query: neighborhood watch and homeland security

[colist-admin at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  thanks to David and John for addressing Gene's query, 
reprinted at the end of this message.

From: "David M Chavis" <dchavis at capablecommunity.com>

Though the potential negative affects are greater (Muslims and
Arab-Americans targeted based on our ignorance and prejudice, rather than
actual suspected terrorism) than benefits. The national crime prevention
council is working on this. www.ncpc.org

David

*********************
David M. Chavis
Association for the Study and Development of Community
312 South Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-519-0722 ext. 109 (voice)
301-519-0724 (fax)
www.capablecommunity.com

**************************************

From: "John M. Beam" <beam at fordham.edu>

Off hand, before there is an analysis of whether or not this is 
doable as an organizing strategy, I would strongly urge folks to take 
a step back and look at the values that would be embedded in it.  
Principled neighborhood watch programs always struggle with 
balancing the community's right to fight crime and violence on its 
streets with the tension of class- and sometimes race-based 
differences between the watchers and the watched.  Are we really 
ready to check off on connecting autonomous local organizing with 
national government efforts that are so heavily built around racial --
some would say racist -- assumptions?  

John M. Beam

***************************


> 
> From: "Gene Allen" <gallen at UNHS.ORG>
> 
> As part of a Community Organizing Pilot Program we are looking at 
> ways to tie Neighborhood Watch Groups to the Homeland Security 
> endeavors in the US.
> 
> I would be interested in your thoughts on this concept.  
> 
> Is there a model from another initiative that can be followed?
> Has anyone done this successfully?
> Has anyone tried and failed?
> What are the pros & cons to this concept?
> 
> Please feel free to pass this email on to anyone you think might be 
> interested in joining the discussion.
> 
> Thanks
> GAA
> 
> 
> Replies can be sent to:
> 
> Gene A. Allen
> Communications Manager
> The HomeOwnership Center
> 1611 Genesee St.
> Utica, NY  13501
> 
> 315-724-4197	voice
> 315-724-1415	fax
> gallen at unhs.org	email
> 
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