The last few weeks, we've all watched a seemingly non-stop rash of horrific, violent incidents unfold. As one has followed another, our hearts have grown heavier, swollen by a gamut of emotions.
Sorrow. Anger. Despair. Shock. Bewilderment.
You may be having any of those reactions or a mix. Most likely, you're feeling the impact of these events in a somewhat different way than I am. The same goes for the person next to you or any of your co-workers.
When we come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, as County employees do, we're going to perceive and feel things in a variety of ways. A violent event may touch you more deeply the more you can say, “that could have been me.” They’re all troubling, but attacks on police, the assault at a nightclub, the shootings of young black men, the massacre at a beach – each may strike us differently.
Having the understanding that reactions vary is the fundamental point of our commitment to diversity. Respecting each other's response and saying there is room for them all to exist here is what we mean by inclusion.
It's only by that inclusion that we can all stand as one. And while we each may have a unique view of events, we must stand united in opposition to violence. It is simply, without question, never the answer.
That was the message in one of the most moving displays of solidarity I've ever seen in San Diego. Law enforcement, government officials and community leaders came together in Balboa Park last week to denounce the recent wave of violence targeting police.
A good portion of our County family is law enforcement officers, and they deserve our wholehearted support. Sheriff Gore told the gathering how much it means to them to know they have the backing of those they're sworn to protect.
The expression of support at the rally was coupled with a pledge to work even harder at strengthening ties to the community. It's only by engaging with and listening to the people we serve that we can build the mutual trust and respect needed as a foundation for public safety. Having this kind of dialogue - understanding residents' perspectives and feelings, involving them in making strategy - is part of the Live Well Communities effort I talked about earlier this year. The recent events add gravity and urgency to that conversation.
That collaborative approach is at the heart of the Collective Impact concept that we embrace and promote. It's all about working with the community and numerous partners to achieve our goals.
The recent events prompted a few NBA players to open the ESPY awards with a powerful message. They too spoke against violence and the need to unite communities to bring about change. They ended with LeBron James saying, “We all have to do better.”
We do. I demand excellence from our organization, and receive it, but I also demand that we keep improving. We can be better partners, be more responsive to the people we serve. We can learn more from each other and work harder to ensure an inclusive culture that embraces our differences to build a united team of dedicated public servants, supportive of our public safety heroes and committed to ensuring our region is safe, healthy and thriving for all.
