Stuck at the Airport, I Had an Idea... (It Might Change How We Fight Violence)
While waiting at Cleveland airport, I delved into James D. White's "Anti-Racist Leadership," sparking an idea: What if we use Action Learning Teams (ALTs) in violence prevention? ALTs bring diverse individuals together to tackle real-world problems, promoting collaborative learning and best practice sharing. This approach could revolutionize violence prevention by combining the expertise of interventionists, hospital-based professionals, and community leaders.
Now, having spent over a decade working in this field in some capacity, I know the struggles and the triumphs firsthand. From my days in alternative education and adult programs within the penal system to my current focus on trauma-informed approaches in the racial justice space, collaboration and shared experiences have always been key. That's what got me excited about ALTs.
Forget expensive retreats and ivory towers. Imagine hospital professionals, credible messengers, and community leaders rolling up their sleeves and learning from each other's successes and challenges. This cross-pollination of ideas wouldn't just diversify their work; it would build upon the powerful voices of initiatives like CAPs and Brave Space, amplifying the lived experiences of those on the frontlines.
Why is this revolutionary? Gary Slutkin, father of Cure Violence Global, emphasizes "culturally specific interventions," acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work. This ALT wouldn't ignore that. Instead, they'd delve into the underlying threads of success, building a flexible, adaptable foundation – not a rigid rulebook.
Think of it as a knowledge exchange beyond geographical boundaries. The team meticulously documents their observations, not just critiquing methods, but truly understanding the "why" behind each approach. This fosters empathy, cultural competency, and ultimately, more informed interventions.
The magic truly happens when they reconvene. Their collective wisdom is harnessed, forming a centralized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – not a rigid rulebook, but a guiding light. Think of it as a foundational blueprint, empowering VIs and hospital-based programs to learn, grow, and adapt their methods to their unique contexts.
But what's the ultimate goal? Not to replace VIs or hospital-based violence prevention programs but to build a future where we need them less frequently. By continuing to address the root causes of violence, by activating the agency of communities, and by sharing knowledge and best practices, we can envision a world where violence intervention becomes a proactive, preventative measure, not a reactive necessity.
Benefits:
Enhanced cultural competency: Exposure to diverse approaches fosters understanding and adaptability.
Improved intervention effectiveness: Shared wisdom leads to more informed and tailored methods.
Stronger national network: Collaboration breeds trust and builds a united front against violence.
Empowered VIs: Learning from peers across the nation strengthens their voice and expertise.
Long-term vision: Contributes to a future where violence intervention becomes less necessary.
This idea might seem outlandish, but its potential for impact is undeniable. Could Action Learning Teams (ALTs) revolutionize the way we approach violence prevention?
Imagine a network of diverse individuals – from streetwise interventionists to hospital-based professionals – sharing their unique experiences and best practices across the nation. Could this cross-pollination of knowledge lead to more effective, culturally competent interventions?
I'm just one person with a spark of inspiration, but I believe the power of collaboration can ignite real change. What do you think? Is the ALT concept plausible? What challenges and opportunities do you see?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to get some input!