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Connecting Chord:
Port Townsend 2001
CONNECTING CHORD:
PORT TOWNSEND
COPS AND KIDS
UNITE AND SHINE
OCTOBER 15th-19th, 2001
OBJECTIVES:
to remove barriers between law
enforcement and youth in Port Townsend
to use poetry and writing as a tool
toward crime prevention
to cultivate the language of
reconciliation and openness, especially in this time of international
conflict
to open communication between officers
and kids as a way of community policing
to work toward long-range training to
sustain the program beyond the week
to create an environment where kids and
officers can truly reveal their fears and hopes through both the
written and the spoken word;
to support kids in their dreams and
help them make positive choices as well as break out of the old
paradigms of who they think are, where they fit, and what they can do;
to display the fruits of this program
to all of Port Townsend
to have fun -- and break tired
stereotypes about law enforcement, young people, and poetry itself
WHAT THEY WROTE ABOUT THE PORT
TOWNSEND "CONNECTING CHORD" WEEK:
OFFICERS
"I wish everyone could see,
really see, what I think has happened. I'm told critics say it can't be
measured, but I don't think it has to. I was here.
--Chief Kristen Anderson
"This week was Gooooood -
was a chance to explain a little of what we do and why we do it to the
kids. Hopefully we showed them positive values and showed them how to
think positive about themselves. Gave them self-esteem. Demonstrated to
them that we are just like everyone else."
--Officer Eric Franz
"The first day the walls
were up. Each person wanting to be careful not to give too much
information. Some give more or themselves sooner than others. But all give
more of themselves than they expected. Another day - laugh, poem, the
walls get smaller."
--Officer Troy Surber
"My big anticipation about
participating in this program was about how much of myself I was willing
to expose. Day one confirmed, to me, that many others felt the same
concern. Trust issues, which we all have, seemed to dissipate by the end
of Day One. People started feeling comfortable with themselves...We got
silly and we got serious. Regardless of who was doing what, respect seemed
to be in abundance. Some writings were show-stoppers. Participation was
above the 100% level. Fear had turned into power. Voices that don't
usually speak, were not only speaking, but they were listened to and
heard! Pride was replacing shame.
--Probation Officer Jim
Singleton
TEENAGERS
"I'm gonna miss this class.
It really helped me getting to know the cops better. They always seemed
okay I guess, but it's hard on them having people threaten them with
knives and shooting at them. I had a lot of fun this week with everyone,
and I'm really going to miss everyone. I learned a lot and Christine is a
really good teacher with this program. I've learned so much and I wish it
was for two weeks, not just one."
--Sarah McDonough
"When I first came to this
class, I didn't know what to expect. The first day was awkward because I
wasn't used to being in the same room with cops without handcuffs on. But
the second day I felt more comfortable in my surroundings. I started to
bullshit with the cops and got to know them. It was really kind of
interesting, a whole new experience for me.
--John Herron
"This week was great. It was
a whole lot better than I thought it was going to be. I thought this week
was going to be just sitting around writing all day. I am glad that I came
to this program and I hope it happens again in Port Townsend."
--Ryan Baker
"I think this week was fun
and I was able to express a lot of my emotions (particularly
self-loathing, pain, grief, and anger."
--David Jevne
"The cops weren't stuck up
and mean. They started treating us a lot nicer."
--Crystol Brown
LETTER
by Ryan Baker (age 15)
Dad:
You used to tell
me that I was stupid, well
you lied. You are the one who
is stupid. You are the one
who is sitting in jail. Not
me.
TO JOHN
by Officer Eric Franz (PT Police)
Thank you for being here this
week.
Hearing the things you wrote and listening
to what you had to say has enlightened me.
I believe you have seen the light and
figured out what is right.
You are taking the right steps to
take control of your life.
It might be hard,
and really suck
but you'll be a better person for it.
You don't have to believe what I
say. But I'm telling
you straight up: Good job, stand tall.
Thank you.
TO OFFICER FRANZ
by John Herron (17)
Thank you for teaching me
a higher level of respect.
I understand where you are
coming from. I
understand you are just
doing your job, a dangerous one
at that. If I was
in your position I would
also like to go home at
the end of my shift, instead
of going in a box. I
understand if I wasn't
doing the things I was
that night,
you would have probably
given me a friendly wave
or hello. I understand now.
This letter doesn't mean I
like you or I hate you.
I respect you.
TO DAVE
by Chief Anderson
Thank you
for making me wonder and then
making me remember
how hard it was to walk around
people thinking I was one thing but knowing
I was something else.
You and that wall made of stone
protecting you so that you can keep your secrets safe.
But who you are is the gift.
I wish you could see
your wit, your intellect, your curiosity, your compassion.
I won't ask you to tear down your wall because it is yours
and that is your right.
But I don't think your wall is made of stone.
I think it is more like a tall wooden fence where
every so often there is a little knothole to look into
and there is a gate with a latch only you and open.
So I hope that instead of just letting
people look through tiny holes
you will open the gate on your terms
and invite those worthy of your gifts inside.
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