department of Community Justice (DCJ), the meetings began in December 2010 and continue monthly with anywhere from 50 to 100 people showing up at each location. Sam Thompson, a local business owner and community leader helps facilitate the event which includes dinner, music and lively group discussion.
The next meeting will be held on Saturday June 25 from 4-7 pm: SEI Academy, 3920 N. Kerby Ave, Portland, OR 97227. Organizers are hoping that residents in the area who are concerned about the sharp increase in gun-related incidents will participate. “It getting warmer and people want to feel safe to enjoy the outdoors,” observes Kate Desmond a Community Justice Manager who has worked at DCJ for over 20 years. “This is a good way for people to get to know each other and work together to make their communities safer.”
The forums are in part based on a community engagement model developed by David Kennedy, the John Jay School of Government, and similar community meetings have been held in Cincinnati, Milwaukie, and other locations. Research shows that individuals and neighborhood blocks working together can have an impact on community safety.
Additional collaborators with the Restore the Village series include: Sun Schools of Multnomah County, Portland's Office of Youth Violence Prevention, Boys and Girls Club, New Columbia's Homeowners Association, Portland's Housing Authority, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, and the Portland Police Bureau.
If you would like information about upcoming meetings, please contact Sam Thompson at 971-340-6339 or Kate Desmond at 503-988-4999.